I'm amazed at the bitter tone of this political season. I am so ready for the political commercials to end. If I looked only at the news and commercials, I would think that America is so divided to a point of hatred. But that is not what I saw!
I saw people from all walks of life – all ethnicities, immigrants and natural-born citizens, young and old – standing in line together for over 4 hours to vote. There was no hatred or suspicion present – not even complaints for the long wait. It was people, Americans, talking and laughing together. I saw a man with his daughter, interacting with another family (obviously from different socio-economic and ethnic background and most likely with different political ideology) in the most civil, genuine way. The 4 hour wait was not anticipated and this man's daughter was getting hungry. The other gentlemen offered and went to McDonald's to get someone else's daughter a sandwich out of the goodness of his heart. I watched the gratitude and camaraderie of these two families and I was inspired. I saw America at its best.
I learned that Washington does not dictate the attitude I display or the love of my neighbor that I am called to possess. I am in total control of that.
On another note, I have traveled to so many countries that do not have the rights we are blessed with in America – countries with ethnic rivalries often resulting in violence. I did not once consider a 4 hour wait as a nuisance. It is still a privilege.
Yesterday was a good day – I saw America at its best.
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