Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.

In the past few months, I've had my nationality questioned more than once. I've openly stated that I was born in Cuba and consider myself to be Cuban. But I also believe myself an American. Sure, I wasn't born here, I don't even have citizenship here, but this country is as much mine as it is yours.
Something that annoys me is knowing people who live in this country, make use of its benefits, and constantly criticize the way it is ran. If you have an issue with the democracy of the country, then deal with it or move out, but don't go around bragging about it. I'm not writing for or against any government. I'm writing in the hope for decency.
I once met an immigrant who lives in the United States, yet constantly criticized American traditions and beliefs. I find that astounding- how a person can be so hypocritical that such a situation comes up. If you love your country so much, then go live there. Yet they stay here soaking up the red, white and blue.
Another predicament came up with a peculiar individual who criticizes each and every word that comes out of this government through a social medium. I'm all for freedom of expression, but I've always heard that there are three things that shouldn't be touched upon in public: religion, sex and politics. Unfortunately, this individual wasn't raised in the same household I was.

What is the point of my incessant ranting? You don't have to be born in a country to love it, and you don't have to analyze every bit of the government with your private opinions to prove your love. I was born in Cuba, and I may or may not agree on half of the things this government concludes on. But I am an American.