Standing United

By Alex Lama, Commissioner

(July 30, 2020) – Last month we celebrated the 244th birthday of the United States of America and as the fourth of July fireworks faded and the celebrations drew to a close, I kept thinking of how grateful I am to live in this country. Living here offers many of us the tranquility of personal safety (a priceless gift absent during my childhood in El Salvador) and it offers us access to great education as well as economic opportunities rarely found in other countries.

I also thought of the challenges we face due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the recent social unrest and the economic downturn. It is certainly an unprecedented and tough time for us as a country. Many of us have observed with concern how this situation has created divisions and augmented existing issues in our society. However, despite this, it is reassuring to see the empathy, respect and care among many people, regardless of race, religion, color and ethnicity.

It is vital we draw on these values and our commonalities to face these challenges and come out victorious. After all, we are here to enjoy our rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. These are our unalienable rights as written in our Declaration of Independence. Our great nation has endured many difficult times and has triumphed. I am confident we will continue to collaborate and stand united to overcome our trials and tribulations so we can continue to enjoy these rights and make our country better.

Please contact me with questions at 305.792.1752 or alama@sibfl.net.