[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I've paid attention to the issues since college (in the late 1970's/early 1980's). I wasn't involved in Civics, but I went to school for print journalism so civics was a very important and required aspect of my education. I sat in on court cases in the state house and wrote articles for class, had to do a huge 10-page report using all the rules of investigative journalism as a final exam, had to meet politicians and interview them, went to Washington DC as part of a class trip and met with my Senator and Congressman, had a personal guide from my Senator through the underground tunnels to the Department of Commerce, where my cousin was the assistant deputy press secretary for Ronald Reagan.

My school's population was comprised of a majority of LGBTQ+ people - including the staff. Minorities were the majority. I was the minority white straight girl. I was exposed to "different" and learned that we all breathe the same air, and we all want to be loved, and we all have love to give, no matter what physical attributes or preference in life-mates makes us look different from each other.

I was exposed to "different" for decades. So perhaps that is why I have the perception I have. People who spent their lives in somewhat isolated parts of rural or semi-rural America didn't have that exposure. So "other" might seem intimidating.

Our country isn't about a singular war with bombs bursting in air, or a piece of cloth hanging from a pole. That isn't what our country is about. It never was about that. Our country is about "other." We were founded by "other." People from England who protested their own mandates and regulations and official state religions - wanted out, because they knew their own country would not allow it to change. So they came here - because this was where they could BE "different" and have a chance for survival.

THAT is what our country was created for. THAT is the purpose of America.

Until this concept is embraced and accepted, our country will not succeed. We are still in the learning process. This, this "what song will represent us?" is one lesson that we are still learning. It's a bump in the road, a symbol of transition.

Very impressive.