In the face of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, or whatever you call hate in modern America, I am still optimistic about the future of the United States.

From day one, the mission of America has been progress, progress, progress. We need thoughtful writers and bridge builders to keep it going.

There are thousands and thousands of Americans fighting messages of hate. America is in good shape, so long as the struggle against ignorance continues.

Insisting on civil discourse and religious tolerance are the proper ways to discuss bad speech. We can’t fight hate with hate and expect peace.

America was founded on the idea that all human beings have inherent dignity and rights. If we turn this idea on its head, we turn America on its head. We must protect these rights to make sure that the idea of America doesn’t end.

If you don’t call out discrimination, if you don’t condemn hatred based on skin color or religious beliefs, you’re not a “good American.” “All men are created equal” is one of the principle sentences in the Declaration of Independence.

What do we have as Americans if we don’t adhere to the egalitarian spirit of our founding documents?