A Bittersweet Thanks From America

When I was a child in South Africa, we often had to write stories from the point of view of someone or something else.  For example: Imagine yourself as a tree with children climbing in your branches and write a story about it. 

At the 250th birthday of the United States of America, a similar kind of story came to me. I imagined myself as America, writing a thank you letter to all the citizens of the country. Here it is. 

My Dear Americans,

Thank you so much for all my birthday wishes and all the wonderful celebrations you held across the country in my honor. I’ll never get tired of seeing all those flags and ice cream cakes and beach picnics and backyard barbecues. My favorite part is always watching little children with smears of ketchup on their faces gazing at the fireworks displays from their parents’ arms. 

It's not easy for me to find a way to say thank you to all those who fought and died on my behalf. My gratitude has no bounds, but neither does my pain, thinking of all the suffering and knowing how many young lives have been cut short. How I wish that all of you – in this country and across the world – could find a way to end war for once and for all. I know you’re capable of it. At least, I’d like to think you are, because the alternative is just too depressing for words.  

Speaking of conflict, I’ve been feeling more than a bit disappointed and frustrated lately.  Here’s the thing. You’ve shown me in so many ways how absolutely brilliant and creative you are. Think of all the extraordinary things you’ve done over my lifetime. You invented the telephone and the microwave and figured out a system called anesthesia, where people can have surgery and not feel any pain! You’ve extended the lives of human hearts through the invention of the pacemaker. You’ve written books that bring each other together in your humanity, made music that makes people want to dance, and stitched together beautiful quilts out of old scraps of fabric. And what about the chocolate chip cookie? I could go on forever about how much pleasure the chocolate chip cookie brings people of all ages every single day.  

So why is it that you’re getting worse and worse at getting along with each other? I remember there was a time, not that long ago, when friends and families could talk and argue about their political differences and still want to be with each other, even though they saw things so differently. Not anymore. I hate to say it, but it’s getting harder and harder to call myself the United States of America, when there’s so much hate and fear and so little trust and unity among you. I’ve seen how instinctively you come together and rally when there’s a natural disaster and after tragedies like 9/11, so I know very well how capable you are of putting aside your differences and taking care of each other. And every time I witness it I am overcome with pride. 

To be honest, dear Americans, I’m not feeling very strong right now. In fact, I’m feeling pretty frail, and at the rate things are going, I’m not sure what state I’ll be in for my next birthday. I know no-one likes a lecture, but here are a few things I’d like you to consider for all our sakes. 

Please remember that we are a nation of immigrants. We always have been, except for the Native Americans who were here 23,000 to 33,000 years before the Europeans arrived. With your collective brainpower and innate decency, I know you have the ability to figure out a humane immigration system. 

Please recall that people historically came to this country to have the freedom to practice their religions in safety. I’m talking about all religions, not just your religion. You must work harder at reigning in your prejudices if I am to continue to proudly call myself the United States of America. 

Please think of the children and of the things they need to flourish and eventually become contributing citizens of this country.  I’m talking about all the children, not just your children. Children thrive with fresh air, healthy food, and peaceful homes and schools. Some families need extra support, and we have the resources to provide what they need – we really do. 

Well, that’s it for now. Thanks again for all my birthday wishes. I’m truly hoping for many more years of happy celebrations with all of you. 

With gratitude and love,

The United States of America 

Artwork Credit: 4th of July Fireworks Art with Children, Bay, doggieoftheday