In the story on election stress, Wittenberg dean Mark Caleb Smith suggests that “finding a bigger perspective” is important in surviving the burdens of politics. I have also come to that conclusion. At times, I have reminded myself that the sun will still rise on the day after the election, no matter the outcome. But the story about the Jusufi family gives me a more focused view of a “bigger perspective.” I am positive that not only will the sun rise over America (and the rest of the world), but the “American Dream” will continue to prevail in its own ways, for individual families, like the Jusufis, who are supported by communities that embrace them and support them along the way. After all, the nearly 250-year history of this country has been built on the dream of a welcoming and prosperous America. And, indeed, America is a world leader today largely because of the diverse gifts that its many immigrant families, like my own, have brought to this great nation of ours.
Interestingly, as I wrote this piece, news of President Biden’s withdrawal from the race was announced. Undoubtedly, there will be endless conjecturing and positioning in the coming weeks. Yet, as we cast our ballots on November 5, let us remember that, despite the finger-pointing and vilifying that is rampant in the media these days — “the rot of America’s soul,” as Ray Marcano describes it in his piece in that same edition — America is, and always will be, a nation made stronger because of the many different talents and abilities of its people. Diversity makes us stronger. And, yes, that also includes diversity of opinion. Yet, this is our country, and we all love it in our own differing ways. The American Dream is still alive and well, and the sun will come up tomorrow.
A lifelong Daytonian and current senior vice president at Sinclair Community College, Madeline Iseli’s career has centered on public and community service.
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