I was born in this country, with the long form, short form, EFF-you-for-asking-for-it form birth certificate to prove it. My parents emigrated from Panama to pursue the promise of America and avail their children of all of its opportunities.

They succeeded. To them I am eternally grateful.

I LOVE this country, as do just about all who live here, be them TRUE native (sit down white people), people descended from those captured,tortured, and forced to this country to work by colonizers, multi-generational inhabitants descended from Colonial-era (colonizers) –> early 20th century IMMIGRANTS (NOW you can stand), or much more recent immigrants from all hues,languages and beliefs.

What we do NOT love how this great country is being led by an egomaniacal, megalomaniacal, obtuse…maniac who is manipulating the citizenry’s true love of country for his own personal amusement, and who is bent on dividing this nation rather than uniting it.

We do NOT love the current state of this country and the rise of pseudo-nationalism that is predicated on superiority, entitlement, racism, and hate.

We do not love how so many are CHOOSING to align with this position, yet at the same time have the AUDACITY to REFUSE to acknowledge the beliefs that undergird this movement. We do not love how so many of you are lying to YOURSELVES when you think you can align with clearly marginalizing, hateful, and hurtful policies, beliefs, and practices,yet also believe “Yeah, but I am not like them.” Yes, you are, and like I said, you are only lying to yourself, because the rest of us have seen and acknowledged your truth a LONG time ago.

DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE ONES WHO CLAIM A RELIGIOUS POSITION IN DEFENSE OF THEIR CURRENT POLITICAL IDEOLOGY. If you REALLY think God is all-in for the 🐱grabber, or for reviling desperately poor people trying to escape death and devastation, then you are not even worth my breath….. except to say that my trust in God has taught me to be patient, accepting, respectful,and tolerant. I can hold certain beliefs yet still accept and respect that in a world of 6 BILLION people, it is entirely possible that not everyone will believe the same things, and that is perfectly OK. ***shrugs 🤷🏾‍♀️*** (Actually, I do recall this country being founded by people escaping persecution for their beliefs…. but I digress…..)

I love the true spirit and promise of this great nation, not how some who seem to fear the loss of position of elitism, entitlement, or superiority in this country are bastardizing this nation’s identity by either misconstruing or dismissing out of hand this country’s laws, policies, and sense of decency.

I believe in an America where ALL can truly live free and equal, even though that America has never existed, and may never… But I can hope.