"United States of Me"

This is a shopping cart filled with garbage at the end of our street. It’s been sitting here for over 2 weeks. In our neighborhood, where condos go for $800,000, no one seems to give a shit that garbage is all over the place. Our neighbors don’t return our “hellos” when we greet them.

If this happens in one of the most affluent Seattle neighborhoods, is it any surprise what happened last night? Apathy is at an all-time high. Selfishness too - “The United States of Me.” One FB friend posts concerns about how her disabled clients might lose their ACA care, while another laments that his costs are going up. “Fuck you, got mine!” rings true.

I finally snapped today, passing the cart on my exercise walk. Long overdue, I went back home, grabbed my car and a trash bag, and cleaned up the cart. I was planning on bringing the cart back to the grocery store, but it wouldn’t fit in the trunk. I’ll contact the City somehow.

It’s cliche, but true: you must be the change you wish to see in the World. Last night reaffirmed my growing feelings: I must continue to lead by example and focus on helping others. I must use my increasing wealth for good, working even harder to limit the damage that the apathetic, backwards-thinking, blinded masses can do.

This is a call to all of you to #DoYourPart to make this country better. It starts at home. Get your struggles worked out, then begin helping your community. I am America. I am the future.