Today is the 4th of July, a day America traditionally celebrates it’s freedom from Great Britain. More importantly, the day we declared independence from oppression. Honestly, I am feeling oppressed lately. As I sit here in my kitchen, drinking my morning coffee, reflecting on the significance of this holiday, I can’t ignore the obvious disconnect I feel this year.
I never really gave much thought to my love for this country before; I took my freedom, my comfort, my privilege for granted. I am first generation here on my mother’s side (my mother came from Scotland as a child) and 2nd generation on my father’s side. My grandparents came over from Scotland after WWII. They came in search of a better life for their two daughters. Coming from this background and being born in the 70s, I was raised on a BIG dose of “Free to Be Your and Me”, you can be and do anything you set your mind to and recognition that education and hard work are the key to success. My family wanted better and they believed the United States would provide the community and home they craved and for the most part, it did, but since Trump decided to run for Presidency, things have changed. There is a shift, a shift towards all the things I was always taught were wrong. It is wrong to lie, it is wrong to promote or be violent, it is wrong to not stand up for others, it is wrong to treat people poorly (or not treat them as you expect to be treated yourself), it is wrong to BE A BAD PERSON.
Today, I wonder what this country holds in store for my own family. What direction is this country heading. It feels like we are moving backward in our agenda and more importantly that agenda is based on fear and hate. I am not comforted by our government leaders. In fact, not a day has gone by since Trump has been elected that I have not been offended, embarrassed or scared. America deserves better. We deserve better, My family deserves better.
I woke today to yet again another ridiculous tweet from our unstable leader. ENOUGH! Trump is mentally unfit and a menace–he must go.
I want a President who loves this country, who loves and RESPECTS ALL it’s citizens, who is dedicated to truly making this country great–not because it is a good slogan but because investing in our country and it’s people will make our country and the world a better place for EVERYONE to live.
Mother of 3
Nurse
Colts Neck, NJ