A July Fourth message of hope and inspiration

As we celebrate Independence Day of the United States, it may seem like we are becoming, more and more, a divided nation. It is always good to take a deep breath and remind ourselves what our nation can be. 

Today, tanks will roll in our nation's capitol and an orange-haired man will claim to be the ultimate patriot. Look pass that individual to the Lincoln Memorial and heed the words of the nation's greatest president who guided a divided nation through times more turbulent than this Trumpian era.

America is constantly changing. It is not static, staid, or self-satisfied. More than just a geographical place, it is a dream, a state of mind, a state of being and a nation of endless possibilities.

The United States is far from perfect. It's flaws are too evident and obvious for us to stand by. It is not enough to just exist within it's borders. America's form of democracy demands your participation, needs you to be informed and to raise your voice and to listen to your conscience. And, when the time comes, vote.

Enjoy our country's Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman as she performs with the Boston Pops on July 4th. She reminds us what we aspire to be as we continue to work towards a "more perfect union."

_______________________________________________________________________

The browning of America: Predictions about the U.S.'s future

read this article This is an article on a phenomenon I've been writing about for decades, the growth of multi-racial families which will result in a quite different America than what we see today or what we are given to THINK is America thanks to a loud and vocal minority and a media still dominated by white, old male decision-makers. What Will America Look Like in 2060? 9 Bold Predictions About Our Future The U.S. is about to undergo some radical demographic shifts that will make our country a more beautiful, open place. View or comment on Ed Diokno's post »

Filipinos, Cesar Chavez and Hollywood

JUST FOR THE RECORD, With the recent release of a motion picture "Cesar Chavez" it should be noted that Filipino farmworkers began the grape boycott in 1965 forcing Chavez and the Mexican farmworkers to join in the strike.

The two unions became the United Farm Workers. Although led by Chavez, Andy Imutan and Larry Itliong were vice presidents and played major roles in cementing the UFW's role in labor history.

Unfortunately, in the movie, Filipinos were depicted only in minor roles, extras, spear carriers: a backdrop. You would think that in one of the few historical events in America where Filipinos played a major role, they would get more credit than what was shown on the screen.