I love my country.
That is why I oppose anyone,
even in the highest levels of
her government,
who opposes her basic values.
Values of fairness and compassion,
equality and inclusiveness,
liberty and justice for all
regardless of national origin,
race, gender, or culture.

I love my country,
with her wonderful mixture
Of Native Americans,
African Americans,
Latinos,
Asians and Caucasians;
Immigrants too – those who
have been here for generations
and those who have recently arrived.

I love my country so much
that I will
work against
anyone who
espouses
policies, practices, or executive orders
that
discriminate
exclude
scapegoat
or
stigmatize
men, women, and children
of a certain ethnic or racial group.

My country is a democracy,
where all are valued;
where opportunities for education,
health care,
employment, and freedom of religion
are available to all,
and where fear and hatred
are banished and shunned.

Fr. Max Oliva, SJ
frmaxolivasj@yahoo.com
www.ethicsinthemarketplace.com