The upcoming election is an opportunity for all of us to change the face of our country. For too many years, since our founding and even before, systemic racism has ruled our lives. This has been the building block of our society. Now is the time for change. No, one election is not going to bring the winds of change blowing in and clearing away the debris that hampers our country. This election will be the beginning. Or can be.
We owe it to ourselves to include every one in the fruits this country offers. When we exclude a human because of the color of their skin we are doing a disservice to the country. When we exclude a human because of their religion we are doing a disservice to our country. When we exclude a human because of their gender identity we are doing a disservice to our country.
Since the first slave was brought to our shores we have lived the life of racists. We have made promises for so many years and have yet to live up to any of them. We have to enable everyone to rise up in this country and make the best life they can. This enabling includes taking care of all of our people. Making health care a right, making voting a right, making sure that those that need it most are taken care of.
It is time to rework our democracy. It cannot survive the coming changes in it’s current form. This means expense. I want those that can succeed to do so. I don’t mind that some have more, much more than others. But as the world changes we as Americans have to change also. That means changes to the way our democracy is enacted. Those that have the most must make some sacrifices to help those who cannot do what it takes to “make it big”. I am not talking about free money for nothing. I am saying that some people have what it takes to make it to the top and some don’t. Those that don’t have that business sense or instinct are still hard working, honest people that aren’t looking for handout. They are looking for help where help is available.
I am lucky, I was born white and will always be white. Those born into families of color have not had the opportunities afforded to me. I don’t consider myself a racist but I certainly have not been anti-racist my entire life. I grew up around people who were fundamentally racists but not outwardly. Little things I heard growing up come back to me now as I learn more and more about anti-racism. This is not to say that everyone around me was racist. There were pockets of people in my circle that were and, in some cases, still are racist. I have to block out those bits of early life. It is my goal to be anti-racist. I am learning, I am listening, I am doing what I can to help.
Electing Joe Biden is not the end all for our country. His election will be a turning point, a transitional presidency. This could be the time when we can look back and say “2020 was the year we began to change the world”. And maybe my grandchildren will be able to live up to the promise of our founding: We The People.