During This Time Know #ICARE #ILoveThisCountry

I care—I always have.

I don't think that I have to say this since I have written two American Revolution series and one Civil War series, but I love this country. 

Our history is one to be proud of because of one fact—it's a democracy that allows for change. Was it perfect when it was created? The simple answer is no, but it was and is far better than any other country in the world. 

I can see people rolling their eyes. How can I say that during this time? We are in the middle of a horrid pandemic. The economy could collapse. There are riots and looting in the streets. 

Because we are America and we must survive. We have always stood for hope. What other country does that?

I love this country. The United States is amazing. It may not be perfect, but on its concept, it allowed for change. Our Founding Fathers did an absolutely astonishing job creating America. For over two hundred and forty years, we have evolved and continue to do so. 

We are a democracy where any citizen can live out the American dream....where we can protest peacefully. 

I'm white. 

I understand why Blacks have become frustrated. Any caring person feels for any senseless loss of life. I don't there can be a question that there needs to be reform.

You might say to yourself—it is easy for you to say this now after the fact. But wait—I said it before...matter of fact several times. I even wrote a serial about it...Southern Legacy.

Oh...what...Southern Legacy? No way. It's about the Antebellum South...isn't it?

First, let me address my views. I have wrote a few blogs that have expressed why I wrote Southern Legacy. 

http://jerrihines.blogspot.com/2020/01/remember-past.html

http://jerrihines.blogspot.com/2017/09/we-people.html

http://jerrihines.blogspot.com/2018/05/escape-into-past.html

I even have a small blog that I don't write in often back in February, 2019.

http://randomthoughts.jerrihines.com/2019/02/olemiss-basketball-players-kneeling.html

I want you to understand where I stand. 

When I was in the fifth grade, I came in second in an essay contest about the Civil War. The teacher told my mother I would have won if I hadn't said that the South was wrong about declaring war on the North.

That's why I felt writing Southern Legacy was so important. I wanted everyone to feel the different points of view. It was hard to write, but history needs to be remembered...so it won't be repeated.

It's important and we whites need to listen...and then be able to discuss the situation. We all need to be in that discussion to come to a lasting change.

To make a positive change in this world, we can't let anger be our driving force.

We need to be responsible. Someone needs to be the voice of reason.

We live in a democracy where your voice matters. 

What we do need is a true leader.

One who will not divide us, but bring us together. We need a leader that does not hide, but tells us where he truly stands. We need a leader that is not driven by his or hers political party, but what is best for all American people.

Most importantly, we need the News to stop leaning to the right or to the left. We are bombarded with how one side wants us to see the world. I mean who in their right mind would call the automous zone a garden party and then on the other hand, you have doctored photos. Where has responsible journalism gone? I grew up in an era where news was supposed to be unbiased.

Times are changing. It's hard, but Life is never easy. We, Americans, can do this...together.

We need to use our voice—a right we have here in the United States.