What do we want for our nation?

Are you, like myself, concerned about our nation, which we love? Have we chosen a side based on race, class, religion or national origin? Can we make another choice that is before us now — to find the path to unity?

Do we fear change? Will we find ourselves in unaccustomed and disconcerting circumstances? Do we desire a more beneficial and just society for all people?

When we choose the familiar path of self-interest or personal comfort, don’t we also opt for separation, enmity, prejudice and superiority over others? Are we invested in false standards where our personal desires outweigh the other more human virtues of justice, compassion, fair-mindedness, courage, trustworthiness and love?

What should we choose as a goal that which is necessary in a worldwide human community? Can today’s challenges be solved by just one person, group or nation? Exactly what has our individual pride of place, status and self-absorption accomplished? Does each one of us have a moral obligation to insist upon opportunity and justice for everyone?

Is there any remedy short of awareness of the despair in the hearts of others causing us to find enough love in our own hearts that we work to alleviate the tribulations that are facing all of us? Will we commit to reforming ourselves and eliminating the unjust practices of social, economic, and political systems?

If everyone’s well being is a goal worth pursuing can we unite, begin this work and persevere until that goal is attained?

Sherrill Hughey, Tolland