 |
| Runner flying the flag. 5/24/18 (dwm) |
How are you doing?
I'm missing the spirit of patriotism these days. The pride in our country and our country's values in welcoming others searching for a better life.
This news may be a bit shocking, but we are a nation of immigrants. The fabric of the United States is sewn with threads from virtually every country on earth.
My family came from Germany. Others came here for new starts from England, Kenya, India, Vietnam, and Honduras.
Most. No, not most; virtually all our predecessors came in search of new and better lives for themselves and their family. It's abhorrent to paint with an ugly brush those knocking on the golden door.
I believe that applies even to those so desperate they come here seeking asylum or enter illegally. To be sure, some may be criminals; just like some of our born-here Americans were criminals too.
I believe America is flavored and strengthened by diversity.
Should we have immigration laws and enforce them? Sure. Do we need the inflamed rhetoric which aims to divide us? No, we do not.
Our best days come when we find a path in the middle, areas of compromise where we work together. The fact is that is where most of us live.
We should be a country of grown-ups; able to work out solutions instead of calling out each other's shortcomings. At home and around the world, the United States can be a beacon of hope instead of leaving the rest so we can take our stuff and go home.
One of our best presidents, Abraham Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
We need healing, conversation, and an effort to find common ground - from both sides of the spectrum - not division.
Our country is too important with too much potential - we can do better, be better than we are. That seems like a good declaration this Independence Day.
Comments
Post a Comment