We Are A Nation Divided

Yes, we are a nation divided and a nation divided by design. Even though I continue to hope for healing and will work for that end, as long as I can, we cannot simply seal over the scalding infection of our wounds. That will only lead to further and worsening problems.

In the past two months, I have watched our country, a progressive and vital democracy with hope and opportunity to offer, attacked by a contingency wanting to destroy it.  We are currently in a death struggle with opposing ideas and alternative facts.

Ours has not always been a country of compassion. We have often been the bad guys, but in recent time we have worked to make our image one of welcoming, tolerance and compassion. Our humanitarian efforts have literally changed the way the world population responds to one another.

That is rapidly draining away. Since January 20, 2017 we have twice been responsible for civilian deaths on foreign soil, we have made strides to block refugees from safely entering our country, even though they have been vetted far more strictly than other countries.

We have separated families of undocumented immigrants from Mexico as we rounded them up for deportation, even though the president expressly promised he would not allow that. Our leadership leans increasingly toward white supremacy and intolerance, causing an increase in crimes against various groups of people. These people are us. They are our citizens.

Now with the proposed budget we see the decimation is to include the old, the young, the disabled and the less fortunate.

The problem is, this is acceptable to a portion of our population who has been made to be afraid of the refugees and immigrants and who does not like the idea that their money might be supporting the undeserving among us. These ideas are fueled by a steady stream of misinformation that is regurgitated by Trump and his staff. They want to divide us. They have planned for this. They work hard at exploiting our differences, differences that have always been there, but were previously fuel for creating our democracy. Now they are well placed explosive statements, designed to destroy.

We are a nation divided, not by our differing opinions, but by a coterie of wealthy individuals whose only goal is to enhance their own coffers. I caution you to check out what you hear and keep your humanity close at hand. We are the People. We can change this, but it will take work and will probably include a lot of blood, sweat and tears before it is over.