American History

We did it our way, said a popular singer. America did that, too, with a roller coaster ride that has curved itself around love and hate, good and evil, often spiced with racism, and somehow humor and a humane perspective within reach.

The beautiful idea of America has not been easy to grow.

So many diverse components we contain, human diversity on steroids. Our civilization has proven to be as fragile as it is complicated. But, to unlove America is not an option.

Here we will see gentle folks that really don't demand much, counterbalanced after the hate-mongering Ku Klux Klan created the burning cross that I had just photographed (seen in this collection), a Klan member placed a strong hand on my shoulder, and when I turned around it was a fellow with whom I had gone to high school.

Please pardon my history.