A Real American

When I was a kid, everyone knew what a Real American was. You saw them in every movie and on every TV show. Everyone knew what a Real American looked like; like John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Gene Kelly or Kathryn Hepburn. Everyone knew what a Real American acted like. Now some people seem to think we don't know who a Real American is- but I am quite sure they have it all wrong. A Real American is not exactly like Joe the Plumber who runs around getting attention and holding news conferences. For those of you who weren't lucky enough to learn about Real Americans from John Huston and Frank Capra, I have a few identifying characteristics so that you will immediately know a Real American when you see one. A Real American works and doesn't expect a hand-out, but is ready to help someone who needs help. A Real American is honest. A Real American is kind. A Real American is generous. A Real American is brave and sacrifices for others. A Real American is responsible for themselves. If a Real American makes a mistake, he or she admits it and takes the consequences. A Real American has a sense of humor and can laugh at themselves. A Real American has honor and self-respect. If there is a hero in any situation, you can bet that it is a Real American. A Real American believes in the good in others, but recognizes the bad and is not afraid to confront it. A Real American is a graceful winner and a good loser. A Real American shows reverence for the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the laws of this land. A Real American knows our history, knows their part in our democracy and is happy to do their civic duty. Underneath their jeans and tee shirts, their blazers and ties, their work shirts and coveralls, a Real American is a little bit Superman and a little bit Mother Theresa, a little bit Abraham Lincoln and a little bit Amelia Earhart. There's a phrase you don't hear much any more. This year, I sure hope all the Real Americans get together and do their civic duty. It's time to take our country back.

Santa Claus?

In 6 days, I will get to do something that I never thought I would do in my lifetime. I will vote for a black person for President of the United States of America. I never thought I would get the chance. I'm not talking about write-ins or marginal candidates, but a real, live, mainstream candidate. I am old enough to remember Selma, to remember hearing Martin Luther King's speeches on the radio. Remember when the radio was big?- I do. There were no black children in my grade school. I don't think there were in my junior high school either, due to the segregation of neighborhoods. I remember there were riots at the high school the year before I started there and it was frightening. But, by the time I got there, all was calm. Peace and love. Well, not really, but with the Vietnam War we had equal opportunity dying and some other concerns. As far as race was concerned, the reality was we continued to be separate in the same space in high school and college. Friendly at times, but not often really friends. Time marched on, and on and my children went to the some of the same schools with a very different outcome. Their friends didn't look just like them and over time, our family grew to include some colors and shapes that don't look much like our name sounds. That doesn't matter now, because the world has moved on, but I remember a time when that was unthinkable. Now, I know that I, along with millions of other adults are experiencing a feeling that we haven't had since we were kids. On November 5th will the present we've been waiting for, or just another giant disappointment?