Thanks

Today is supposed to be a day of reflection as we celebrate the sacrifices made by prior generations. The “Greatest Generation” battled fascism and saved the world from Adolph Hitler’s world view. Prior to that, our country suffered through a civil war to preserve the union. Yet today we see people waiving Nazi and Confederate flags. Often these flag waivers also make the incongruous claim that they are patriots. Our nation is imperfect, yet we see thousands of people risk their lives to immigrate here. Regardless of your views on what should be done to improve our badly flawed immigration laws and policies, it is undeniable that we remain a beacon of hope throughout the world. Lost in the tribalism and partisan politics currently dominating the media outlets is the need to listen to each other. Our founders created three co-equal branches of government to inspire citizens to have a voice in how they are governed. It was never intended that our elected officials would be our leaders. Rather, the goal was for our elected officials to implement the will of the people. The judiciary was to insure that the laws were followed. Prior generations went to war to preserve the ideal of our country. Is it too much to ask Americans today to thoughtfully vote? The time has come for us to listen to each other. You cannot dismiss your fellow citizens merely because they have contrary views. We owe it to our children to try to give them a chance to pursue the American dream without rancor, bitterness and anger.