With this year being an election year, there have been a lot of extreme things said in politics, some being promises. It seems that we continue to find ourselves in this perpetual cycle of hate. Donald Trump has really brought out the disgusting side of America we don't see too often. He has exposed this population of people filled with hate. They like to point fingers and blame everyone other than themselves for the problems here in our country. They like to blame the African American population, Muslims, the LGBT community, women and Mexicans / the Hispanic community. Trump has been throwing out these outrageous promises that he will build a wall between the United States and Mexico or that he will not allow any immigration to the United States by any person who is Muslim. These promises are disgusting and violate everything that our country was built on, and I think that as we approach 240 years as a free country we need to remind ourselves of who we are and why we are here.
We are all immigrants. The Native Americans are the only population of people in this country that are not. They were here before the Europeans came and completely destroyed their world and way of life. All of us here now, are either immigrants or descended from immigrants. What gives us the right to deny anyone else the chance to come here and start a new life? America, the "New World," was a place of freedom and hope for the first settlers. They came here to flee religious persecution, and to start new lives. We are here because America is a place of freedom and justice, for all, not just for white men. Everyone deserves a life in a place of justice and freedom, and we should allow that opportunity to as many people as we can, while keeping it a fair and equal process regardless of race, country of origin, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
Living in America is a privilege. Trust me, I'm not some crazy proud American and I definitely don't think we are the greatest country in the world. We have an abundance of problems and we haven't figured out a lot of stuff, like gun violence and police civilian relations. Even with all of the problems, there are so many opportunities here. Rules and regulations have been put in place to keep things a lot more ethical, equal and just than in a lot of other countries. I think that even with all of the problems we still need to remind ourselves of where we could be in the world, and be thankful for the opportunity to live in a place where we have the freedom to go to school and speak up about things we care about. Look at the small things that we take for granted, a lot of those things aren't a reality for millions of people around the world.
We have the power to push for progress. If you don't like something going on, then let people know. Shout it from the rooftops. Your voice is so powerful and you will find others who feel the same. Together, you can change the world. We have a voice as the people. Our politicians work for us; keep reminding them of that. We don't have to be content with how things are. Use your voice and speak up.
Amidst all of the fireworks and flags, along with the partying, I hope you can take a moment to think about what this day is about, freedom, for all. It is about equality and acceptance. It is about love for your fellow human being regardless of whatever classifications have been put upon them and where they are from.
