Hurry Back America…by Michael Murphy

We surely know that life has many winding turns. For so many, it is a rollercoaster of emotions and ups and downs. Life is no dress rehearsal. Nevertheless, there is a river of pride and excitement the recent Olympics and currently the Paralympics should have given us as our athletes represented the red, white, and blue so admirably. We are still able to appreciate the triumph of victory, along with the agony of defeat. The important point is you work hard to represent and finish the journey. Now if we could just import back home here those upbeat moments of competing in the sport, as we do ourselves in life. 

As my memory continues to serve me well, I simply cannot recall a time of more political angst, divisions, ominous forecasts, and civic negativism. The chasms of division are, in some cases, too wide to cross, too tall to get over, and too big to get around. However, I make no apologies for my optimism that out of the political ash heap of self-serving officials, attention will be drawn to the real everyday issues that total up to measure significantly in our daily lives.

We are dealing with survey after survey results that indicate a majority of people feel we are on the wrong track. Trust in our officials to lead the way with solutions is a figment of the mind of the politically naïve. Our overall respect for each other is ebbing at an alarming rate. You simply cannot dismiss indicators that say we may be fine within ourselves but not so much with our neighbor.

Clearly, it is past time to be engaged with our public servants, both elected, appointed and publicly employed individuals. Let’s endorse with visceral sincerity the words ‘Thank you for your service’ mantra to each active military, veteran, elected official, and law enforcement professional we encounter. It is especially important for the latter group because they put on that Kevlar vest each day and a return home trip cannot be assumed. It is shameful as we reflect on the recent incidents of our fallen men in blue at the hands of recalcitrant that feel law and order does not apply to them.

The America I remember respected our peers and society in general. We are all children of God. There is ample space for all with a banquet table of life with no reserved seats. You get a seat if you can earn it and keep it if you can hold it. You take nothing for granted and show appreciation for those you meet along the way. If divisions arise along the way, take comfort in knowing common ground can exist, if we seek it.

I would be hard pressed to think of anyone who expressed in words my desires for America more on target than Langston Hughes in his poem, “Let America be America again.”

As Mr. Hughes put it, let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be. Let it be the pioneer on the plain seeking a home where he himself is free. Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed. Let it be that great strong Land of Love where never kings connive nor tyrants’ scheme. That any man may be crushed by one above.”

 Well, let those few passages suffice for now. I trust that you feel my points here. Let us get back to what made us significant. Moreover, if you happen not to feel that we are an exceptional nation and worthy society, I will just step to the sunny side of the street and leave the other side to you.

May God bless America.

I am Michael Murphy