In the last “Why United?” post we made, our team tried to capture the essence of what makes America great by referencing historical bravado. The greatness of Hubert Humphrey’s hand of conciliation, George Washington’s nobility, Henry Clay’s legislative chops, and Truman’s Marshall Plan: while we’re proud of what came out, I feel it fell short of what we needed to say. Lost in the grandiosity of historical examples was the simple answer to “Why United?” and now the BOW team comes together to try and give that answer.
Daniel’s Message
“Why United?” is the pervasive question as some within Congress call for a “national divorce” on the artificial basis of red states and blue states. Some yell that America is too divided to ever come back together; they say we’re an “empire in decline,” so down on the prospects of saving our country for all future posterity. The fleeting ember that was American greatness faded with the tumult of the 21st century, they say, and it would do us all good to divide ourselves and balkanize ourselves into our respective corners of the country; they’re wrong. Look beside you; your neighbor is not your sworn enemy; your family isn’t out to destroy you for a mere difference in belief. We’ve gotten so far within ourselves that we’ve forgotten the joy of speaking to one another, of communicating and reaching out. We are so drawn into our own blind ambition and goals that everyone we see is a monster beyond saving: that’s wrong. It cannot be said enough that we’re drawn into traps by bad actors with nothing but the worst intentions for us in mind, be it our phones, social media, or politicians. They don’t have our best interest in mind; their prerogative is to keep us separated for their own gain. And that isn’t the best of America.
America is at its best when we march united and not fall divided; America is at its best when we extend our loving embrace to those who seem so far apart from us and yet are so close. We’re better than the forces that divide us, so “why united?” because it’s the only way: “why united?” because our country and our children deserve it, and we owe it to ourselves, too. Forward together is the only way.
Lya’s Message
As we continue to reap from the branches of our fruitful country, we must rally as a united front to protect her ever-growing roots in the world. We refer to her as the greatest nation in the world; with her endless freedom and opportunities, the United States is beloved by all her citizens. But where does this patriotism come from; how has America managed to rise like a phoenix from the ashes after years of tyranny into the global power she is today?
The answer is simple: loyalty. The loyalty and respect of her citizens withstands any bullet or sword. The unity of her citizens will cause our nation to outlive the chaos and dangers of the world. Our country’s love will triumph in hard times and persevere until the end of the world. However, she does not let this love go unnoticed. America repays her citizens for their loyalty by protecting them and others in need, no matter the cost. In all her grace, she extends an olive branch to those seeking her aid. It is my great honor to repay her with my patriotism for the country that showed me what home felt like. During our elections, we must put aside our differences and remember the crucial thing we all share: our love for this great nation.
Alyssa’s Message
For the people, by the people.
This sentiment, extending from the motivations before the American independence movement to our bustling current day, is a perseverent phrase that doesn’t just tell why America is thriving and never stagnant. Change is embodied in the actions of our voices in our communities, the hands of our representatives, and the responsibility of elected officials, demonstrating the power of our democracy and stringing together the overwhelming common theme: action, connection, and unity.
Our nation’s remaining duty is to remain fundamentally united, even in times of times of uncertainty. Unity isn’t a glamourous word we put on paper and remain ignorant of in its practice; it is our shared responsibility that binds us across states, generations, and diverse backgrounds to tread our track toward a more perfect union.
Today, among all days of our years, Bridge of Wills calls for unity beyond our team- to champion a dynamic and multifaceted unity that mirrors what makes our nation great. Take this opportunity to contribute to our flourishing nation; go vote, extend your voice in your local council, exemplify justice, and commit to being educated about our national condition and building bridges of understanding. Whatever that may look like to you- such as standing in solidarity in the halls of our Supreme Court or taking a stand in your local civic association, let’s take our best course of action to remain connected, informed, and present: unified by 248 years of living up to what we do best: acting, advocating, and educating for the people, by the people.
Felix’s Message
Democracies are built on unity, they last from unity. There is always room for disagreement and for different ideas yet this must never go past the binding concept of unity. Our binding principle of valuing this nation and its people is what must motivate people and politician alike; today I fear this is far from what happens. Never has there not been a time when there were those wishing for disunion for personal gain, yet there always were people striving for excellence of nation and excellence of people. Today the same is true, however, with the rise of social media and its influence on political polarization, many are turning away from those who desire union and a prosperous nation for the sake of populist candidates only wishing to help themselves.
During the 2012 debates Romney and Obama began it respecting each other and treating each other as fellow humans; just 12 years later people cheer for their favorite politician to lay a scathing insult not onto the other persons platform but the person itself. This does not mean we’ve fallen to disunion or that there is no bright future for American politics, however, it does mean we are choosing disunion and discord over union. America is a nation that has faced so much trial and tribulation and has cemented itself as the greatest power on this planet, do not let this delude us from the foundational principle of respect and union and let this nation continue to be prosperous on such an idea.
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