United We Stand, Divided We Fall

These words have been spoken by many orators over the years, some say as far back as the ancient Greek storyteller, Aesop, (c620–564 BC) and by Benjamin Franklin and, President Abraham Lincoln. They can be found in the New Testament as well as lyrics from a patriotic song from 1776.  I mean can you think of any more intelligent advice!  Perhaps the only other pieces of advice that come close would be to “Look before you leap”, or “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”.  It’s hard to imagine how something so simple to understand has become so completely ignored.  

Maybe this is too simplified but, picture today’s situation as a game of Jenga.  All the pieces are organized in a manner that creates a stable structure, then the game begins.  A single wooden game piece is pulled from the tower of blocks and, other than a gap in the structure, the tower looks to be just as sturdy.  Then another piece is pulled out, then another.  The tower looks a little less structurally sound but still stands. Eventually, after more pieces are removed, the tower starts to sway.  Even by slowly and carefully removing the next few pieces, it’s evident that the tower is near collapse.  Which player will be the one to bring it down? Which piece is in that strategic spot that holds the tower’s last chance at stability, permanence?  

Unfortunately, life is not a game that, win or lose, can be put back in the box and returned to the shelf.  Our country as well as many others have been suffering from structural erosion over the years.   We are led to believe parts of our history need to be revised or forgotten.  Anger and mistrust run rampant.  Our money is being spent by our government on ridiculous projects at the expense of necessary ones.  Excuses have replaced common sense. So many people have become “special” and no longer have to play by the rules. Information from media sources is biased or filled with misinformation and, personalities who have no more knowledge of a situation than we do want us to believe that they know best. Yes, you have to right to say what you want but accept the fact that you also have to take responsibility for your words. 

Yes, America is not perfect but tell me of any place that is?  Instead of whining about it, try to make it better.  Don’t find excuses as to why you can’t achieve your goals, just try harder.  People haven’t traveled to this country to find excuses for failure; they came here to do better for themselves and their families and many have. It is still the land of opportunity for those who want to work.   If you want everything for nothing, things may not work out so well.  If you find that you don’t fit in with what this country stands for or that you are offended by certain words and beliefs, I am sorry.  Most of us do try to take into account people’s backgrounds and differences when dealing with them and try to stay polite and respectful but we are not ready to accept the fact that we should be ashamed of our country and our patriots and, our first responders.   

Our schools should not be asked to “dumb down” at the expense of our gifted or to teach our children edited history.  The people placed in government offices at all levels have lost control by catering to certain groups while ignoring others.  Everyone wants a piece of the action and nobody wants the responsibility.  

If you are one of those people who would rather have your own way and refuse to use common sense or if you hate this country and have no respect for its laws or flag, leave it.  If you hate living here, leave.  I’m sure there are plenty of places around the world that will be happy to have you.  You may have to dress differently or you may have to keep identification paper with you at all times.  Maybe you won’t have internet or electricity twenty-four hours a day or convenience stores nearby.  You might get good healthcare but your taxes might be higher or the waiting list longer. Those in charge may like your progressive ideas or, maybe not. I’m sure life will be wonderful wherever you choose to go.  Just GO. 

After two hundred and fifty years, the United States shows a little wear and tear; some cracks are showing and a few holes can be seen but it is still standing tall.  When this country was new our founding fathers did the best job they knew how to create a government to withstand the rigors of time.  Undoubtedly, they couldn’t have imagined the future, such as it is, but they tried. They argued and threw hissy fits and stormed off in a huff but then put aside their differences and came together to listen to one another’s suggestions, work out a compromise and to the best of their ability, come up with what would be best for the new nation as a whole.   

We have become a diverse country.  Diversity is beneficial for all of us.  Diversity can work at melding all of our views, to help unite us.  What we don’t need are those that insist on only their way or the highway.  When you get to your new “perfect country” send us a postcard and let us know how it works out!  We will be here standing straight and tall! 

Sharon