On my daily commute today, I saw a head-scratcher. On the gate of a pickup were the words “Bring Back Old America”. (Sorry no image as I won’t try to capture a photo going 70mph down the highway.) The rest of the truck was festooned with other sayings like “If You Like Freedom, Thank A Veteran”, and so forth.
Over the last two years these pages have been replete with diaries and commentary about Trump supporters and their zeal for an America they wished still existed; never mind that what they dream of never existed in the first place.
“Old America” huh?
Do you mean the Old America where women, amongst others, could not vote?
The Old American where women, and many others, had precious few opportunities to work outside the home if they wanted to?
The Old America where racial separation was maintained not just by so-called polite traditions, but by outright violence?
The Old America where for many higher education was unattainable?
I could go on but you get the idea. Feel free to add your entry in the comments.
No thanks but I want the New America to which we can aspire. An America that sees the value of all, not just some. An America that welcomes, not rejects. An America which tries to make the world a better place by working with our allies, not insulting them. Again, I could go on, so add your take in the comments.
No Old America for this middle-aged white dude. I want New. And I hope many of you do also.