Day day Trump got elected I got to school early and cut out a huge picture of the Statue of Liberty and taped it to my classroom door, along with the poem. Then I spent the day hugging my terrified students, all newcomers to America.
I really hope I don't have to repeat that day this November.
My daughter was teaching at a Title 1 school here in MD. The school's students were 98% Hispanic. All she did was comfort children the day after the election was called. They were terrified.
I needed to hear this today! An Acquaintance of mine on Facebook just posted the most hateful vitriol about the rigged trial. She said, “There is nothing that will ever change my kind.” I blocked her. I can’t afford to let my blood pressure rise so high. I love my imperfect country and we , in my opinion, have made some tremendous mistakes in our young history. But in all my years I have never seen us so divided. It makes me so sad. Thank you for this wonderful essay!!♥️🇺🇸♥️
I hear you! It’s so hard right now. But, Instead of blocking your friend, why not send her this post? Ask her how she’d respond if a jury of peers convicted the presumed Democratic nominee. Pushing back takes energy, yes, and can feel useless, but it’s necessary right now.
Interesting that the Statue of Liberty was designed originally to honor free slaves, not immigrants. Note the shackles around her feet. Still, I hope we can move beyond the racism and misogyny Trump has brought out in America and return to the optimism of The Rev John Winthrop’s (not, NOT Reagan ) and his shining city on a hill. Lovely thoughts, lovely artwork! 🗽
Thank you for the true story of your family, and the heart warming photo of your adorable grandson creating his painting, showing his love for his country. And, the touching message of a President who knew how much it means not only to be an American Citizen, serve as one and sincerely welcome a new one, with thoughtful kindness.
Hoping this younger generation continues to grow their love of this country. There's so much anger and vitriol now that it's refreshing to see Milo's artwork.
My son is a teacher at an inner-city high school in Hartford, Conn, which is one of the very poorest cities in the country amidst one of the richest states in the nation. Tim teaches civics and history and he is passionate about his students, who are all Hispanic or African-American, and either poor or lower middle class. In a discussion last week the students all talked about how proud Obama made
them feel when he was president- both of him and the country. Trump absolutely did not. This man is a danger to both the nation and to the aspirations of these young people, who deserve to be proud about their country and optimistic about their future.
I have a signed note from President and Mrs Carter. For some reason, during Covid, I was compelled to write them a note of admiration for their service to our country. I have contributed to Habitat for Humanity in many ways, mainly because I was moved by their example of leading by serving those less fortunate and addressing that with actions, not just words.
I told President Carter I was 18 years old when he was elected and proudly cast my first presidential vote for him. I told him when I think of service to our country, of patriotism , I picture him and Rosalyn in blue jeans, swinging a hammer.
I didn't expect a reply, this was shortly after President Carter started hospice care, and I had thought to myself if I ever want to express my gratitude to him - them, because she was truly his partner, I'd better do it soon.
They sent back a gracious note, thanking me!
I have it framed in my bookcase.
I doubt the convicted felon who also occupied the WH has ever given of himself so selflessly. Probably doesn't even know the business end of a hammer
Connie. Thanks for sharing. The result of the trial would have been traumatic no mater the jury’s decision. If Trump was found innocent he would have crowed how he beat the Biden attack, etc. Found guilty, Dems said justice held while Fox proclaimed America was over and Putin was dancing g around the Kremlin.
I think the jury got it right. I take no joy in Trump’s guilt. It is embarrassing that the US has a convicted felon ex-president.
Trump delayed and delayed hoping to push all trial til after 11/5. Glad at least one trial will happen. They all should have happened 18 months ago.
Both of our sons became naturalized US citizens as babies. The ceremony is something every American should witness. 35+ years later I still get goosebumps when I remember those 2 special moments for our family. Having seen the required test for naturalization, I can say this; those who pass that test and are therefore qualified to become US citizens know more about US history and government than most of us who are Americans by accident of birth, and they therefore have my undying admiration.
While I would not wish to weaken the right of birthright citizenship, I do sometimes wonder if we ought to have a ceremony built around welcoming American-born 18-year-olds to their civic status.
Those artists' expressions are worth thousands of words and their one creation says more than most who blabber on about freedom, justice and peace. I knew Bill Coffin when he was at Yale and we had several good conversations about what it was like to be a chaplain to a bunch of privileged kids and their teachers. One on occasion, I remember Bill saying, "It's darkest right before dawn." How apt is that for today. I was delighted to see Sherrod's picture along with several others running for office this November. And you, grandmother Connie, you are simply one of the best. I have strong hope for November and there's much to do before then. All the best to you and your family!
Smiles and tears. What a lovely post. This is how things are supposed to be.
I was trying to find the right words. You chose just the right words. 😊
Day day Trump got elected I got to school early and cut out a huge picture of the Statue of Liberty and taped it to my classroom door, along with the poem. Then I spent the day hugging my terrified students, all newcomers to America.
I really hope I don't have to repeat that day this November.
My daughter was teaching at a Title 1 school here in MD. The school's students were 98% Hispanic. All she did was comfort children the day after the election was called. They were terrified.
This is such a kind and thoughtful thread. Thank you, everyone. I’m sorry I can’t respond to each of you, but I read every comment.
I needed to hear this today! An Acquaintance of mine on Facebook just posted the most hateful vitriol about the rigged trial. She said, “There is nothing that will ever change my kind.” I blocked her. I can’t afford to let my blood pressure rise so high. I love my imperfect country and we , in my opinion, have made some tremendous mistakes in our young history. But in all my years I have never seen us so divided. It makes me so sad. Thank you for this wonderful essay!!♥️🇺🇸♥️
I hear you! It’s so hard right now. But, Instead of blocking your friend, why not send her this post? Ask her how she’d respond if a jury of peers convicted the presumed Democratic nominee. Pushing back takes energy, yes, and can feel useless, but it’s necessary right now.
Thank you so much, Suzanne! I needed to hear that, too!
This is perfect! We must have hope, but it sure can be hard. Thank you, Connie, for sharing your stories with all of us!
Interesting that the Statue of Liberty was designed originally to honor free slaves, not immigrants. Note the shackles around her feet. Still, I hope we can move beyond the racism and misogyny Trump has brought out in America and return to the optimism of The Rev John Winthrop’s (not, NOT Reagan ) and his shining city on a hill. Lovely thoughts, lovely artwork! 🗽
Love, love, love your beautiful post.
Thank you for the true story of your family, and the heart warming photo of your adorable grandson creating his painting, showing his love for his country. And, the touching message of a President who knew how much it means not only to be an American Citizen, serve as one and sincerely welcome a new one, with thoughtful kindness.
Hoping this younger generation continues to grow their love of this country. There's so much anger and vitriol now that it's refreshing to see Milo's artwork.
Thank you Connie! You capture so well what many of us are feeling. Thank you too for the reminder to breathe and for the optimism, I need both!
Always, hope! Thank you for sharing yours!
My son is a teacher at an inner-city high school in Hartford, Conn, which is one of the very poorest cities in the country amidst one of the richest states in the nation. Tim teaches civics and history and he is passionate about his students, who are all Hispanic or African-American, and either poor or lower middle class. In a discussion last week the students all talked about how proud Obama made
them feel when he was president- both of him and the country. Trump absolutely did not. This man is a danger to both the nation and to the aspirations of these young people, who deserve to be proud about their country and optimistic about their future.
I have a signed note from President and Mrs Carter. For some reason, during Covid, I was compelled to write them a note of admiration for their service to our country. I have contributed to Habitat for Humanity in many ways, mainly because I was moved by their example of leading by serving those less fortunate and addressing that with actions, not just words.
I told President Carter I was 18 years old when he was elected and proudly cast my first presidential vote for him. I told him when I think of service to our country, of patriotism , I picture him and Rosalyn in blue jeans, swinging a hammer.
I didn't expect a reply, this was shortly after President Carter started hospice care, and I had thought to myself if I ever want to express my gratitude to him - them, because she was truly his partner, I'd better do it soon.
They sent back a gracious note, thanking me!
I have it framed in my bookcase.
I doubt the convicted felon who also occupied the WH has ever given of himself so selflessly. Probably doesn't even know the business end of a hammer
What magnificent couple. Hard to believe what the presidency has sunk to....
Connie. Thanks for sharing. The result of the trial would have been traumatic no mater the jury’s decision. If Trump was found innocent he would have crowed how he beat the Biden attack, etc. Found guilty, Dems said justice held while Fox proclaimed America was over and Putin was dancing g around the Kremlin.
I think the jury got it right. I take no joy in Trump’s guilt. It is embarrassing that the US has a convicted felon ex-president.
Trump delayed and delayed hoping to push all trial til after 11/5. Glad at least one trial will happen. They all should have happened 18 months ago.
Both of our sons became naturalized US citizens as babies. The ceremony is something every American should witness. 35+ years later I still get goosebumps when I remember those 2 special moments for our family. Having seen the required test for naturalization, I can say this; those who pass that test and are therefore qualified to become US citizens know more about US history and government than most of us who are Americans by accident of birth, and they therefore have my undying admiration.
While I would not wish to weaken the right of birthright citizenship, I do sometimes wonder if we ought to have a ceremony built around welcoming American-born 18-year-olds to their civic status.
Those artists' expressions are worth thousands of words and their one creation says more than most who blabber on about freedom, justice and peace. I knew Bill Coffin when he was at Yale and we had several good conversations about what it was like to be a chaplain to a bunch of privileged kids and their teachers. One on occasion, I remember Bill saying, "It's darkest right before dawn." How apt is that for today. I was delighted to see Sherrod's picture along with several others running for office this November. And you, grandmother Connie, you are simply one of the best. I have strong hope for November and there's much to do before then. All the best to you and your family!