Five Reasons Why It’s a Great Time to Be in America

— -- It is a great time to be in America.

Yes, I just said that. And I am not trying to signal some campaign slogan like "Make America Great Again" or "America Is Great.”

I am saying we are at a moment in our history that is an awesome time to be in this country. As we move into the New Year, and as President Obama is about to give his final State of the Union, this seems like an opportune time to reflect.

Before you accuse me of having my head buried in the sand, or trying to defend the status quo or, worse, needing medication, let me explain.

I understand that we are at a time of incredible anxiety, frustration and, in many places, anger. I get that our economic system for more than a generation hasn't helped in any meaningful way the vast majority of our citizens.

I get that terrorism confronts us in a historical way around the world and in our homeland, in addition to mass shootings that have become all too common place in our society. I see that our news institutions have broken down, and there has been a rise in the delivery of information as if we are tribal.

And I know that our political institutions, including the two stagnant political parties, are immensely dysfunctional and don't allow for a consistent embrace of the common good.

I am a realist, and the negative above is very clear to me. But I am also an idealist (and aware of history) who knows that in times like these, with incredible disruption and destruction, we discover new models, new ways and new methods. When citizens are satisfied with the status quo, then nothing changes.

We are dissatisfied today, and that is when change can come. We each just have to make sure the change is the good kind that takes us forward, and not the kind of change that takes us backward. When Mount St. Helens erupted, it caused tremendous damage and havoc, but it allowed a whole new breed of plant life and flowers to grow in its aftermath. We are at that time.

I have come up with my list of five reasons why it is a great time to be in America, and I would also love to hear the reasons why you think today is a wonderful time in U.S. history.

1. We are at a moment where we can refashion political models, in ways that meet the needs and dreams of the whole of the American public. Today fewer people see themselves as Republicans or Democrats than ever before. The two leading candidates for their nominations (Trump and Clinton) are the most distrusted and disliked candidates running in a general election.

More people today have an unfavorable view of the two incumbent parties, and want something else. All this can be an accelerator toward a better place. The opportunity to create something new is more available than ever before.

That is an exciting opportunity to move in a new direction, and fashion a structure that works for all Americans. And this new political model won't be a top-down candidate or system, but will grow organically locally and in the 50 states.