By Elaheh Farmand American flags sprout like trees and wildflowers in backyards and gardens, over and around fences and windows. Tall and grand, they surround diners and restaurants in Pennsylvania, impossible to ignore. With strong winds, they dance almost majestically. What is the message of this flag, built on stolen land with the blood and genocide of its indigenous … [Read more...] about Reflections on Being American
patriotism
We Must Fight the System, Not Each Other
ELAHEH FARMAND Once a year on our immigration anniversary, my mother and I reflect on our journey from Iran to the United States. In the past, we would celebrate the freedoms we were given in America, embrace the struggles we endured as immigrants to settle in a new home, and learn not only a new language, but also a new way of living, a new culture, a new dream. But if … [Read more...] about We Must Fight the System, Not Each Other
Patria y honor
Steven Escobar Mendez Nataj che? There was a tragedy, do you remember? There was violence, do you remember? There were struggles, do you remember? There was a promise, do you remember? Of course I remember the tragedy, I still stand Of course I remember the violence, It was in our land Of course I remember the struggles, like the back of my … [Read more...] about Patria y honor
Of What Is and What Used to Be
Joseph C. Welsko I’ve watched this road freeze and melt over the winters and springs, but this year’s frost is deep and hard, down to the roots connecting everything, and the sun can hardly penetrate it, though I can’t be kept from this way for long.I walk this trail because its forests need a friend from the other side, hands to care and to keep, eyes and … [Read more...] about Of What Is and What Used to Be