Since its founding in 1776., America has advanced at a rapid pace, transitioning in short order from 13 disjointed colonies into the world’s foremost superpower. This was made possible by the bold efforts and relentless sacrifices of all those who called this place home. It was a journey often harrowing, frequently hazardous and repeatedly heartbreaking. We cannot be proud of every step of this journey. Neither can we conceal its worst moments. Slavery exposed the darkest times in our history. It was a thorn in the sides of the Founding Fathers from the very beginning, but they were unable to reach peaceful accord on a just resolution. Lest we forget, although slavery was our gravest, it was not our only embarrassment in our earlier days. Many ethnic emigrants, the Irish, the Italians, the Germans, the Chinese and others who came to build their lives in America faced rejection, discrimination and maltreatment. The native American Indian, once defeated, endured untold hardships, abuses and injustices. In spite of all this each, in his or her own way, contributed to the building of this great country. We are today what we are because of their combined selfless and dedicated efforts. Many refuse to acknowledge the great strides that have been made to rectify these historic injustices. Yes, there lingers racism in many quarters. Yes, there is more to do to protect and advance the cause of the disadvantaged. But the great thing about this country is we can have free and open dialog and we can arrive at fair and unbiased solutions. That is what America is all about. Violence and chaos is not the road that leads to meaningful and lasting change. Disregard of the law and destruction of property are always counter-productive. The task of erasing from the mind those views, attitudes and mindsets, built up over a lifetime, is a long and daunting task, irrespective of the most noble intentions. Obliterating from the face of the earth all traces of our history, the good, the bad, and the indifferent does nothing to advance the cause of justice today.
– – – Just a view of a common man.
Views of a Common Man 