Graham: Where I discovered the heart of America

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The sun is quietly creeping over the silhouettes of the houses and trees dotting the horizon. Fall is in control. There is a cool breeze blowing from the east, and the sound of the fallen leaves moving along the street is reassuring. The music of humanity temporarily drowns out the leaves, and I hear a flag whipping in the distance. Fall is indeed in control.

Partially intoxicated by an indulgence in Colombian coffee, I make my way to the nexus of America.

There’s a line but no one cares. They have coffee cups in their hands and smiles on their faces. There is absolute silence but there is definitely communication.

Some people are pacing. Some are checking the time. Others try to make small talk but the conversation dies as soon as it starts and their eyes awkwardly glance down.

I hear curtains being opened and shut and the sound of electronics humming.

Everybody is equal here. They have one name, and they have one duty, and no one can deny them. They know that alone, they are weak. But together they are as powerful as any army.

I sign my name and get my piece of paper. I walk intently, careful to dodge the kids playing and careful to dodge the people studying. I open and close the curtain slowly. I pull out my reference sheet, set it on the table and proceed to color. Within three minutes, my job is done. I hand my paper to a volunteer who thanks me. I leave.

I have been very critical, and will continue to be, of this country. We are struggling to keep our identity. Our leaders refuse to communicate and come together for the good of us all. We still discriminate and we still alienate. Although we do it a lot more quietly than most, it’s just as damaging. But today, maybe because of naivety, I am hopeful.

When I see people voting, I see Americans. I see no race and no religion. I don’t see upper class or lower class. I don’t see Republicans or Democrats.

This is the America I love, and this is the America I will fight for.

— — Graham is a Columbus, Ohio, graduate student in exercise physiology.

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