Give me your tired, your poor
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
The wretched refuse of your teaming shore
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
(Irving Berlin lyrics adapted from the poem The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus)
Song sung during the Bicentennial Celebrations of our country when I was a girl echoed through my mind this morning as I contemplated the election today. How things have changed in my lifetime... Once a bastion of hope for a better life for people struggling in other countries, the US has shifted its stance. No longer does a warm melting pot await those seeking asylum. Only a cold wall, guns, and separation from your parents.
Today I hope for better things for all of us. I pray for the division to end. For us to see our shared brotherhood or sisterhood. May we forge a path forward, arms linked. Knowing that together we can win over anything. If we can just stop tearing each other down..... God bless us all. And God protect the United States of America.
Here is a video of the song sung by my alma mater.