contradictory

 Can diversity create unity? America was created from a diverse group of people, that's what we are told. But that isn't the truth of it. America was created by a like minded group of people. In the beginning that is what it was. What was different about these people was their willingness to accept others into their society. Yes, a diverse group was allowed, indeed encouraged to join the group. The key feature in that was the " joining " of the group, what we sometimes call sharing the dream. Aren't we told that everyone can share in the dream that is America? Yes, we are. What are we told about that? Through hard work, dedication and clean living that is possible in America. If you join in , adopt the policy of the group, you can share in everything the group has to offer. Thing is, you have to join, in other words unite! Yes, it is called unity. Even the motto on our coins express that, E Pluirbus Unum, from many one. Unity includes diversity, but unity isn't diverse. That would be a contradiction in terms.

 America, the great melting pot. That is what used to be said, although I don't hear that nearly as much today as I did when I was in grade school. Is that because those immigrating to our country no longer assimilate to our country? That's what " melting " meant in that familiar phrase. A blending into American culture. That is what created unity. Yes neighborhoods were created by the various waves of immigrants, by the different peoples coming to this land. Birds of a feather and all that. It's human nature to gravitate towards those that share common backgrounds, religious beliefs, language or culture. That hasn't changed in the history of man. I don't believe it will ever change. Still the dream was, and still is in my opinion, to become united.

 In order to accomplish that we do have to agree on basic principles. Contrary to modern revisionists that basic principle was based in the Judeo-Christian traditions. That is what the first " Americans " believed in. The manner in which they practiced those beliefs can be analyzed, questioned, and shown to be less than perfect. No one is denying that. The practice of faith is an ever evolving  thing. Something I've noticed is what I call a more " convenient " faith these days. A relaxing of the " laws " so to speak. Not quite so restrictive on a personal level. You can sin, just a little bit, and that's alright. But I'm not getting into that discussion this morning. 

 In 1607 settlers landed at Jamestown and formed a settlement. Some say that was the beginning of America and I can understand that. Still, it wasn't America it was a British settlement, founded by entrepreneurs. The objective here was to make money. Yes, it was " sold " to investors with the promise of land, freedom, a new life with limitless possibilities, everyone is welcome. Why it's practically free! Does that sound familiar? It should, those wishing to sell something are saying the same thing today. 

 One hundred and sixty nine years later the colonists were fed up. High taxes and the imposition of laws that impacted their business. So a separation was declared. In that declaration we laid out the reasons for that. Then we wrote a constitution. In that constitution church and state were separated! And what was the reason for that? Can't have the church controlling the politics is the basic reason. The writers of that document were all too aware of what could happen when the church controls the politics. Remember a little thing called the protestant reformation? What was that about? Protesting the doctrines of the church? No, not really, it was protesting the politics of the church. The concern then being the Pope controlling everything. Interesting to note is that was also a big concern when Kennedy was elected President, many thought the Pope would just tell Kennedy what to do and he would do that, being a Catholic and all. Sounds silly doesn't it? Many didn't think so. 

 So today we have the Constituting ands the Bill of rights as our founding documents. Those documents are supposed to outline the " society " and adherence to those principles is what will create unity. They are what makes the United States united. It's the reason all immigrants are required to take an oath. A portion of that oath says: " renounce and abjure absolutely and entirely all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty "  The objective being an acceptance and adoption of American ideals. Yes, to become one with America. It isn't having diverse cultures co-habiting in the nation, the oath is to become an American. Unity from diversity. 

 What I'm trying to say is this, perhaps we need to stop talking about diversity, and start talking about unity. We all understand that everyone is different. We all know that already. What we need to discuss is how we are the same. We can all agree on the goal, that's a universal thing. What we need to decide upon is just how to get there. Only when we all decide to work together can that happen. There can be no exemptions, no exceptions to the rule. Equality means equal. You can't gain equality by taking it from others. Diversity can create unity only when diversity unites.