18 years in america

Celebrating 18 Years in America today!

Wow that is the age of a young adult and now I feel old!

I have to say I am grateful for the journey here thus far. This country, with its ideals, values, and progress, has helped shape who I am today. Even more so, the people, cultures, experiences, conversations, and opportunities have expanded my worldly perspective and gave me the courage to dream big. That's the truth, and I can't take away the good that it has done for me.

However, with everything that has been going on recently, not just the recent week, month, or year, but I'm talking about years, I can no longer vouch for the perfect American dream that we are selling here. And I'm not sure why things bother me now more than it ever did. Perhaps hitting that "30" mark has lowered my BS meter limit.

But let's talk about the "freedom" that we have here. If you know me, you know I love freedom. I was always the kid that spoke her mind and did what she wanted, no matter the consequences, country, or culture that I was in. And I think we all love freedom. That's why we are here. Now I realize though that freedom comes with a price, one that a lot of us don't want to pay.

Think about the freedom to tell other people to "go back to their countries". Think about the freedom to hurt another person based on their differences. Think about the freedom to curse someone out on the internet. Think about the freedom to "not wear a mask" around people. Think about the freedom to "host a large party" during the pandemic. Think about the freedom to go out and just buy a machine gun. Think about the freedom to take other people's lives because of "sexual frustration". Think about the freedom to rob, steal, take what isn't yours. Think about the freedom to do what you want at the cost of everyone else. Do you want that kind of freedom? I don't. And I know supposedly there are punishments for a lot of these "perceived freedoms" that people think they have. But no punishment can make up for innocent lives lost, families broken, permanent scars left mentally and physically, relationships destroyed, financial hardships caused, and more. And not all who should be punished actually be held accountable for.

With all the freedom, why does it feel like we are in a battle zone? Why is fear a part of our daily lives? Why is violence normalized? Why are our lives at stake for doing normal daily activities like taking a walk or going to the grocery store? Why do people act like they are enemies? Why is there no basic respect for humanity?

I can no longer say America is an example for the world. It has a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. I celebrate today with sadness for those who we have lost and hope for those who are here to fight together.
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Ting