Make America Great Again. Message of hope, or symbole of hate?
Do you cringe in fear when you see someone wearing a red hat with these words, or any red hat for that matter? Do you think KKK, natzi, white supremcy, racist every time you see someone wearing these hats?
Well, I am a life long Democrat, and all I have to say to those who feel fear, discomfort, or intimidation at the sight of someone wearing a MAGA hat, or just a red hat is; Grow Up Turkey.
Make America Great Again. It may have been coined by Ronald Regan, and turned into a successful campaign slogan and merchandise by Donald Trump, but the message, not Trump himself or his rhetoric, is what struck the cord with the people who wear it.
Make America Great Again. It means exactly what it says. It's about America, and the belief in America, and about the hope still in peoples hearts and souls for America and what they know deep down that America can be.
I want to tell you a story.
A story about a Democrat, that Democrats friend, a MAGA hat, and peoples reaction.
I of course (on the left) am a Democrat. And the man here (on the right) Bob, is
My Friend. (Bet you thought I was going to say Republican or Trump supporter).
Honestly, I never asked.
Bob and I went to lunch today, along with around 50 others who were hungry at the same time and place that we were.
Now I was sitting at a different table than Bob, and it gave me a clear view of everyone in the room.
I sat there eating, watching everyone else eat, and interact with each other.
Mind you, Bob is the only one wearing a red Make America Great Again hat.
And the most amazingly unbelievable thing occured in that room full of people eating, and Bob wearing his MAGA hat.
Do you know what happened when everyone noticed that red MAGA hat sticking out like a sore thumb? Nothing... not a thing. Everything went on as it always does. Bob turned the TV down, removed his hat, and called everyone to prayer. Then Bob started calling each table to go up for their plates. While one table was in line, Bob walked around with his red MAGA hat on smiling and conversing with everyone else. Then Bob would call the next table, and converse some more.
As always, Bob waited until last to get his; everyone else gets fed first (this is Bob).
The most amazing thing of all. During the entire time I was there, not one person showed any sign of fear, or discomfort, or being intimidated by Bob, or Bobs red MAGA hat; not one solitary person.
After eating, I aproached Bob and asked if I could get a picture of him and his hat, and have my daughter take a picture of he and I together with his hat. I even told him why I wanted them. To write a post about how the Red MAGA hat is not the evil thing my party makes it out to be. I wanted to show a Democrat, and A MAGA hat wearing friend, together, without fear of each other over a simple piece of clothing.
All Bob asked in return was can he hold my custom walking stick my daughter bought me. I agreed, and Bob, being the fun filled, humorous person Bob is, held my walking stick out and went into his best Dumbledore impression.
I have known Bob since I was young, he has volunteered at the Salvation Army since long before I knew him. He loves people, they love him. Bob has the biggest heart, and strongest character of anyone I know. I wouldn't trust anyone with my family more than I trust My Friend Bob Anderson with my family.
Republican???
Trump supporter???
Good Christ like man!!! Most assuredly.
Next time you see someone in public wearing a Red Make America Great Again hat, instead of shrinking in fear from imagined horrors, try going up to that person, shake their hand, greet them with kindness, maybe, invite them for a meal or a refreshment.
Maybe....just try having a simple unbiassed conversation with them. You just might find; they are good people.
America can be united; once they learn to stop hating each other.
Make America Great Again; be like my friend Bob.
