We Are All Brothers and Sisters

Sophree writes "

One of the benefits of living and working in a state that's economy is tourism-based is that you are exposed to many different kinds of people from all over the world. South Florida is the most ethnically and culturally diverse place in which I have lived.

The conversations I have with foreigners that extend beyond the usual small talk nearly always turn into political discussions. To a person, they have been critical of George W. Bush, his ignorance, and his wanton disregard for humanity.

An Israeli man asked me once, "How could the American people elect such a man?" I described the many occurrences of vote fraud and voter disenfranchisement in Florida before and during the 2000 election, as well as the "recount" and the corresponding lawsuits. I explained that the power was not in the hands of the American people and that it was essentially a coup.

He responded simply, "But Florida is only one state." I formed answers in my head about the spread of right wing fascist propaganda and the compliant media that refuses to hold them accountable for their illegal, unConstitutional, and unAmerican actions. I realized how lame these excuses sounded as I attempted to voice them, even though I knew them to be real and truthful.

I realized: We did this.

We allowed this to happen.

I cast my eyes down in shame as I felt the first pangs of "American guilt."

Another Panamanian friend lamented, "You had a wonderful President. Yes, he screwed around like they all do, but he was respected around the world and he promoted economic principles that benefitted all Americans." She had actually lived here for 25 years and had struggled through the Reagan-Bush years, sometimes working, other times relying on her husband. Her family prospered during the Clinton years. She knew firsthand the difference between Reaganite and Clintonite policies for average working-class Americans.

"But now, for the first time, my husband and I are talking about moving back to Panama," she confessed, but quickly added, "And I LOVE this country." I knew what she was trying to say: She dislikes what America has become.

So do I.

Sometimes it feels as if those of us who see the perilous path that the Bush doctrine of pre-emption is taking America on, as well as the horrendous consequences for the rest of the world, are a powerless, marginalized minority. When I speak to these good people from other lands, I realize that we are not alone. We are joined by the rest of the world in our desire for peace and justice.

We did this, but now we can do something about it. We can overcome the barbarism of terror and oppression. We must join all good people of the world in embracing hope, peace, and enlightenment. We must have faith that the light of these principles will outshine the darkness of fear and hatred.

Spread the word: Peace, Shalom, Salaam.

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