There are principles and values that transcend our words, our religions, and even our laws. Fair-play is one of them. Regardless of where or why we find ourselves on the political spectrum, if we do not deal fairly with one another, we diminish our trust toward each other; and ultimately, trust is the underlying social glue that holds us all together. The values expressed so eloquently at the base of the Statue of Liberty are another. The words “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” are more than a sentiment. They send a message to the world about what unites us, while they set us apart from our adversaries. Free elections that express our collective will is a third. We dishonor all who preceded us, and all that we stand for as a nation when we cheat, steal, obstruct, or otherwise prevent our free will and our ideals from emerging when we set out to elect and install those persons and those issues that arise from the best that represents our collective will.

Our values are admired by many others around the world. They draw others into our “melting pot” of good will. I had the pleasure of once standing with about 500 immigrants as they took their oaths of allegiance to the United States. They came here from all over the world—37 different countries as I recall. It was the last step toward citizenship. When they finished reciting the oath, the immigration representative said simply, “Welcome home!” The new citizens erupted into an ovation that lasted for at least 10 minutes. I congratulated those near me, even hugged a little old lady from somewhere in Asia. It was a moment unlike any other in my life.

Do not confuse me with a soft-headed pacifist, a peace-nick, or any label other than that of a patriot. I have no place on the political spectrum. I am an independent. I don’t always vote, but when I do, I vote for freedom as I see it, feel it, or think it. I went to war—not for the glory of killing—but for the honor of trying to bring an end to the killing. I do not seek any personal economic advantage in life beyond my needs. I decided long ago that my best effort as a citizen was to educate and cultivate my own mind and outlook into a finely-honed entity so that I could follow my own moral compass without bowing down to any person, place, or thing.

Sen. McConnell (R - KY) recently said that not one Republican Senator would support the Biden administration in its efforts to upgrade and modernize the US infrastructure—components of our economy so necessary for commerce to work well such as bridges, airports, seaports, dams, and railways. The best that can be said for such a position is that he is being loyal to a cause, and that cause is anti-American by design and objective. Another way of putting it is to say he does not support any bill that could be seen as helpful to his political opponents in their re-election efforts. That is pathetic because infrastructure repairs also help everyone who travels to and from any place in the country for any reason. They also help visitors, school children, and the wealthy as well as the needy. Withholding support for such vital repairs and upgrades in our economy is disloyal to American values, dishonest to Americans, and antithetical to democracy. It fails any test of decency in support of the common good.

It does little to say such issues can be settled at the polling booths. McConnell and his party are also a major player in rigging the elections. So how can we (those of us who try to be honest, fair, and responsible citizens) deal with all the Mitch McConnell’s who misrepresent us, our needs, and our aspirations? Much like guns in the hands of thugs, there is no single solution. There are 20 or 30 solutions that, acting together, can bring about change. Here are a few do’s and don'ts:

If you agree, you are already a part of the American majority who supports these causes, and opposes those that restrict us. Take on a bigger role. Become a voice for freedom.

DO:

1. Actively support candidates that renounce human rights violations.
2. Support those manufacturers and services that are against the same issues.
3. Renounce discrimination and human rights violations whenever and wherever they arise.
4. Sign petitions from legitimate organizations that support the issues in this essay.

DO NOT:

1. Don’t be a passenger on the train of life. Vote against any political candidate for any office who takes an oath of loyalty to false causes.
2. Boycott all products and services made in any state that restricts voting rights, or that practices violations against minorities.
3. Do not stop for gasoline, food, or accommodations in those states that violate these basic rights.
4. Do not contribute money, time, or energies to the election or re-election of any candidate who does not support American ideals, principles, or values.

There are no loyalty tests for duty, honor, or country. Non-disclosure agreements to the contrary are an abomination. Moreover, it isn’t necessary to become a bit kinder, more caring, or a more understanding person over night. That happens naturally with age and wisdom. The same holds true for tolerance, loving, and forgiving. But those virtues also wear so incredibly well on youth and the next generation. What a joy it is to see them in children, especially in my own kids and grand kids. They make up for a lot of mistakes I have made, and for my not being a better person in my own travels and destinations before I found the Train that is Bound for Glory.

The following video is so good it should be in every classroom in America, and every place where people of good will assemble, sing, and love humanity. Click and watch and feel the pride well up.

This Train is Bound for Glory, this Train.