When I started this blog, it was originally a means of sharing my memories with my children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends! Lately, I have visited and revisited the idea of the country I am so proud to call myself a member – The United States of America. We have always had problems of division in our country, but nothing like we are experiencing now! It can be likened to the time of The Civil War. We are faced with things that could seriously be our downfall from within our society.

While we are fighting against each other, our enemies are fueling the fire and preparing to end the freedoms that we have enjoyed. We are becoming the fodder for their jokes and enjoyment. Have you ever witnessed a schoolyard fight? The ones involved in the fight are not the ones who are enjoying it. Those on the sidelines, who are not brave enough to take a stand are the ones who are benefiting from the entertainment. We need to step up and join hands so that we can bring our country back together and fight the real enemies. The truth is politicians benefit from war and unrest within. It is the means to keep being re-elected.

There is an old saying that the church is not the building, it is the people who make the church. The same thing can be said of our great nation. America is not just a country, it is the people who make our nation. With all the diverse ethnicities in our country, we have to be tolerant and accepting to the different beliefs. That does not mean that any group should be favored above another, but it also does not mean that any group should be persecuted because of their beliefs.

Our actions and reactions to laws, rules, and regulations causes the hatred, unrest, and negativity that is being perpetuated in our country! Our opinions don’t make us better people, but our behavior does! One man, neither Obama nor Trump, caused all these problems. We have a government with checks and balances that assures us that we are not ruled by a dictator. When our government is functioning properly, it protects us. However, when our politicians have their own agendas, they get in the way of the process! Some of our politicians need to retire and let change begin to happen. The greed, hate, negativity, and lying needs to be replaced with the ideals for which our country was founded. Term limits would solve most of the problems. Then, we would not have comfortable politicians who are just taking care of their own agendas. However, having said all of the above, this is just my opinion and that doesn’t make it better, but my behavior will be such that I am determined not to stoop to criticism of those who disagree!

Until next time,

Hester