The stout and rugged gentleman sported his red cap with pride. A defiant Donald Trump supporter, he declared a landslide victory for his candidate despite polling yields and innuendos suggesting malfeasance, numerous allegations of assault, and racist commentary. When pressed by the young female reporter, he sheepishly grinned and as if divulging a secret, asserted that countless Americans will surreptitiously vote for Trump, a measure uncaptured by statistics. Almost taken aback, the reporter deferred to another breaking news story about the unprecedented Russian-led hack of Secretary Clinton’s damaging emails in an effort to sway the outcome of an American election.
Regardless of which side of the political aisle you ascribe to or what grassroots movement you emerged from, the elements of this campaign season are unlike any we have seen in recent history. Indeed, we are at a crossroads in our country where in general, we no longer recognize or appreciate each other’s differences, contributions or efforts. Neighbors remain strangers and paradoxically, intimate connection is found on the Internet. The texture of the recent presidential debates has trickled down to pundits and even to local communities who are disrespectfully feuding about where we should stand as a people. And many -isms are laid deep within only to find a voice in the ballot box. There is where the most fundamental of rights are being attacked or suppressed.
To some extent, I agree with the slogan “Make America Great Again” but for diverging reasons as those of the man who created the hash tag and certainly not with the nostalgia of the 1950s. The division that this recent discord has engendered desperately requires healing. It is time to do just that and reinforce collectiveness. Let us return to a time when being American was largely respected on the world stage. Let us return to a time when we honored our fallen soldiers and the families that support them while they accept tours of duty for our protection. Let us return to a time when civil rights were acknowledged and legislation to further such progress were boldly fostered. Let us return to a time when our environment and climate changes were not made a mockery of without needless efforts to debunk. Let us return to a time when caring for our seniors or providing educational grants were viewed as noble rather than hand-outs. Let us return to a time when true democracy was honored and favored. Let us return to a time when civility and respect for each other were the order of the day. It has not always been good for all, but we must trust that we can make it work for all. We can, together, make America great.
Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”.
God Works Always 