Except that every family has that member (or two or three or four) who is the one that causes you to bow your head in shame and reluctantly admit that not only you know him/her, but that you're related. America has its issues. Issues that leave that sour taste of disdain in our mouths, cause our blood to boil and our blood pressure to rise!
The origin of this country is rooted in extreme racism and violent acts of imperialism and terrorism. It has many-a-fault and many-an-injustice! These are facts and they must be taught! (Including, not only the facts that we love to hate, but the facts that gave our own ancestry pain--the fact that Africans sold each other into slavery among others).
Jacked up though the past and present may be, you must admit, there is something about this country that causes many to flock here, legally and illegally.
Here, we can criticize our government, protest, rally, march, write whatever we want in the press, be a Muslim, Jew, Christian, Buddhist, or have no religious affiliation at all.
If we're hungry we can do something as "simple" as, go to the store and grab a bite to eat. Perhaps a lil somethin wit salt, pepper, ketchup, and hot sauce! Fried onions and mayo on the bread? Yessir!! We can turn on a faucet and clean water comes out. Hit a switch and "let there be light", or air, heat, a ceiling fan, garbage disposal, trash compactor, ice or water from the 'fridge.
There are no sirens ringing every few seconds because where you are just might be on the receiving end of a bomb or rocket, though other real dangers persist.
No, America isn't perfect and she/Uncle Sam, whichever designation you want to give it/us, has a long way to go!! I have been to places where life is much worse, however! Where crowds of children surrounded our vehicle, fingers to their mouths, indicating they want something to eat and me wishing I had the world to give them!
Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor the fallen men and women of the many wars that involved the United States Armed Forces. Politics aside, they did as they were instructed and fought. And died. Men and women of all colors and creeds. Died.
I salute all of our fallen soldiers. I especially want to salute those who were my ancestors; the brave black soldiers in each of America's wars. You fought for this country and yet were continually mistreated and regarded much differently than your white counterparts. You clung to the possibility that maybe, just maybe things at home would be different. Perhaps your gallant efforts would return the same in legislation, policy, and overall perception.
Well...
You bequeathed to us your spirit, your disposition, your will, and your drive. The blood that runs in my veins, once ran in yours. Blood, that once spilled, spelled determination and resolution.
Thank you!
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| https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/african-americans-and-emancipation/resources/african-american-soldiers-battle-fort-wa |
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