David B. Grinberg, I never faced that level of discrimination, but yes, I was made aware many times that I was Jewish in a town that didn’t quite know what to do with that fact. No ugly hate, just nah. You’re not our type.
But the real sadness is the ugliness that is gripping my beloved country, thanks to the likes of Trump and his minions, who seem eager to destroy one of the best countries in the world.
This country used to stand proudly for strong values — human values. It was a country that the world turned to in times of need.
A country that fought wars where men and women died to protect others less fortunate.
A country where refugees from war-torn and impoverished countries were welcomed and allowed to assimilate and become respected American citizens.
A country that stood for all human rights, no matter one’s circumstances.
A country that showed the world it could be done.
A country that produced the likes of Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Obama — and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Now? Now I weep for my country.
Of course weeping is much like sending thoughts and prayers, right?
What’s really needed is for all those who fear where our country could be heading to VOTE. Too many not voting, not thinking that Trump could ever win, not expecting the outcome brought us this horrible situation where Nazis can proudly parade, where social institutions set in place to help the less fortunate can be summarily dropped, leaving too many unprepared with no help, and where hate is becoming the norm.
We need to make our voice heard this November — LOUDLY. We need to vote our conscience like never before.
And it’s not a matter of being Democrats or Republicans; both sides have millions of people of great moral standing, of wonderful human values, and, of course, some who are not so great.
I don’t automatically think less of someone who is a Republican, and I don’t automatically think more of someone who’s a Democrat. I judge — and, yes, I judge — on values.
So we need to vote our values — now. While there’s still time.
