Overcoming the Odds by Carolyn

Last New Year's Day as I drove home from visiting a friend, I saw a billboard that made me smile. Since then, it has made me think.

It said:

Kermit the Frog

Has green skin

Eats flies

Dates a pig

. . . 

Hollywood Star

. . . 

Aim High

It was a public service announcement telling whoever read it that, just like Kermit, we could reach unimaginable heights no matter what our background, no matter what strikes we have against us. Although it may be a little outdated (I have heard that Kermit and Miss Piggy have broken up), it is still a powerful message. 

Our country is currently in a state of unrest that feels uncomfortable to me. I am afraid that the coming presidential election and all the hoopla that leads up to it will be the most divisive time period in our country for decades. I fear that we may be moving backwards in our quest to be an inclusive and peaceful society.

However, in all of the chaos that looms on the horizon, and no matter who is elected to be the chief executive of the United States, I hope that we - all of us - do not forget that our country has been built on the ideals that all people are created equal and that we all have the same rights. 

In addition, ours is a nation in which anyone can succeed, no matter what color their skin, or what they eat, or the friends they claim. Let's remember that all of us have the right to aim high.