Tears

By Bj Jackson Lincoln

I love Extreme Home Makeover because it reminds me there are good people in the world. Every week some deserving family gets a new home often with the mortgage paid and the kids get scholarships for college. Good people helping their neighbors in need. I always cry.

A woman in Chicago has been a crossing guard for years at an elementary school. She has won the hearts of the kids, parents, and staff with her constant joy. When a parent found out that this wonderful woman was about to lose her apartment, she organized a fund raiser, got everyone involved, and generated enough to help the guard find and secure a new place. People helping people. Everyone feels good. I got misty

Everyday people do good deeds. I know we all have helped someone open a door or carry something. We are taught from a very young age to help and share with others. The scout helping the old lady cross the street is a piece of our Rockwell American image. 

We are taught to be proud Americans and are unified each weekday when the whole school stands and says the Pledge of Allegiance. We are the melting pot of the world and should be proud that people come from far and wide to have a better life.

At what point do some become bullies? When do some start to dislike something about another person to the point of needing to push or say something nasty?

Our schools are full of bullies. They come in all ages from kindergarten to board members. Some of the bullies are heads of businesses. Some are elected officials from local to federal. The news is full of it. Some grow up to hate. I mean really hate. Some people grow up and spend all their time, energy, and money to discredit a group of people? People who have not done a thing to them except to exist. ( Place any minority group name here_________) They hate something so much that they will not just push but punch. They will say nasty things and even make things up just to hurt someone. Some will go so far as to fight against laws that make everyone equal. Laws to say that we are all the same and should be treated with respect.  

Ya know? I thought that was the best part of being an American. The 14^th amendment says if you were born here, then you are covered by laws that say you are equal. Some even want to change that. I am angry and hurt. Being bullied for any reason at any age hurts.

I think I will go back to watching good deeds but I am afraid that my tears will not just be the joy others giving and receiving. Some will be for the sadness of knowing not everyone is good and to watch out for the bullies.