"You don't have to live like a Refugee." - Tom Petty.
Refugee - one that flees; especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution. Lots of talk around here refugees. Seems the only good and right and American thing to do is welcome refugees with open arms and hearts.
People fleeing. That's a common thing.
And so many of us here in America are descendants of the huddled masses who split their home countries, looking for a better deal.
Most of us, except for the Native Americans, are Immigrants - one that immigrates: a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence.
I myself am a Heinz 57 mix of Irish, Polish, French, German, Russia DNA. I come from a long line of refugees and immigrants. Born and raised in good old USA, but still I can relate, and have sympathy for those who flee and want to settle somewhere new.
I still believe in the great, multi-cultural melting pot of America. I do think it makes us great, makes us strong. We are a nation of mutts. People from all countries, religions, races, meeting and greeting and mixing.
Diversity. I love walking the streets of a big American City and seeing the incredible mosaic of the human thing. It is exciting, exhilarating, and opens us to new ideas, and adventures. None of it is easy, none of it is perfect.
This race thing is a big thing. Dealing with other people is a big thing. But it is a human thing. So important. Makes us more expansive. Makes our country stronger. Those who want to build walls, create barriers, deepen divisions are on the wrong side of history. Out of step with what actually makes America great.
