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Happy Independence Day. On this day in 1776, thirteen English colonies declared themselves to be members of the new “United States of America.” Fast-forward eleven-score-and-fourteen years. What should I say, surveying the results?

It often seems that there’s little about which to be positive, and less each day. But maybe every now and then I should make the effort anyway. Maybe I can find a reason, on the Fourth of July, and after reading something like this.

A few days ago in Cleveland, 30 people chose to become citizens of this country, having traveled here at one time or other from some pretty far-flung lands. And I just had to pause and think after reading the story of

Linas Macikenas, 43, of Lithuania, [who arrived here in] 1997. The Euclid man said he became a citizen this year, “because that was how long it took. I am excited — Depression, recession, this country is great no matter what. There’s still a lot of opportunity here.”

Y’know, he has a point. I could and on any other day would express one of countless reasons why America needs to do better, but there must be an occasional moment when it’s worth observing that there is indeed, all the same, a lot of opportunity here.

Opportunity is good. I appreciate it, America.