Have to share because it’s been bothering me all day - I marched with my town’s Democratic Committee for our Independence Day parade, and it was great until it wasn’t. We wore our blue Democrat t-shirts and had banners celebrating hometown heroes (that was the theme of the parade) and handed out candy and small flags to little kids. Towa…
Have to share because it’s been bothering me all day - I marched with my town’s Democratic Committee for our Independence Day parade, and it was great until it wasn’t. We wore our blue Democrat t-shirts and had banners celebrating hometown heroes (that was the theme of the parade) and handed out candy and small flags to little kids. Towards the end of the parade I approached a little girl who was waving at the marchers when her dad (uncle, grandfather, whatever) looks at me unpleasantly and says, “No! We’re not Democrats!” I’m not going to lie - it took me by surprise and I paused. But then I walked up and said, “They’re American flags,” handed the flag to the girl who was unaware of anything else, and continued marching. And I thought as I finished the parade route that the America I loved and was celebrating was not that gentleman’s America. I don’t think he even considered me an American, but as his enemy. And I don’t know how this country heals from that level of hatred and distrust.
Happy birthday, America - and here’s to many more.
Guy, the picture next to your name is beautiful. As for the parade you didn't walk away from the little girl who was watching it. Even though the man with her was unwelcoming, you didn't respond to him and gave the girl a flag. That seems perfect to me. You acted as a good American and a Democrat, too. Happy 4th of July. I hope you smile before you go to sleep.
I hope the young girl took away your message. There’s no Democratic flag nor Republican flag; there’s only the American 🇺🇸 flag. If we’re lucky, you gave him something to think about as well.
But the obnoxious fellow came to watch the parade and let his daughter learn about it. That's at least a slight ray of hope. He could have done something nasty.
The only answer I know, Guy, is Lincoln’s. If you want to win a man to your cause, he said, be his friend. Hard as it is, if we always strive to be friends, the war is won. We may not win every battle but we will turn the tide towards that more perfect union.
What bothers me about your experience, Guy, is that the memory of the encounter with the dad is vivid and can become the first thing thought of when reliving, in this case, the 4th of July parade. The contentious and deliberate nasty divide between political opponents in Washington spills in that exact way to the citizenry of our country. It just is so beyond the expectation of extending common courtesy to a stranger. And enjoying a local event of a parade together. I share your concern of losing the bond of trust with strangers that we sort of expect in this country….because we are united under one flag of democracy. I really do not like what that man said and intended in his remark to you. Even more so thinking that it will influence the children he brings up.
Here’s to finding common ground. Thank you for sharing, Guy!
You set a wonderful example. Ignoring the anger and celebrating our “United” States of America ❤️ Sometimes that’s all it takes for a child to recognize there is a universe outside their own, one full of love for all, not poisonous anger.
Your example is such a good one. To paraphrase, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" No matter what your faith is, this phrase really describes inclusion and welcoming. You are a great example of this. Bravo.
Have to share because it’s been bothering me all day - I marched with my town’s Democratic Committee for our Independence Day parade, and it was great until it wasn’t. We wore our blue Democrat t-shirts and had banners celebrating hometown heroes (that was the theme of the parade) and handed out candy and small flags to little kids. Towards the end of the parade I approached a little girl who was waving at the marchers when her dad (uncle, grandfather, whatever) looks at me unpleasantly and says, “No! We’re not Democrats!” I’m not going to lie - it took me by surprise and I paused. But then I walked up and said, “They’re American flags,” handed the flag to the girl who was unaware of anything else, and continued marching. And I thought as I finished the parade route that the America I loved and was celebrating was not that gentleman’s America. I don’t think he even considered me an American, but as his enemy. And I don’t know how this country heals from that level of hatred and distrust.
Happy birthday, America - and here’s to many more.
Guy, the picture next to your name is beautiful. As for the parade you didn't walk away from the little girl who was watching it. Even though the man with her was unwelcoming, you didn't respond to him and gave the girl a flag. That seems perfect to me. You acted as a good American and a Democrat, too. Happy 4th of July. I hope you smile before you go to sleep.
I hope the young girl took away your message. There’s no Democratic flag nor Republican flag; there’s only the American 🇺🇸 flag. If we’re lucky, you gave him something to think about as well.
But the obnoxious fellow came to watch the parade and let his daughter learn about it. That's at least a slight ray of hope. He could have done something nasty.
This.
Thanks for your kind words.
You touched us, Guy, and we stand with you.
The only answer I know, Guy, is Lincoln’s. If you want to win a man to your cause, he said, be his friend. Hard as it is, if we always strive to be friends, the war is won. We may not win every battle but we will turn the tide towards that more perfect union.
Guy, That was a fabulous response. Maybe you didn't impress the dad but I bet the little girl enjoyed receiving your gift.
Yes, as Fern said it: Smile, and rest. I don’t think you could have done any better.
You are part of the way this country may accomplish the healing we all strive for.
A smile goes a long way, especially with children.
What bothers me about your experience, Guy, is that the memory of the encounter with the dad is vivid and can become the first thing thought of when reliving, in this case, the 4th of July parade. The contentious and deliberate nasty divide between political opponents in Washington spills in that exact way to the citizenry of our country. It just is so beyond the expectation of extending common courtesy to a stranger. And enjoying a local event of a parade together. I share your concern of losing the bond of trust with strangers that we sort of expect in this country….because we are united under one flag of democracy. I really do not like what that man said and intended in his remark to you. Even more so thinking that it will influence the children he brings up.
Here’s to finding common ground. Thank you for sharing, Guy!
You set a wonderful example. Ignoring the anger and celebrating our “United” States of America ❤️ Sometimes that’s all it takes for a child to recognize there is a universe outside their own, one full of love for all, not poisonous anger.
Your example is such a good one. To paraphrase, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" No matter what your faith is, this phrase really describes inclusion and welcoming. You are a great example of this. Bravo.
You handled that situation with aplomb! Well done!
So proud of you🌹