I arrived in the United States in 1954, and as soon as acceptable, I became a U.S. citizen.
Admittedly I was, as they say, as proud as a peacock! From that moment I remember how, I had respect and appreciation for OUR FLAG, the Stars and Stripes. I also found myself shedding quite a few tears when a patriotic song was sung, and at times I could not sing because of my emotions. I have never lost my respect or pride to be an American.
There have been times that I wished some things were different in our country. In fact, I struggle with the antics of numerous groups that indicate their bitterness or opposition to significant problems in multiplied areas.
Cool heads and warm hearts would accomplish much more, and do so much quicker. Rabble rousing is repulsive and produces reaction. Negativity, as we have observed of recent, can only degrade all involved, and the problems go unresolved.
As has been said in the past, “Can we raise ourselves from the ashes of defeat?” Of course! However, it must be done thru congeniality! While combative efforts are necessary, whether in politics, or sports, or other multiplied areas, it does not mean that we should utilize tactics that are “outside” of acceptable guidelines. While we all have disagreements, common sense applied will quickly negate any “tool” that would produce greater friction.
In the lighthouse, in which my father was a keeper, there is a five faced lens that harvests the light from a lamp in the middle, and projects that light up to hundreds of miles from Bermuda.
(Aircraft pilots report this) That lens weighs 1 and ¾ ton. I can move it with one finger, because it floats on a bed of mercury.
All too often we forget the principle presented to us in Holy Writ: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.” (Proverbs 15:1, 2)
ETCetera 