By Audrey Peterman, The Westside Gazette
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
https://thewestsidegazette.com/
As a Jamaican-born American citizen who spent 40 years in the US, (writing for the Westside Gazette Newspaper since 1985,) I’m sitting at home in Jamaica celebrating our 62nd independence, our triumphs at the Olympic Games, and the imminent announcement of potentially the next Vice President of the United States by potentially the next President, the American daughter of our Jamaican brother.
Wow!! What a moment! Rich indeed!
As a Jamaican who returned home in 2018, my Dania Beach-raised husband Frank and I have been avidly watching the Olympics together. We’re taking so much pride in the superb athletes, the rivalries, the camaraderie, the humanity on display. Most nerve wracking for me was the photo finish outcome of the Men’s 100 Meters sprint. Of course, we accepted the results once it was decided, but a large segment of the Jamaican population remain in shock.
The situation really came into view when a TV commentator said,
“I guess we’re so accustomed to winning gold that silver is a letdown. We really should be complementing our athlete for doing so well his first time out.”
When interviewed, the young man’s mom and sister emphasized how proud and supportive they are of their family member.
Our Independence Day Celebrations are unusually muted as some parts of the island are still in recovery after hurricane Beryl. I can’t get over the fact that we will see the fireworks from the stadium from our apartment. I was here in the beginning as an 11-year-old in 1962, and I’m grateful that I feel an even greater sense of well being and appreciation for life on the verge of celebrating my country’s 62nd year out of colonial rule and my 73rd birthday.
But the overwhelming thing I’ve been waiting on is – and I just saw that Presidential Candidate Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her Vice Presidential running mate. I trust her and her team although as an environmentalist I was rooting for Senator Mark Kelly, because as an astronaut he has seen our fragile planet from above and is sensitized to its needs. I know this team is incredibly strong on protecting people and the environment and being ready for the effects of climate change.
I just cannot over emphasize what a glorious time this is to be alive. When a sea of negativity looked like it was threatening to blanket us with MAGA dysfunction, a ray of light arose from within in the form of our potential new president. What a difference! Even from Jamaica I’m working with all my heart to do everything I can to ensure that Democrats win the General Elections, and win BIG! Believe me when I tell you that the fork in the road is very clear for the future of our land, air and water.
Bless you!
(Audrey Peterman is an author and national-award-winning environmentalist. Contact Audrey@AudreyPeterman.com)
