Dear America,

I miss you. The old you. The you that stood for the American dream – a democratic republic built on the values of freedom, equality, and justice where all people have the opportunity for prosperity and success. I miss the pride I once felt for you, on those hot Fourth of Julys wearing the red and blue striped T-Shirt my mom got me from Old Navy. These days, thinking I’m a part of you just makes me turn red in embarrassment. What happened?

You don’t boast with pride anymore. The rest of the world ridicules you as you fight yourself day in and day out. Things that once signified your essence of unity – your flag, your anthem, your name – now are nothing more than a partisan debate. Why?

Yesterday, you were anguished by your own. Stripped-down of your dignity and self-worth, you’re nothing more than a punchline on the cover of that local newspaper today. How could you let this happen? How could we let this happen? People are saying it’s the government’s fault, it’s the people’s fault, but the only person I blame is you.

I blame you for making me believe in the future, in change & progress. I blame you for giving me false hope for a better society when all my generation will be given are the troubles of the last. Everything you promised, was it all just a mere fairytale?

However, as much as I want to hate you, I can’t. I owe you my whole life, my safety, my ability to live as I please. You have given me so much and for that, I say thank you. I want to believe this nightmare will be over soon, as even day needs night, but it’s getting worse – and I’m worried that this time, you won’t be able to pull yourself out of the ditch you continue to dig for yourself.

America, hold on for us. Prevail for us. We need you, now more than ever. This world is rough, but just as you promised to enlighten the world with your grace, we promise to be graceful for you.

We love you America, even though it may not seem like that now. You’ve seen good and bad in your 240+ years – surely you can get past this.

Always,

Aby