When will we learn our lesson? How many times must we repeat history before we learn from it? A nation divided cannot stand. The real victory for terrorists is that we are divided. We are so concerned about “who is real America” that we have turned on each other. The best way to defeat someone is divide and conquer. We are well on our way to allowing terrorists a win. They know that our greatest asset is our diversity. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free; The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, Tempest-tossed to me….” We used to pride ourselves on being the great melting pot. We are so focused on our differences that we have forgotten that it is just that that makes us admired and envied.
We are the United States of America. Imagine the US as a body. Each organ and body part has a function. Not all are as glamorous as the heart and brain, but each one plays an integral role in making the body function properly. An aching tooth, toe or irritated bowel can cause the whole body to respond. Likewise, each state represented has a function. Some states are a little country, some a little blue blood, and some wild and untamed. From sea to shining sea, you get to experience it all. Each state is part of the body that makes up the United States of America. There is no real American. Rural, urban, plains, mountains, valleys makes this melting pot work. It’s the making of a good soup or stew. You need the contrasting flavors of sweet, savory, bitter, and tangy to mix and simmer together to produce a satisfying and sustaining broth.
The real America is a jambalaya – rich, poor, wealthy, homeless, educated, liberal, conservative, independent, undecided, uneducated, elite, skilled trades, heartland, hippy, geeky, spoiled brats, drop dead gorgeous, morbidly obese, self made, farmers, urban, chic, sophisticated, cowboy, lone wolf, nature loving, country wit, evangelical, protestant, muslim, hindu, teen angst, rage against the machine, fight for your right, rock and roll, jazz, hip hop, blue grass, Chopin, weekend warriors.
50 states make up this body of a nation. Each state is like a family member at a family reunion. Some relatives are cool, others are funny, and others you pretend aren’t related (drunk uncle, crazy aunt). But at the end of the day, it’s family. We all want our children to have something better than for their future. We are family! You don’t fight family. If so, the real enemy wins.
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.