The Great Divide

Last night, Maine voters decided to take away the rights of same-sex couples to get married. I'm not outraged. I am simply tired and resigned. Marriage is complicated issue, even in the LGBT community, but I'm sure we can all agree that civil rights should not be put up for popular vote. People in this country are frightened of difference, of losing their place, of losing their privilege. This country is built on individualism, not on a commitment to the common good.  In the shower this morning, I thought about the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of you teamming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"  - The New Collossus, Emma Lazarus

The United States has become like a used car salesman, the master of the bait and switch. This country promises so much but continues to fail to deliver anything of substance to those who are disenfranchised. Perhaps the words on the Statue of Liberty should be ammended to say:

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of you teamming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. Perhaps these words will keep them warm at night, provide healthcare and create an illusion of justice. - The New Realist, Vikki Reich

What will it take for people to begin to show generosity of spirit? Can the divisions of this country be overcome? I don't know. Today, I am for seccession. Let the left and right agree to disagree, divide the country in half and be done with it. I nominate Zeca as the leader of Lefty Land and she will make sure that everyone has basic civil rights and healthcare. Sure, there might be some funky laws that require mismatched clothing but I think that we can all live with that. It's a much smaller price than we are paying now.