August 27, 2020

I am Proud to be an American.

This is why we need to vote. Check out an important read from Elephant’s Editor-in-Chief, Waylon Lewis: Every American needs to see this Video.
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*Editor’s Note: Elephant Journal articles represent the personal views of the authors, and can not possibly reflect Elephant Journal as a whole. Disagree with an Op-Ed or opinion? We’re happy to share your experience here.
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At the close of the Republican National Convention tonight, a potent cocktail of emotions flooded my being: national pride, honor, joy, excitement, sadness, disappointment, and fear.

As an independent voter and a 100 percent American woman, these overwhelming feelings could not be denied.

I also watched the Democratic National Convention—at the expense of losing supposed friends who were furious that I would have such an open mind. And I watched the Republican National Convention—at the expense of losing supposed friends who were, again, furious that I would have such an open mind.

Truth be told, I’ve leaned Republican for as far back as I can remember, but I am moderately liberal on social issues. However, I am an Independent. And a proud one.

I support gay rights. I support black lives. I support women. I support choice. I support law enforcement. I support religious freedom. I support our military. I support our history.

I will support you.

I see, weigh, and feel for anyone and everyone who has been or is treated unjustly and unfairly.

But when I see paralyzed Veterans who stand for the National Anthem—Veterans who have fought for the freedom that want-to-be socialists, communists, and others are privileged to have—while our sports teams are kneeling to appease propaganda activists, my heart breaks. My eyes fill.

What does the future of our beautiful, free country hold? And why is this divide so strong?

Jack Brewer, former NFL player, expressed it so well tonight. His son said all lives matter. And they do. And they are of color—so why doesn’t their opinion count?

My colleague shared her views today about our never acknowledging what happened to slaves or our involvement. And she may be right. I reflected upon that a lot after our call. Maybe we are now stepping up to acknowledge and shed light on this, stepping up to apologize for the sins of our ancestors. I am, in my own way.

But why are we being asked to erase our history? Why are we being asked to remove the past, that paints a picture of where we are today, and fuels our decision about where we want to be?

I watched the Democratic National Convention and absorbed division, high school-like retorts, and a government driven nation. I didn’t hear a plan. I didn’t hear a strategy. I heard fluff, desperation, and a wild reach for support.

Yes, Trump may react like a 10-year-old at times. I have no idea what to do with that! And there’s a lot I don’t agree with—on both sides.

But I do commend Trump for his honesty, passion, and commitment. He loves our country. Of that I am sure. And I can state that with conviction.

Why is it when Biden and his team respond in such a childish way that we accept it? Praise it? Want it? Maybe I missed it, but where was the motivation to work hard, produce, and commit to a prosperous future? It seems he, Pelosi, and so many others want to handicap so many; you choose to take their handouts over rising up, finding opportunities to work, and contributing to the taxpaying nation.

I want us all to get along. I want us all to work together for our country. But I’m not feeling that after the Democratic National Convention. I’m struggling to comprehend how we can get beyond propaganda, agendas, and division. A lifeline please?

But when I powered down my remote tonight, I cried for the future of our country. I cried for my family, who served our country in every branch of the service. And I cried for us. I urge you to please step back and examine what you’re looking to achieve.

I love America. I love our freedom. And I love each of you who are willing to work together to honor our history, continue to work toward peace, and stop hating each other.

And if a picture is worth a thousand words, well Biden is a charmer. Love him, but please vote with thought, intellect, and care.

Keep us free. I beg you to pledge allegiance to the flag—and if you won’t, I ask you, why you are here?

I am an American with a universal heart. Join me in supporting my cause.

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