Isn't it amazing, how just when you're ready to throw in the towel, and give up on humanity, something happens to give you at least a little glimmer of hope?
Today, with my family, I watched the total eclipsed; a once-in-a-lifetime event. Though I was impressed with the awesome beauty of the convergence of our moon and sun, I was more impressed with the people around us.
For a brief moment, we were all simply human beings, united to watch one of the world's natural wonders together. There were no racist, sexist, homophobes, straight bashers, atheist or religious zealots. I didn't see any Republicans or Democrats, Liberals or Conservatives, no Obama haters or anti-Trumpers. We were all Americans and human beings. It was peaceful and glorious.
It started me wondering, when was the last time our country actually felt unified? Then, the answer came to me... September 12th, 2001. The day after the towers fell.
On that day, we were all one people, united in our grief, and against a common enemy. No one cared who you voted for in the last election, or what color your skin was. It didn't matter if you were gay or straight. All that mattered was being there for your fellow citizens, your fellow human beings.
It shouldn't take a great (or tragic) event to bring us all together. We shouldn't need a reason, or excuse, to find common ground with others. We should already be practicing this every day.
Of course, the good will didn't last. (It never does.) The media immediately returned to tearing into the President for not wearing eye protection, and his latest comments on the racial divide.
Tomorrow, the news will be filled with more "scandals" and horrific tweets, and the so-called "new normal" will be in full swing, once more. But, for at least a few minutes today, there was peace, brotherhood, and civility.
Here's hoping we can get it all back for good, someday soon.
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