This year the United States of America turns 242 years old. It was on July 4, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress.
I’m having all kinds of mixed feelings about the 4th of July this year. But still…
My Dearest America,
Happy birthday!
I love you so much and consider myself incredibly blessed to have been born here. If my mother had not come here from Mexico, things would be so different for me. I take none of the advantages that come with being a citizen of the U.S. for granted.
I love you so much, America. I respect you so much, America. That is why I hold you accountable, America. Today, I celebrate your birth, but if there are many, many more years to come, we’ve got some work to do.
Loving you does not mean that I can’t want more from you, that I can’t expect and demand more from you.
My gift to you this year is not turning my back on the injustices being committed in your name. Poor decisions made on your behalf are tearing you apart and I love you too much to stand idly by and let that happen.
I love you, America. You are 242 years old, I demand that you act your age and do better, please.
Your loving daughter,
Claudya
ALSO READ: I Didn’t Cross the Border, I Was Born Here
Note: I originally wrote this as a newsletter. I decided to post it here on the blog as well after a kind soul expressed the desire to share it.
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