America The Colorful

For many of us, placing our attention on what we fear and fighting to avoid its manifestation has taken center stage over focusing on what we want, what we’d rather have, how we choose to live. Being fearful of “the other” is totally unfounded and the truth is, we all participate in building the kind of America we want to have with our thoughts, words and deeds.

I was born to parents that were second generation Americans. I am a woman and Jewish as well, so I know what discrimination feels like. My parents didn’t teach us to see color or religion as an obstacle to acceptance. They welcomed all my friends from our diverse neighborhood and I didn’t think that I was better than another because I was white or less than another because of my heritage or gender.

As a parent and grandparent, I know that teaching our children accountability for what they say and the actions they take is essential in helping them grow up to be responsible adults–and that lying, cheating and stealing will bring unpleasant consequences. As adults, we all have the responsibility to model the behaviors we wish to instill in the children of the world.

No matter how hard some try, it’s not possible to go backwards. The evolutionary impulse of the Universe doesn’t allow that to happen. We can try to dismantle progress, but it is a futile attempt and one that is fraught with pain and suffering.

We have the ability to put people in power who are of high integrity, who take personal responsibility for what they say, what they do, the way they treat others. This is not a party issue, but rather a people issue. If you want politicians who will represent our diverse America and defend our democracy, then let your voice be heard: Get out and Vote!

The Freedom Bell is now ringing loudly.

The only question is, are you going to answer its call?