Tony S, serial rescuer and mensch:
Peekskill, NY is probably more demographically representative of the USA than any isolated rural enclave. Though it is thin on the high end, the community is demographically and economically diverse. Based in prosperous Westchester County, Peekskill is seen by surrounding towns as a place to be exploited and disrespected.
Most Westchester communities resist affordable housing to the death. A huge proportion of Peekskill’s homes are dedicated to affordable housing, in everything from mid-to-relatively large developments to buildings owned by predatory landlords and packed with tenants.
My wife and I live in a 115-year-old home with a number of dogs, most of whom are elder pups. A couple of houses down from us is a 130-year-old house absolutely packed with people of all ages. Many of the oldest and youngest only speak Spanish. But the kids who are old enough to be in school are clearly one thing, and one thing only — Americans.
Peekskill schools don’t score well on standardized tests. But in my 20 years here, I’ve seen them do amazingly well and helping children lean how to be Americans — in the way they speak, their attitudes, their energy and even their actions.
I’ve always felt that the most special thing about the United States is the fact that it’s dedicated to an idea, not a group, religion, or person. I want this to be a positive post, so I won’t talk about specific people, or presidents. I will present the Congressional Oath of Office, which Congress seems to have forgotten. It is not an Oath to to an individual or a party. It is an oath to a document that represents a set of ideals. This is special, and when it was written close to 250 years ago, it was unique among nations.
From A Commentor: Pups, Patriotism, and Creating AmericansPost + Comments (29)