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Instead of embracing Americans of all hues, Republicans (and many Democrats) are still blind to what is happening in this country. America has always been a country that accepted immigrants of many cultures, of many languages. In the last quarter of a century it is Hispanic American and Asian American populations which have grown in size and in importance. They are talking, Republican leaders aren’t listening. Or, are they profoundly deaf?
President Obama is an African-American. What you see is what you get. People of color identify with him.
I don’t know what Mitt Romney could have done to attract non-whites to his message. Perhaps, he could have learned a few words in Spanish and tossed them out now and then during his campaign. At least Romney could have publicly eaten an enchilada or two.
The day after the election, gun stocks went through the ceiling because, of course, now that Romney is out, Obama will probably try to ban automatic weapons. Then how are real Americans (read white) supposed to defend themselves when “they” come after us?
I look out to the worshipping community on Sundays and I see whites sitting next to hispanics. My altar servers are oriental, and the ushers are of many colors. We get along. Republican office holders should take a cue from the Catholic Church. Integration is one of the things we do well.
We need American leaders who will re-teach us that this country is open to everyone who wants to contribute to our culture, to everyone who wants to love this country, regardless of color. It’s going to be a hard sell but it falls on Republicans to get their heads out of the sand and do it.
(I took this photo of a child in Mali two years ago. I wonder how he got the tee-shirt.)
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