Once upon a time, in America, it was a great source of pride to remember one's heritage, our roots, the springs from whence we came. This sentimental nostalgia comes from acknowledgment of those who came before; sacrificing so that we here, now, can enjoy bounty.
When labels define us, we are no longer us. We become other. And as other-ed, we become less, and as less we are deemed not human. That makes it easy for atrocities to take place.
I was told a story today about a young man who "came out" as a Republican. As if that was something to be ashamed of, by the way, it is not. No one should be ashamed of what they think. Deeds are shameful, wicked deeds are criminal. But to be a member of a political party is one of the things that is great about America. We have the freedom to disagree, and to criticize, and to argue our points.
In frustration, labels are slapped on a person so they no longer matter. So their point of view is not to be considered, their complaints, words, fears, passions, no longer heard. This is wrong. It always has been. And always will be.
Republicans matter. Democrats matter. People matter. Life matters.
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