America

First, I am proud to be an American. I live in a land where I am free to voice my opinion on the things that matter to me. I also have the freedom to vote for those who I want to represent me. My opinion may differ from your’s, but that is fine. I can respect you even if I don’t agree with you.

I feel as if respect for others is something we have lost. One thing that doesn’t help is that we all have been given a “bully pulpit” through social media. The term “bully pulpit” was coined by our 26th president Theodore Roosevelt. He used these words to describe the opportunity that he had as a public figure to speak out on the issues of his day. Roosevelt used the word “bully” to mean something that was magnificent or glorious. Sadly, “bully pulpit” has taken on a whole new meaning today.

One look at Facebook shows just how unkind we have become to each other. This is epecially true when arguments begin over political issues. We all have been given a “bully pulpit” from which we can spew hate, prejudice, and ignorance. We have moved so far away from the principles of our Founding Fathers. For instance, in his farewell address to the nation, George Washington warned about the division that political parties would bring.

Washington words have become quite prophetic: “However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” These words were written in 1796. However, they describe what is happening to America in 2020. We are coming apart at the seams.

I will admit my political leanings are more in the conservative direction. However, I would probably best be described as a libertarian. I believe our government has become an overreaching “big brother” that should leave us all to pursue life and liberty. This should be done in a way that is respectful of our nation’s constitution. Likewise, it should be done in a way that respects the rights of our fellow Americans. Finally, we should all act responsibly.

Our constitution gives us the right to speak our minds. However, it doesn’t give us the right to be cruel to others. We have lost our civility. We have used our “bully pulpit” to bash those who believe things that our contrary to what we believe. This needs to change. We can disagree with someone without hating them.

This weekend as Americans celebrate our independence, let’s take a step back and examine what this truly means. Let us use our freedom for good. Furthermore, let’s try to regain our civility as a people. We are one nation under God. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln, who was running for the U.S. Senate at the time, gave an address in Springfield, Illinois.

In this speech Lincoln used the words spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Lincoln was addressing the issue of slavery, and the wedge that had been driven between those in favor and those who were opposed to this evil practice.

Today we are still divided, especially on issues related to race. However, that is just one of the many issues that separates us. I understand the passion with which people fight for the causes in which they believe. In fact, I admire the dedication individuals have in standing up for their principles. However, just because I believe one way doesn’t give you the right to demean me. Just as I have no right to demean you for your beliefs.

We should stop letting those in Washington D.C. divide us. It is quite apparent that many of our politicians are only out for their own interests. Our Founding Fathers never meant to create a system of “career politicians.” However, that is exactly what we have. Let us start using our “bully pulpits” for good. In the words of mothers everywhere, “if you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say it.” Today, let not only freedom ring, but let peace and civility ring as well.