Think America

Dear Diary,

       Being the daughter of a man in Congress has given me some advantages. I am admitted into the best schools, I don't have to worry about doing chores (I have servants and slaves for that), and I am treated with respect. At least that is what everyone thinks. I believe them to be wrong. My life is far from perfect; in reality, it is actually quite flawed. For one, everyone expects so much of you; they expect me to be the best at everything and to be a natural leader. But what if I'm not, what if I just want to be normal. That is my dream. Every night when I lay my head on my pillow and close my eyes I picture myself in the places of various people I have met. However, I am not writing to complain about my life, I am writing because of what I have heard from Father's job.

        I know he doesn't think I listen or if he does, I bet he doesn't think I would be so opinionated. I am talking about all the sectional tensions in this country. This country is supposed to be an example to all the European countries, it is supposed to be a majestic place. Yet we are split on every topic that comes through the government. Slavery or no slavery, tariffs or no tariffs, industrialize or not industrialize, South this and North that, I'm tired of it!!!! We are supposed to be one, united. Why do you think our name is the UNITED States of America? We're supposed to be connected, not fighting within ourselves.

       Sure, I should probably be talking to Father about my opinions; I mean it is his job to deal with things like this. But would he listen to me? Personally, I don't think he'd listen to a ten-year-old, especially a ten-year-old girl. That doesn't mean I don't have any good ideas either, I have plenty. I have thought about it for a long time and I believe I have found the solution to the sectional/national problems our country is facing. It is simple, think America. Think America instead of your region, instead of your state, instead of your city. Then people would finally be able to see the big picture. The South would see that tariffs will improve America as a whole and the North would see that if slavery were to end it would send the whole country into turmoil.

         See? The solution isn't hard at all. Just think America. I can see the posters already, with the slogan stretching its way across the paper. THINK AMERICA!!!!!!!!! Moreover, since it was a girl who came up with the idea the men would have to give women more respect. That would make Mother very happy. She is always complaining about how women are not treated the way they should be and how women should have just as many rights as the men do. Now that I think of it, "think America" can apply to women's rights too. Because America is not made up solely of men, women may even be the majority. If a person was to think America, they would have to think of both men and women. You can't have a unified country unless everyone is equal!

        Anyway, I believe that if Sectionalism completely disappeared all the country’s problems would be solved. The whole North and South names would disappear too. You know, when I look back at my idea it now seems to good to be true. I have forgotten to take account the fact that humans are selfish. Neither the president nor I would be able to get everyone to give up his or her own personal desires. Everyone wants something different and no one wants to compromise. Well it was a nice idea while it lasted. I'm not saying it is a bust, I'm only saying it would be easier to promote Nationalism instead. Nationalism isn't asking everyone to give up personal desires for one big dream Plus I can still promote this idea.

        As soon as school is out tomorrow, I am going to start my campaign for Nationalism. Let’s see... I'll need big sheets of paper and paint, lots and lots of paint. I can draw a version of the join or die poster they had for the revolution. Ya, I like that idea. I’ll need tons of different colors 'cause all the states should be a different color to represent the fact that they are not unified with any other state. Then, I'll have to hang them up all over town. I'll definitely put some up by the government buildings. Ooooooo this is going to be so much fun! I'm so excited for tomorrow I think I'll go to bed right now, so the day will come quicker.

Sincerely,

Cassandra