When America Makes Me Proud

Recently our government changed the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, which is more than symbolic given the events that have taken place over the last few months. In the news we have seen disputes over Greenland, people dead in the streets of Minnesota, Latin American dictators abducted, and now a huge armada amassing in the Middle East, possibly to strike against Iran. 

There is lots of discussion about hard power and soft power. Yesterday the world’s attention was captured by the Olympics hockey final, where the U.S. pulled an upset against Canada. We also witnessed another remarkable performance by Alysa Liu, daughter of an immigrant father in exile from China, who won the gold medal in women’s figure skating. To me, this is the kind of “domination” America needs to show the world. Instead of leading with missiles and drones and people in masks, we can lead the world in excellence, inspiring others to do the same. This is the America of which I am proud to be a part.

America should not dominate by fear, threats, tariffs, and other forms of aggressive actions. We can show the world how to be by the way we treat others with justice, respect, and dignity. 

It is my prayer that compassion, understanding, and care for my neighbor should dominate over anger, misunderstanding, hate, and lies.

MEH