Washington politicians fail to see the country they govern

America is more beautiful than Washington, D.C. 

The malignant environment of our nation’s capital sadly seems to unfairly brand America. The dysfunction and self-interest promulgated by the media and elected officials spewing rancor into every headline and microphone all too often drowns out the quiet whisper of America’s greatness.

Moving from Nashville to southwest Montana, my wife, Gracie, and I recently drove across the country and disconnected from the news emanating from a tiny section of the nation and rediscovered a portion of America’s vast beauty and majesty.

Leaving Music City, we traveled through the rolling hills of Tennessee and Kentucky to the farmlands of southern Illinois. Although well-traveled, Gracie lamented sleeping through the one time she passed through St. Louis as a teenager -- and missed seeing the Arch.  With bright eyes, she gazed at the iconic landmark as we drove through the Show Me state while making our way West.

Sunsets in Iowa over well-kept farms that feed countless lives touched our hearts, and the wind whipping the plains in South Dakota offered reminders of loveliness overlooked by so many. We both tried to imagine the early settlers trekking across the vast plains in wagons -- with little else but courage.