Diversity, the mere mention of the term alone, especially in the realm of politics, more often than not, evokes polarizing perspectives. Many heated debates have ensued in the open market of ideas where there’s no shortage of interpretations on the subject and reality of diversity.

Political parties and diversity: While one party is said to be the party of diversity, the other is conveniently demonized and accused of not possessing enough of, or the right kind of, said diversity. 

In fact, no political party or affiliation has proprietary claim to the term, composition or application of diversity. The reality is, diversity is inescapably necessary for the health and balance of a wide spectrum of organizations, systems and social structures, including political bodies and nations.

When I consider the historically unique experience of this most precious nation of ours, a constitutional republic, I can’t help, but both appreciate and embrace that diversity, specifically of culture, has and will always be an inevitable reality to our growing and changing country. And it is a good thing.

Since the inception of this great nation, which has been a model of stability, security and hope to countless millions here and around the world, diversity of culture has been a major contributor to the success of this developing model of the United States.

The diversity of our culture has produced a cross pollination of ideas, concepts, trades, practices, skill sets and traditions that have translated to historically unparalleled, unprecedented developments and advancements — all underwritten by the order and equality of a unique, built-in, fail-safe system of self governance: the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

A few years ago I befriended a family from the Middle East. They moved here with the hope of a better life, as the country and culture they left behind was a system of civil chaos. Despite the fact that their homeland has existed for thousands of years, no advancement has been made for basic human rights. There has never existed a version of the “American Dream” let alone human rights in their homeland. The platform they lived on was one of intermittent peace, purchased by brute force and tentative alliances. Any form of stability was a temporary condition until the next round of conflict, which unfortunately is a way of daily life.

This foreign family has been delighted to embrace all the promise America has to offer. I spent countless hours with this family, exchanged meals, visited each other’s homes, shared experiences and stories. The friendship has been a great experience indeed. 

In the course of our fellowship I made it a point to inform them that we are delighted to welcome them here to live and experience our culture, and I asked them to bear in mind why this nation is a destination of hope. It is an escape and haven from various systems of oppression, because it is a constitutional republic, crafted on an idea that we are all equally and divinely created, all possessing great potential to glorify our creator and be a net benefit to humanity.

The caveat to all of us, with regard to the convergence of cultural diversity in this great nation, is that we all must purpose to remain united in one cause: the preservation of the platform of freedom, the inner workings of our constitutional republic, where equal opportunity of potential exists, the very reason the United States is a destination for the hope and potential of humanity.

Let us embrace diversity’s goodness,

and both educate and influence all participants to preserve freedom for generations to come.