Making America Great

WHAT AM I HERE FOR?

What if the United States were known as a spiritual light in the world and not as a moneybags bully? Wouldn’t that be great? Historically, citizens of this country have stated our aspirations. For example, “liberty and justice for all” and “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In reality, we’ve glossed over the hard lessons of our past and failed to live up to the promise of our original revolution. It’s not unpatriotic to say so.

Indeed, the so-called American Revolution hasn’t even ended. Its essential principles still wave red-white-and-blue in the breeze, and its founding words are preserved on parchment under glass. Yet, here we are, in a chaos of division, not unity. Here we are, poring over headlines of hate, not acting out heartfelt compassion. Here we are, forgetting the faults of our history, not sharing the fruits of our freedom–freedom to make life better for everybody. Everybody! Why haven’t we?

I fervently hope that the current era is simply another learning experience soon to pass into history. I pray that we are moving through, not succumbing to, terrible fear. My hope depends a great deal upon how we remember, or even agree on, both historical facts and the facts of events happening now.

A.I. has made this more difficult than ever. I’ve recently been fooled on Facebook by what turned out to be one of those “Deep Fake” talking heads. It was a good message, but it wasn’t actually coming from the person I thought I was watching on a live recording. Perhaps the old admonition GET REAL! has gained new meaning. We can no longer tell who or what is “real” even as we watch.

I’ve learned to ignore “phishing” emails and frightening flashed warnings on my computer screen. I zap away strange phone messages in milliseconds. I keep my passwords secure and limit my Facebook friend list. I ignore popular social media feeds. I stir up the skeptic in me as much as I’m able to. Because the alternative is to believe nothing. But as a pop tune of my youth proclaimed, I’m a believer! I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

Let me tell you what I believe. Not as cute and racy as Kevin Costner’s speech in “Bull Durham.” Not as enduring as the credos, scriptures, and prayers of the ancients. Not as visible as the Washington Monument. But everywhere present. What I believe is very real to me in the experiences I’ve had, the books I’ve read, the thoughts I’ve contemplated, the poems I’ve written down.

I believe in the Creative Power called by many Names (or no name). The Power Who existed when Earth did not. Who counts the quarks, the sparks, the stars. Who never changes but eternally unfolds. Who holds insignificant me in safety when I hurry and worry and stare sleeplessly into the dark. I’ve tried to find the words from time to time.