Loyalty (*)

Related Readings:
Reflection: The Spanish Boy
Historical Fragments

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 As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     I was thinking about my thought post that I wrote a couple of years earlier, with regards to the celebration of Cinco De Mayo. A celebration that essentially celebrates the Spanish victory over the French army in America. Its an interesting historical time, as there were territories within America that were conquered through the Spanish Colonization.  

    As I reflected back, I wondered what has changed, if anything through my own thought processes, actions, initiatives, or has there been any expansion of my thoughts? Whilst I do still believe that greater efforts are needed at the socio-political level, Government Institutions, and Institutions themselves - to in a sense mend the historical fractures / bonds. To understand what is or has been lost, when we take away historical roots, that were formulated through the founding of a nation. Particularly those who at present day do feel a sense of loss, and even detached to the nation they call their very home. This is why I think that Cinco De Mayo is more that just a celebration of winning the Battle of Puebla, but rather a celebration of culture, foods, fabrics, music, dance. A day where individuals can participate, and truly feel an attachment to their land. But it is also a day to remind Government institutions that Spanish history is very real within America, and Latino / Hispanics do belong. We continue to hear the macro level rhetorics with regards to the southern border, demands, and oppositions. Maybe this might be something that will continue? But the ultimate contradiction is to say that there is a humanitarian crisis as the southern border (which there is), but the ones who say this are the actual creators of the very crisis. 

     Now I turn my focus upon the growth of my thoughts. I think the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral fire did spark and unsettle macro actors. But so did the terror attacks in Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the Synagogues in America. In brief, the patterns reflect the focus on the three major world religions, where there are unfortunate disagreements, but also agreements. Placing the focus on an unarguble connection, through the patriotic father Abraham. This link leaves no doubt. The link is real. But when we think of socio-political fragmentation that stems from International events - this in turn does create ripples at the national levels. We can think of religious divisions and also political divisions, that stem from national ancestry, such as the Spanish conquests, French, and even British wars within the USA.     

     As I thought about these thoughts and Ideas, I desired to create an expansion within my own thoughts. To attempt a humanitarian interventions, through the simple act of presence. I decided to be present at the fundraising concert for the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral in France, online, at the National Shrine in Washington D.C. For me this was done beyond my own comfort levels, as I was initially critical of the large sums of donations. But I also believe that America is at its greatest when it is unified. Just as the many other terror attacks that took a huge toll and loss of life. These are also people that could probably care more or less. But the fact is that institutions do care. Just as the Hispanic / Latino's who do care about the preserving their history. The atrocities that are being committed against their own people, by the individuals who have also embraced through their home / host nation. 

     The growth of my thoughts are reflective of the idea of loyalty. When we live in a land that is diverse, ever-growing, changing through micro / macro demographics. Essentially unification also turns to the idea of a growth of loyalties. Loyalty is not just about, if one looks and thinks like you, you'll be loyal. Loyalties must be multiplied to reflect the diverse demographics of a nation, both national and international, and also to formulate successful foreign policy. Peace is not found by creating the groups, cliques. It is about stepping out of a comfort zone. To trust and to try. 

     It is with these words we continue to hope and pray for a mending of the internal fractures within a nation, for building internal strength, that is also necessary for international  / global growth. It is also my hope that and utterance of THANK YOU to the many organizations and institutions who are making their voices heard to support diversity, and the Latino / Hispanic members of society.

God Bless You! God Bless America!
Happy Cinco De Mayo!!! :)

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 4th, 2019.
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