In the U.S. we pride ourselves with the way we honor and treasure family life. To some it is the foundation of our people. The whole nation is seen as a big human family. We the People, We the Family!
Here are two examples of how we live out our pride. One: In the detention camps we separate parents from children and call it a way of justice by sending some family members back to their country of origin, while sending the children to unknown camps in our own country.
Two: At a restaurant the other day I sat at a table next to one where a family of two parents and four girls, ages four to ten, were having a family get together. At first it looked like a great family picture!
But at a closer look, I found that they did not entertain each other. Every one of them, parents as well as kids, played individual games on their own cell phones without conversing on sharing their fun of playing. The food they had ordered came and was consumed in a hurry without sharing the joy of taste. They kept spell bounded at their cell phones even while eating.
My question: Where is the U.S. family life to day? Whether it is the government-forced separation of family members, or, the impersonalisation of family members brought about by modern technology, it amounts to the same! We care less and less for each other. Family life, We the People, are disappearing!
Jake Hjorth
Grand Marais
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