Unfortunately, the “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan centers on materialism and greed. Greatness is obviously defined in many ways, but I believe it is immaterial. Individuals, presidents, communities and nations achieve greatness through goodwill, curiosity, selflessness, collaboration for the benefit of all, and encouraging oneself and those around you to rise to their full potential. It is not about floating your own boat, being “the best” or having the most. Greatness is not a competition. We can all achieve it.
The United States will realize true greatness when it is the very motivation behind every decision. In the least, this means: working toward a common good, such as providing health care, sustenance and education for all; raising standards and sticking to them (if you don’t have anything nice to tweet, don’t tweet at all); collaborating across cultures and internationally with an open heart and mind. A greatness founded on these virtues will withstand the sands of time, as they are independent of the ever-shifting winds of vogue and retail.
Maeve Baechler, Seattle
