Wouldn't it be nice

 

By Dennis McClatchey

Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where striving to benefit the common good was seen as a virtue, and selfish greed was seen as a vice.

 Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where "America the melting pot" was viewed as a positive metaphor and not a negative one. Where diversity of races, cultures and religions was seen as a strength not as an inconvenience or threat. Where "Give us your poor, you tired, your huddled masses longing to be free" was not just an empty cliché but was truly felt.

 

Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where we tried to preserve and enhance a citizen's rights not strike them down just because some are different. Where we encourage voting and make it more convenient rather than building barriers preventing qualified voters from exercising this precious privilege.

 Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where we really cared about the poor and disadvantaged instead of seeing them as lazy and undeserving? And where minority religions and people without a faith are considered just as patriotic as all others.

 Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where certain rights were so important that they could not be taken away by the majority. Where judicial courts decided cases based on the law not political persuasion.

 Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where those who chose public works as a profession were revered not demagogue. Where the less fortunate had equal access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as do the most fortunate.

 Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where science was greeted with marvel and was appreciated for providing greater understanding of the universe in which we all live, and not seen as black magic intended to destroy ones faith. Where intellect, education, and critical thinking are revered and not ridiculed as elitism.

 Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where country does come before politics, where compromise was something politicians strived to achieve instead of refusing to meet the other party half way.

 Wouldn't it be nice to live in a country where we work to preserve our environment for future generations. Where we place as much importance on regulations to ensure breathable air, unpolluted drinking water, and untainted foods as we do in enhancing corporate profits.

 Wouldn't it be nice.