There has been a lot of talk about making America great, from both sides.  The Democrats and Republicans, of course, don’t agree on the methods that should be employed.  But maybe, just maybe Trump is right in so many ways.  We do need to make America great.  It is just very unlikely that he knows what it is or would take to get us there.

What if we take his campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again” and just removed the last word?  Is there any among us who wouldn’t want to strive towards a goal of making us great?  Of continuing down a path of progress and equality for all?  Make America Great.  If you believe we are already there, you probably don’t get out enough.  You may not look at the country from the perspective of all of its inhabitants.  Are we a step above many other countries on many levels?  Indeed, we are but thinking we have achieved greatness is a stagnant thought that would leave many people desperately reaching out for the greatness that you hold.  I, for one, do not want to leave anyone behind.

Now the question comes, how do we make it great?  Where do we start?  Obviously, we have to elect people that will uphold our values and strive to do the correct thing.  Those that will fight for jobs and growth and will make sure all Americans are happy and healthy.  However, this is not the greatness that I’m talking about and I don’t think it was the main reason so many were attracted to Trump’s slogan.  Now I don’t care to get into if their motivations were racist.  I’ll just say that I believe some were and most were not.  It is a slogan or a thought that is easy to get behind, to believe in.  Hence the reason I find it holds some importance for all of us.  The greatness that I want to speak about is far more central to you and me.

I have been conducting an experiment as of late.  When walking at work or shopping or anywhere, I try and look at as many people in the eye as possible.  Of those that return my gaze, I smile and say “hello” or “how are you” or the occasional polite head nod.  Many people do this naturally, I, however, do not.  New people often intimidate me.  But as I walk down hallways and observe the lack of human interaction that occurs, I have begun to realize that I have, most likely, always been in the norm.  The percentages of people that engage in polite niceties are well below 30 percent.  Now please keep in mind that I live in Oklahoma, a “good ole southern state” where we all wave to each other as we pass in our motor vehicles and ask about each other’s children as we peruse the local grocery store.  This Rockwellian sentiment is about as accurate as the thought many have of Native Americans still riding horses and living in teepees.  If it occurs, it is by no means the rule.

Let us for a moment take a look at a recent post-election phenomenon, the call for people to wear safety pins.  For those unaware, it is meant to be a symbol of safety.  If someone is being picked on or harassed, the safety pin is supposed to show them that you are here to be helpful in some way.  At its heart this is an important message.  One that I fully support and stand behind, however I see it for what it likely is.  As many such messages that have come before it, coexist after 9/11 for example it is a temporary fix to an ongoing problem.  Unlike the metal apparatus that is the symbol of this current movement, the fad is likely to whither and disappear.  What is needed is not a band aid that will lose its stickiness and eventually fall away and allow the wound to re-fester but stitches, a complete life change.  Going on a diet and then going back to old routines and habits often results in a swing back to the original weight, but sometimes even more.  Don’t just put a safety pin on your shirt, don’t wear one at all if you don’t want, but actually become the person that will talk to, comfort, and help those in need, whether they are different from you or not.

Bernie Sanders has been saying that we need a grassroots movement to correct our political system.  I think the root of the problem is far deeper than that.  We don’t take the time to connect with one another as we pass each other by.  We don’t look at the true story of America, our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends.  If you smile at everyone, talk to as many as possible, then a safety pin is not required.  People will know you are there to help, because you help them.  People will not be afraid because they see your friendly face just up ahead.  Hold your head up.  Be proud to be an American.  Because as we have proven time and time again, together we can get through anything.

Maybe if we see America as something that is good, but can be far, far better, we can agree to make it great.  We can strive to continue down the path of greatness together.  It’s a very long road.  If we continue to put band aids on festering wounds we will continue to lose people along the way.