We are all proud, and we should be, that Barack Obama is the first African American president. As a tall white Anglo male, I represent the group most favored of this great country and I am extremely proud of this national accomplishment. I think it is time for a great celebration. Of course our President, like you and me, has a very diverse lineage. Kenyan and Irish among them.
It would be a wonderful thing for President Obama to step forward and denounce all labels for race, national origin, whatever and declare that we are all mutts. That is what makes us Americans. Just like the President, we are all an amalgam of brave souls, outcasts and misfits from countries around the world.
We are American Mutts!
I would love to see Barack create a national day, some historically irrelevant Saturday in June so it will be nice everywhere, and declare it a day for celebration of our American Muttness.
Focus on the fact that we are all shades of the same general brown color, not black or white or whatever.
Focus on the fact that our ancestors came from all over the globe, but we should celebrate not those countries but the mixtures of histories that make Americans who we are.
Celebrate the fact that we represent every religion on the globe, but encourage participation by non-believers.
Have parades and speeches and lectures and parties.
Sign legislation abolishing laws providing special treatment for any group over another.
Review the purpose of the Constitution, the 16th Amendment, the Declaration of Independence, and the many speeches throughout our country’s history, but do not dwell on the past – celebrate the future.
Rejoice in the variety that makes us American and begin to develop a new culture without labels, without stereotypes and without prejudice.
Create a new pride in being an American Mutt!
American Mutt Day!
Author of five novels available on Amazon, numerous articles and other commentary.