With all the divisiveness that we've seen lately being spread around through lazy yet dangerous accusations of whom is "Pro-American" vs. whom is "Anti-American", I wanted to pass along this inspiring story from KING 5 TV in Seattle.
In the simplest terms, I found that it beautifully illustrates the potential we have when we choose hope over fear, and when we celebrate our diversity and differences as Americans, rather than attempting to divide or discriminate against one another.
The Set-Up:
The democratic process has helped a Seattle man discover a new talent -- button-making. Majid Al-Bahadli spent years as a prisoner in Iraq, but when he became a U.S. citizen, he got heavily involved in American politics.
Now, he's proving to have an uncanny knack for pushing all the right buttons for Barack Obama supprters.
WATCH THE STORY HERE
An excerpt:
Several months before the convention, Al-Bahadli began experimenting with a new hobby – making buttons for his candidate of choice, Barack Obama.
He's personalized them for a wide variety of supporters, including teachers, American Indians, Arab Americans and more. His most popular button has Obama's name in a trio of languages.
He's currently in the middle of a rush order of 3,000 buttons with Obama's name in Hebrew to be dispensed this week in Florida.
"This is a very strong message," Al-Bahadli said. "You know, I'm from the Middle East but I'm working with the Jewish community because we are one country, one united, it doesn't matter what religion you have."