A Letter to fellow Americans

  

Last week, I talked about how Trump’s impeachment showed how partisanship is a bad example for all Americans.  This week, one of my former students, expands on my thoughts. 

  

It has been too easy to label anyone with differing political views as ignorant or immoral. We all have biases and predispositions, but we also can choose to overcome them. If the time comes when we stop seeking to understand each other’s point of view, then we’ll really be in trouble.     

Fortunately, though, that time has not yet come. To do my part to prove it, I’ll acknowledge that President Trump has accomplished some impressive things in the last three years. He has helped businesses in America, creating jobs and putting money in the pockets of hardworking American families. He’s also made significant progress in the fight against terrorism.  

But to assess the overall impact of his presidency, we have to think about his words and actions not as Republicans, Democrats, or Independents, but as Americans.    

The right to call oneself an American is a considerable honor, and that right is not exclusive to those who were simply born here. As Republican Senator Lindsey Graham put it, “America is an idea, not a race.”  

When we’re at our best, Americans are members of a group with no limit on the number who can join. We are part of an alliance of nations and people bound by our shared devotion to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality 

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When President Trump disrespects the institutions that make this country great, like our free press or our independent judiciary system, or enlists the help of foreign governments for his own political gain, he reveals a dangerous attitude.   

While you may not agree with that opinion, I want to thank you for taking the time to consider it, and I hope that you will share your thoughts and opinions as well. By hearing me out as you’ve just done, you’ve demonstrated what makes this country so great: our ability to come together, to listen to one another, and to overcome our differences.  

So, take heart. Imperfect though it may be, our country is full of wonderful people and beautiful ideals. As long as we stay true to those ideals, we will find ourselves in the noble company of good and decent folks for many years to come.