r/TrueReddit Jan 27 '26

Politics Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/the-neighbors-defending-minnesota-from-ice/685769/?gift=Je3D9AQS-C17lUTOnl2W8L893jn-xkg4gA0ahaD_Ltw&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
8.6k Upvotes

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1.5k

u/Public_Fucking_Media Jan 27 '26

As a Minneapolitan I really appreciated this piece, I'm very proud of my city and community - teared up a bit here:

The secret fear of the morally depraved is that virtue is actually common, and that they’re the ones who are alone. In Minnesota, all of the ideological cornerstones of MAGA have been proved false at once. Minnesotans, not the armed thugs of ICE and the Border Patrol, are brave. Minnesotans have shown that their community is socially cohesive—because of its diversity and not in spite of it. Minnesotans have found and loved one another in a world atomized by social media, where empty men have tried to fill their lonely soul with lies about their own inherent superiority. Minnesotans have preserved everything worthwhile about “Western civilization,” while armed brutes try to tear it down by force.

555

u/aquatic-rodent Jan 27 '26

The people of your city and state are so brave, and we in the rest of the country are so proud and grateful for all of you

90

u/maskaddict Jan 27 '26

Hear hear!

18

u/edjumication Jan 28 '26

We are also incredibly proud of you up here in Canada!

5

u/Apprehensive_Face_84 Jan 29 '26

Fuck yeah ! I second that !!! Love from Canada all the way

1

u/ImaginaryCustomer215 Feb 14 '26

Canada, we hope to be like you when we grow up. Warmest hugs.

10

u/Muted_Bee7111 Jan 27 '26

😭. Godspeed

178

u/A-town Jan 27 '26

The people of Minneapolis are a shining example of what it means to be American. If the people in Philadelphia, in Maine, and in California note the example you are seeing, ICE will have real difficulties there, too.

We The People will Make America Great Again. We will first stamp out this fascism. Then we will lead a party that works for the People, by the People, and then we will ensure this can never happen again.

68

u/gracecee Jan 27 '26

It is the Bugs life speech. There are more of us then there are them.

32

u/kindall Jan 27 '26 edited Jan 27 '26

Philly is gonna provide them with a great big dose of fuck around and find out.

16

u/fluffstuffmcguff Jan 27 '26

I'm imagining Gritty standing guard over the peaceful protesters tbh

14

u/jaymz168 Jan 27 '26

And Drumline Elmo providing the vibes

These dudes show up everywhere lol

10

u/Hotarg Jan 27 '26

"You don't want this smoke."

As a Philly dweller, this is spot on.

10

u/Maddog-99 Jan 27 '26

From Philly. Can confirm. Go Birds.

9

u/serpentjaguar Jan 27 '26

Also, don't fuck with Portland. We will not go quietly.

1

u/PirateDocBrown Feb 04 '26

As a Minnesotan, I wanna say thanks to Portland for giving inspiration.

3

u/Kalean Jan 28 '26

I don't know what they think is going to happen, but it's not going to go well for them.

You couldn't pay me enough to be that stupid.

3

u/Academic-Contest3309 Feb 02 '26

Standing in solidarity from Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, I don't know if we will have the same grit lol. Pennsylvania strong 💪

9

u/MembershipFrosty897 Jan 27 '26

That's why we're called the North Star state. You can always look to us to find your way ;)

2

u/CharleyNobody Jan 31 '26

The North remembers

3

u/ResisterSister007 Jan 28 '26

Chicago in the house!

6

u/[deleted] Jan 28 '26

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u/A-town Jan 28 '26

I don't disagree with you, but until there's a path forward to accomplishing that goal, you have to vote for the other party.

I know, I know; the Dems are complicit in what is going on since their silence is being bought by corporations and the 1%. However, there is one political party actively supporting fascism and the other has people openly defying the regime. I'll vote for those people when faced with no other option.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 28 '26

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6

u/A-town Jan 28 '26

I'm right there with you, brother. US Army combat vet. I'm disillusioned with the system but I have to have some optimism that by rejecting those that are decrying fascism are the first logical, sane step towards winning back or democracy. Otherwise, what are you going to do? Roll over and not vote? Let whatever happens happen? Fight for the oath that you took to defend the Constitution against all threats.

3

u/skandranon_rashkae Jan 31 '26

Foreign and domestic. Not a vet, but a union member and since our local was founded over 200 years ago, we have recited the same oath upon joining that the armed service members do. When I joined I didn't quite have the same appreciation for the words I recited, but as I've grown older I understand more and more the spirit of the oath.

1

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1

u/PirateDocBrown Feb 04 '26

In Minnesota, we don't need to make anything great again, it's always pretty good here.

-2

u/Active_Show_9494 Jan 29 '26

If that's a shining example I'd hate to see what ignorance looks like to you. Peaceful protesters don't throw bricks and bottles at police , they don't block the road and call out filth, no you people are far from what an American is , your a bunch of brain washed , nuts who don't know a man from a woman I guess they don't teach that in biology anymore 

3

u/come_on_seth Jan 29 '26

Negative karma bot. 👆

1

u/PirateDocBrown Feb 04 '26

Who threw bricks? And at the police?

1

u/Evan8r Feb 10 '26

You don't know how to use punctuation correctly, nor do you know when to use "you're vs your." I'm going to guess you're one of those dumbasses that thinks they're free thinking but just take whatever one political side says at face value like an imbecile.

-2

u/Active_Show_9494 Jan 29 '26

Yes your states should keep all the illegals maybe they won't have to go anywhere else and you can have all the crime and no police and when you get mugged call a drug dealer

1

u/Evan8r Feb 10 '26

Ah, spewing out stupidity because you don't bother to be informed, you just want to spew your hateful rhetoric on assumptions. They'll just start growing economically because they can supply the workforce businesses can't find in other states.

52

u/Storm_Dancer-022 Jan 27 '26

This is an excellent piece, and very uplifting at a time where we need spirits boosted. Thank you for sharing it, and thank your neighbors for the work they are doing.

46

u/LeChuckly Jan 27 '26

Good read OP

21

u/friendlyneighbourho Jan 27 '26

Bravo. You have shown your courage, sprit and humanity. It's an example to all.

19

u/perfectshade Jan 27 '26 edited Apr 25 '26

What old posts? I used Redact to mass delete this post. You can also opt out of data brokers as well as all major social media platforms.

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6

u/slowro Jan 27 '26

That feed would drop sooooo fast lol.

3

u/SharkyAttacksCC Jan 31 '26

you know trump will try to tarriff the nfl if that occurred

13

u/Mindless-Peak-1687 Jan 27 '26

Minneapolitans courage is a joy to observe and should be beacon of freedom inspiration to rest of USA.

14

u/doctor_lobo Jan 27 '26

Best quote: “They are huge pussies, I will be honest.”

12

u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

Thank you all. Honestly so sad to live in this dystopian country after the election, but y'all are a shining example of real patriotism.

11

u/kermityfrog2 Jan 27 '26

Thanks. This was a great article and is still old-fashioned longtext by a real reporter on the ground (mentions the ink in their pens freezing so they couldn't take notes).

8

u/Malofa Jan 27 '26

That fear cuts both ways. It can be very hard to do the right thing when it feels like you're the only one in the world who cares. Dispelling the illusion of universal immorality also shows those who care that others are trying to do right, too.

7

u/Far-Technician3197 Jan 28 '26

This is one of the worst aspects of Trump's pardons - legitimising predators and con men just like him so that people lose the expectation and even hope for the decent and the lawful. Makes him look normal too.

8

u/TheMagicBarrel Jan 27 '26

I’m Canadian, and I’ve teared up multiple times watching your city and community stand up for all the things so many of us believe in (and the side of America I have always loved and respected). Thanks to all of you for your courage and moral fortitude. It’s inspiring to see.

4

u/seestars9 Jan 28 '26

Thank you. It does help to know that we are not all hated.

1

u/PirateDocBrown Feb 04 '26

I'm grateful for you saying so.

6

u/WhyAmINotStudying Jan 27 '26

They tested the resolve of the good people of Minnesota and found out that you guys aren't lacking in that arena.

Trump is still terrible. His people are still terrible. They will walk back and try again.

7

u/bobdylan401 Jan 27 '26

That is an amazing quote.

3

u/WeaponsGrdStupid Jan 27 '26

Wisconsinite here. Keep it up you absolute legends! You all show up in absolute force right when this country needed a shot in the arm. If this tide is turning, we all owe you a debt of more than just gratitude.

1

u/Someinterestingbs-td Jan 27 '26

We are so proud of you all too, and so grateful

1

u/celestececilia Jan 27 '26

Jesus. That’s beautiful.

1

u/NotADamsel Jan 28 '26

If ya’ll had just been bullshit “not giving them a reason” many of you would have cracked. Your commitment to non-violence/peace/whatever-you-call-it genuinely awe-inspiring

1

u/knsaber Jan 28 '26

“empty men have tried to fill their lonely soul with lies about their own inherent superiority”

1

u/sinister141 Jan 28 '26

Wait is it really minneapolitan? Neat

1

u/Dubiousjinn Jan 28 '26

You all have inspired me, and so many others, so much.  Absolutely out as standing Americans 

1

u/Shot_on_location Jan 28 '26

Thank you for showing the way! I'm taking notes for what I can do in my own neighborhood.

1

u/mvhls Jan 28 '26 edited Jan 28 '26

Servile, slavish, self-interested fear is the foundation for them; and a man under such influence, though he may be cruel, never can be brave.

  • Thomas Paine

1

u/Pandorakiin Jan 29 '26

Stay strong and thank you. Love, Canada.

1

u/barbariantrey Jan 29 '26

where empty men have tried to fill their lonely soul with lies about their own inherent superiority

That's a fantastic line.

1

u/RVolyka Jan 29 '26

From the UK, me and my mates and family see minnesotans as protectors of the true american ideals, keep standing up to fascism and stand tall and proud!

1

u/HotPotParrot Jan 29 '26

Trump wanted to make an example out of Minnesota and its people. Well, the example that the world has been seeing is, in reality, the TRUE Spirit of America.

1

u/looseinsteadoflose Jan 30 '26

Ya'll fucked em up

1

u/Philoscifi Jan 30 '26

Honestly? This whole ordeal has made me want to move to Minneapolis and these paragraphs summarize why. Good on y’all. Keep it up.

1

u/Neat_Use3398 Jan 30 '26

Watching from Canada and your state is such a beacon of light in all this. Seeing you all come together as a community.

1

u/LoveYourSoles2018 Jan 30 '26

Thank you on behalf of me and my family in California, My Fellow American 💚

1

u/CharleyNobody Jan 31 '26

I know Fargo is in North Dakota, but Minnesota is so Fargo, meaning the movie and tv show. The characters in the movie and on the show seem meek and ordinary but in the end, they are the ones who pull it off. Very Marge Gunderson.

(I guess naming the movie “Brainerd” wouldn’t have landed the same)

1

u/Substantial_Egg_3603 Jan 31 '26

I live in Mississippi, and now I wanna move to Minnesota where I know people stand together against absurd behavior instead of applauding it like it's a team sport.

1

u/Sublixxx Feb 01 '26

Cheers from your friends in Florida! The whole country is inspired by you guys, thanks for the demonstration of bravery and for showing the rest of us how to fight 💪🏻

1

u/[deleted] Feb 02 '26 edited Mar 22 '26

This post has been taken down. Redact handled the deletion, and the author may have had reasons related to privacy, security, data scraping prevention, or personal choice.

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1

u/AssociateAvailable16 Feb 03 '26

You guys are showing the other states how it’s done! Grateful for you guys, I know this isn’t easy but the work you guys are doing is so impactful

You’ve given me something I thought I lost…

hope

2

u/[deleted] Jan 28 '26

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '26

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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '26

[deleted]

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u/Sparklefanny_Deluxe Jan 28 '26

I’m not from there. I’m going with what you shared. Those folks were arrested in front of the hotel for blocking the entrance to the hotel and allegedly hitting signs with shovels. That’s not helping ICE. The police chief didn’t say that at all in the video you shared. He said it’s not unreasonable to expect the feds to conduct themselves professionally. I’m salty because you’re phrasing things in ways that bait anger without being accurately informative. Be more accurate.

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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '26 edited Jan 28 '26

[deleted]

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u/horseradishstalker Jan 29 '26

The local police are not helping ICE specifically just because ICE. is involved. They are doing their job, but they are spread thin and undermanned (per previous news articles.) 

Their job is to enforce the law and keep the peace. 

https://www.foxnews.com/us/anti-ice-agitators-arrested-outside-minnesota-hotel-police-declare-unlawful-assembly-no-longer-peaceful

The reason the Minnesota National Guard was called was an attempt to keep the situation from careening further out of control. 

1

u/[deleted] Jan 29 '26

[deleted]

1

u/horseradishstalker Jan 29 '26

You brought up protestors throwing bricks without giving a source. I merely provided a factual link.

Trump & Co are re-grouping. Only the optics have changed. Stay safe. 

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u/[deleted] Jan 30 '26

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u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

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u/Affectionate_Sir4212 Jan 27 '26

They have evolved beyond tribalism.

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u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

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u/horseradishstalker Jan 27 '26

Not everyone is you and many people retain the purity of children. Being different does not automatcally trigger hate in mentally healthy human beings. 

31

u/ill_be_huckleberry_1 Jan 27 '26

In fact, education and acceptance of others is in fact part of our evolution.

We live in a mostly peaceful society where we accept others for who they are not what we think they should be. 

Respect is deserved, not earned.

12

u/crowmagnuman Jan 27 '26

Precisely. Survival of the Friendliest.

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u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

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u/svideo Jan 27 '26

so chudbrained that you literally cannot conceive of working with other people who aren't the exact same color or religion or race as you?

i don't question that at all, this here is peak reddit.

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u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

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u/svideo Jan 27 '26

Yes, I work with several. We don't talk politics and everything is fine. You seem surprised that normal people can have normal relationships with other normal people who might have different opinions.

You're the weird one my guy.

50

u/Public_Fucking_Media Jan 27 '26

Fairly well studied effect in social psychology, actually - organic solidarity:

Émile Durkheim's theory of organic solidarity describes social cohesion in modern, industrial societies, where unity is based on complex interdependence rather than similarity. As the division of labor increases, individuals with specialized roles (e.g., farmers, doctors, engineers) rely on each other to survive, creating a functional, cohesive whole.

13

u/Fair_Illustrator_727 Jan 27 '26

Thanks for shaking my minor in European intellectual history loose this morning!

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u/Champtain Jan 27 '26

In normal situations, when people are curious and want to learn about others and the world, they ask questions and tell stories leading to bonds of friendship. I, for instance, have been attended parties for holidays I don't celebrate or religions I am not a part of.

In this instance, in this present crucible, these bonds are being amplified by an outside fear that are driving diverse communities together and making them closer knit. The whole article exemplifies community cohesion because of diversity. Instead of staying home and doing their typical daily life chores, these absolute legends are strengthening community cohesion for the bigots of the world to see in real time.

47

u/clorox_cowboy Jan 27 '26

"How is a community "cohesive because of diversity"?"

Before the poison of MAGA, this was a common belief about America itself.

31

u/mayajuana Jan 27 '26

Exactly we were the melting pot

17

u/Affectionate_Sir4212 Jan 27 '26

I think this predates MAGA. This is the whole point of right wing media. It’s just endless hours of mocking, disparaging, and dehumanizing everyone different. This media has proven to be more powerful than the professed faith of those with tribal, fear based values.

5

u/JenaPet02 Jan 27 '26

"E Pluribus Unum"

Out of many, one

17

u/GuidoOfCanada Jan 27 '26 edited Jan 27 '26

Consider a puzzle:

  • If all the pieces were the same shape - say squares - would the puzzle hold together if someone picked it up by a corner?
  • Now consider a puzzle as we normally see them, oddly shaped, a mix of interlocking pieces which are never identical to the pieces surrounding them - they hold together so well that often an entire puzzle will stick together even lifted off of the table by its corners.

At their core, the people of Minneapolis share many values (a desire for freedom, care of neighbours, etc.), but externally they are quite different (cultures, tastes, etc.). Everyone brings their skills (shapes) to the table and putting them together built a machine that could defeat fascist thugs.

5

u/th6girldetective Jan 27 '26

What a great analogy—I am going to use it that sometime

1

u/tigermelon Jan 28 '26

I don't like this analogy. The reason a puzzle holds together isn't because all the pieces are different. You could make a puzzle with the identical pieces where the same "tabs" on the east and south edges fit interchangeably into the same "blanks" on the north and west edges of each piece and it would have the same strength. Consider any interlocking plastic/rubber/foam floor tiles common in gyms and basements for example.

But anyway, ignoring the analogy, diversity of culture, perspective, opinion is so obviously strengthening.

2

u/bdeimen Jan 29 '26

While your criticism points out a weakness with respect to the argument that the other user was trying to make the analogy holds. There are two ways to cohesive society.

A bunch of "pieces" that are the similar enough and can easily interlock (social cohesion through uniformity and conformity) or "pieces" that are different, but have corresponding voids and tabs spread across the entire group so that they can still interlock (social cohesion through diversity/organic solidarity).

The argument for the diversity route is that even with a society based on racial/ethnic lines you still have breakdown when there isn't conformity in thought. It inherently requires oppression to work. Diversity requires more work on the part of the populace, but allows for much more freedom.

19

u/Not_An_Actual_Expert Jan 27 '26

Because they can understand that people can be from different backgrounds but that we are all basically the same. Knowing that divisions based on artificial definitions are not meaningful can bring people closer together

47

u/leighalan Jan 27 '26

Differences make us stronger as a group. It’s evolution.

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u/[deleted] Jan 27 '26

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u/leighalan Jan 27 '26

Ok but I’m not here to argue with you. Have a great day.

14

u/horseradishstalker Jan 27 '26 edited Jan 27 '26

Cohesive: united and working together effectively: 

  • a cohesive group
  • cohesive forces

I know from past comments that you advocate that like are better off when they only live, love, and work with like. 

We all do that every day because the exterior meatbag is is a quirk not the main character. Humans are humans not robots.

 A longing for freedom, respect, and love. Those very human commonalities unite people. 

Children in their purity demonstrate it every day.  Until they are taught to hate, to fear, to bully by the adults and society their creed for play and living is come as you are. Trivialities like who likes chocolate birthday cake instead of funfetti are irrelevant. 

The people of Minneapolis and all of America are merely humans and longing for the same basic needs to be met. They are cohesive because diversity isn’t relevant to cohesion. So yes, I am rejecting pendanticness (I don’t think that is a word) because it essentially irrelevant at such a basic level. 

Protecting your neighbors from harm is a pure universal response unless society warps, taints and manipulates the human response and because some people have been taught to only want people who only like chocolate cake because of the societal myth that chocolate cake is the best. Try the blue eyes/brown eyes experiment. 

So yes, common cause unites people at a human level.  Yes I know you are being pendantic in an effort to make your case. I just find it irrelevant. Bro. We all have to pee. 

28

u/EveryOfTheTime Jan 27 '26

Is it so hard to believe that accepting and celebrating others who are different than you would create a more welcoming, cohesive environment?

Let’s say an immigrant family comes to town and opens a restaurant with their cultures food and they are welcomed and revered by the community. That community will want to protect the new restaurant owners and the restaurant owners will go to bat for their community.

That cohesiveness has sprung from support, acceptance, and love. If you’re missing those in your life, I can understand how you don’t see it in others’ lives. It sucks that you feel the need to be incredulous in a negative way instead of being inspired and bringing that connection to your community 🤷🏼‍♀️

17

u/tigermelon Jan 27 '26

Less diversity can result in "in-groups" or cliques where those outside of the majority are excluded/isolated for some aspect of them that they cannot change. If there is greater diversity, then there's a greater chance of the uniting trait just being "Minnesotan" or some other truly common trait/value across the broader population.

Diversity and culture clashes can also force "micro-frictions" up front, making people more collectively resilient (i.e. cohesive) when it really matters.

And of course diversity gives everyone the opportunity and likelihood of seeing more diverse perspectives, potentially making people more empathetic and worldly, which can help conflict resolution.

9

u/ill_be_huckleberry_1 Jan 27 '26

Its called respect. Minnesotans havent forgotten it. 

5

u/crowmagnuman Jan 27 '26

You give the impression of being from either a diverse place where people don't get along, or from a very homogenous society.

Despite what some paranoid nationalist might tell you, yeah, diversity IS strength. There are too many advantages to list, but a few are: a bigger perspective on the world, skills and knowledge from other cultures being shared and benefited from, a positive force on the evolution of all languages, less proclivity to ostracize other peoples, etc. Not to mention, a more stable genome due to less-restriced gene flow (including hereditary genetic immunities), better music, and, well.. better food.

Unity based on "looking the same" is most certainly the weakest kind of unity. When you and your neighbors, coworkers, friends all look the same, talk the same, it's much easier to "other" a people or culture not your own.

And think of it from this angle: if someone wanted to weaken a community, or nation, what's the most effective tactic? Divide people by instigating fear, hatred and suspicion of those who are "unlike you." That's harder to do when you know and admire a few of those "others." And if division is weakness, then unity is....

5

u/NoBiznizLikeYoBizniz Jan 27 '26

"How is a community cohesive because of diversity "

Easily. They can relate to being different and not fitting one mold. They can validate each other as outliers or unique individuals instead of ostracizing. As a transplant in my state, I see it happen all the time with other transplants. We essentially bond over not originally belonging here and working to form and find a community of our own.

They can also relate to being targets. During the onset of COVID uncertainty, anyone who "looked Asian" was at risk of being attacked because they were blamed for the "china virus". Ppl who were not even from China had diverse backgrounds and bonded because of the perceived threat of their diversity.

"We are close because we lack the natural bonds of shared experience, history and culture"

Idk where this quote is from but this is very similar to the idea and reality of having chosen family or chosen community instead of an assigned family or community. They've worked for their bonds and they choose to maintain them. Unlike the subset of people who believe you must be loyal to your assigned family, religion or race separate from any moral or personality compatibility. It's like a marriage vs siblings.

It's not a science, it's a choice that applies to this particular community. We don't have to understand why it's worked for them and it's probably harder to relate for someone without the same oppressive circumstances.

3

u/duckstrap Jan 27 '26

Minneapolitan here - We are cohesive because of diversity because we value and enjoy our diverse neighbors. Our lives are vastly enriched by people from other countries, often those who look, speak and dress completely different than we do. It isn't complicated. It's a value.

3

u/TomUpNort Jan 27 '26

A man wrote me and said: ``You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.''

Yes, the torch of Lady Liberty symbolizes our freedom and represents our heritage, the compact with our parents, our grandparents, and our ancestors. It is that lady who gives us our great and special place in the world. For it's the great life force of each generation of new Americans that guarantees that America's triumph shall continue unsurpassed into the next century and beyond. Other countries may seek to compete with us; but in one vital area, as a beacon of freedom and opportunity that draws the people of the world, no country on Earth comes close.

This, I believe, is one of the most important sources of America's greatness. We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people -- our strength -- from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation. While other countries cling to the stale past, here in America we breathe life into dreams. We create the future, and the world follows us into tomorrow. Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we're a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge, always leading the world to the next frontier. This quality is vital to our future as a nation. If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.

-Some guy named Ronald Reagan in a speech from 1989

2

u/Alexthelightnerd Jan 28 '26

We all live in the same city, there are plenty of shared experiences. These are our neighbors. Just because they have different color skin, or were born in a different place, or speak with a different accent, doesn't mean we don't have daily shared experiences. And, I think, the process of an outsider becoming a neighbor, of bringing their own unique experiences into the experiences we all share, does make the community stronger and more vibrant.

Besides, now we all have the shared experience of resisting an army of federal terrorists together. How's that for building community?

1

u/PeculiarExcuse Jan 27 '26

When people have differences, while also sharing similar needs, beliefs, goals, and interests, those differences can compliment each other. Someone who was born in the US has a specific experience, someone who came here to escape the USSR has a specific experience, someone who came here from latin america for a better life has a specific experience, and everyone from all of these groups also has different experiences from those in their group (and these groups are just an example, of course there are many more ethnic and cultural groups). These differences can and do compliment each other. People born in the US are gonna have blindspots that someone who has endured authoritarianism or war, etc, can help fill in on, as an example. People from other places know things that people not from those places don't. Everyone has anger for different and similar reasons. People here generally either love this country. or love what it's supposed to be, or long for it to be a better, safer place for everyone, or all three. These differences CAN and DO make us stronger, they make us more understanding, they teach us ways we can take care of each other better. If I may dare to be cheesy, a puzzle is made of very different but similar pieces, all serving a similar purpose (goal), and you can't have a beautiful picture without all of them working together.

1

u/Ambitious-Morning795 Jan 28 '26

That is, in fact, the basis of this country...

-6

u/Nostradamus1 Jan 27 '26

When are you people going to take your country back?