I just posted this as my Facebook status, and I figured that I would come over here and post it here, for all of the good that it will do. Enjoy.
I wish a Happy 4th of July to all of my friends out there. This 4th, I feel compelled to remind everyone that we are all in this together. That guy who collects guns and enjoys taking them target shooting? He’s an American.That kid who is part of the Occupy movement? American. Tea Partier? American. The guy up the street who is a devout Catholic/Protestant/Christian/Jew/Muslim/Hindu? American. That guy that doesn’t believe that there is a God? American. The family that moved from Puerto Rico and speak very little English? American. That veteran who is having trouble being seen at the VA hospital? American. That family on welfare because a minimum wage job won’t pay the rent and feed the kids? American. The small business owner who had to lay people off in order to stay afloat? American. The people who were laid off who are now on unemployment? American. The gay married couple around the corner? Americans. The scared woman trying to get into the planned parenthood office? American. The people shouting at her as she does? American. There are people out there who would like you to see some of the people on my list as “The Enemy” because it advances their political goals. We are all in this together, and when we vilify honest Americans because of their beliefs, a little bit of our democracy dies. Remember everyone has their own background which affects their outlook on life. Because someone’s outlook does not match yours, it does not make them less American, it does not nullify their opinion. Difference of opinion are what makes Democracy work. These days we are too busy shouting down the other side to actually try to have a constructive discussion. Remember, if anyone tries to convince you that another American is “The Enemy”, they have lost sight of what makes America great. Happy 4th of July everyone. Enjoy your freedoms, and remember those who have sworn to protect your freedoms.