Is it anything close to the America you grew up in?
Do you think it is better or worse than it was ten years ago?
I don't think there is a yes or no answer to any of this.
My feelings bounce from happy to sad and back again.
I love the way we are more open about things like discrimination.
I feel sad that it has turned into a tool used to attack other people.
I love the way we have cleaned up the air and chemical messes.
I feel sad when people are told that the planet will burn up in their lifetime.
I feel proud when I see beautiful buildings, bridges and statues.
I want to cry when fellow Americans burn them down.
I feel secure when I see police doing their difficult jobs.
I feel sad when our wonderful police force is abused.
My heart skips a beat when I see the American flag.
And I gag on my tears when I see it disgraced and ignored.
I will always vote for what makes me happy and proud.
Joyce Oroz
