I hope everyone's weekend was fun, safe and happy. War is a controversial subject and is only further complicated by politics and "political correctness". Since the United States was established at the close of the American Revolution we have had a mix of success and failure in endeavoring to make this a country that allows all ethnicities and their viewpoints, as long as no harm is brought to others. The Mexican American war was a war against Spain and their own violent colonization, not against Mexico's indigenous people. The Civil War was supposed to be a fight to end slavery. But to this day, some still wish that never happened. Furthermore, after fighting each other we brought war down upon the native peoples that were here first in the US. The ideal of freedom for all did not evolve completely until a near and total genocide of America's first was stopped. To this day there is still a struggle for equality. This does not end with just African Americans or Native Americans, women have suffered and still other ethnic people that are now citizens must fight against bigotry and misinformation coming from people who say they want to make America great again. These people want to build walls and keep people out and turn us into isolationists. There is nothing great about that. To me that is bringing back the things that were bad about this country. Intolerance and bigotry. Despite a bloody history and problems that still need to be solved; including poverty, education and equal rights for all citizens, America is already great. We are a nation dedicated to human freedom and through wars controversial and just our people fight for that ideal and cause. This nation stands for freedom on all levels, and while that is a complicated concept, all it really takes is some tolerance, understanding and a willingness to learn. Compromise does not have to mean giving up your old culture, but it may mean allowing others to retain some of their old culture as well. Show some respect and the sentiment will be returned. The United States is a place of new culture and of something very unique in the world where there is a chance we can all get along. Remember and honor those who fought and have died for the freedom that is special in this country. Yes, I may be unrealistically optimistic, but I say the more optimism the better. And to those from other nations around the world, if you live by these ideals than I wish you the best that life has to offer. Your beliefs are yours and I respect that. However, if you are intolerant and feel you need to show me the "right way" to live, then I wish you enlightenment and better understanding. Our government is far from perfect, but I recognize changes and improvements that have happened over the years. I hope someday they can destroy the last drones and offer the last soldier a non combative job that lets he or she come home every night.