Melting Pot

As I watched many people celebrating St. Patrick's day, I was enjoying the fact that the Irish, who immigrated to our country, have had such an impact on our lives.  There are so many countries represented by significant numbers in the United States who also have had such an impact.  We truly are a melting pot. 

 We also have citizens who were victims of slavery, brutality and involuntary relocation. Human beings were sold, separated from their families, whipped, incarcerated, hung from trees, and otherwise mistreated. These slaves, who were able to overcome many obstacles, have enriched our culture and provided inspiration for all oppressed people.  Our native Americans have a rich tradition of protection of the environment, preserving their culture and integrating their lifestyle into society.  

We need to look to our origins to understand the world today.  We need to remember that we are descendants of immigrants or enslaved or dominated individuals and families.  I hope that we can begin to empathize with current immigrants who are trying to find a safe haven for their families.  We need to think outside the box to find ways to keep out the those who commit crimes while reaching out to our fellow human beings who are fleeing war, persecution, poverty, famine, and those without hope,  A true sign of the greatness of a nation is its priority and responsibility of helping others who are suffering, helpless, disabled, homeless, starving, or living in fear.  

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged,  

sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong--because someday you will have been all of these."  Quote:  George Washington Carver

"But for the grace of God, go I."