Peanuts In My Pocket

I recently watched the so-called “highlights” from Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden. I was left with two questions: “Why hate Puerto Ricans?” and, more broadly, “Why hate anyone?” It’s simply wrong to single out a minority group and blame them for Trump’s imaginary problems. Trump and his team of miscreants seem to invent new slurs daily. It goes beyond simple hate—it’s anti-American, undemocratic, and, though I never thought I’d say this as an atheist, it’s anti-Christian, at least if you don’t subscribe to Evangelical Christianity’s corrupt theology.

Go read this: Can a Christian vote for Donald Trump?

I’m a white man, often mistaken for a redneck because of my appearance, living in the melting pot that is Southern California. I’m married into a wonderful Filipino family and have African American and Mexican American relatives. My friends are of every nationality and mix imaginable, and my neighborhood reflects that same beautiful diversity. I don’t care about anyone’s citizenship status—many of the people I know and love are immigrants. My life is rich and fulfilling because of the diversity around me, including the LGBTQ people I know. Trump threatens all of this with his overt hate, bigotry, and malice.

Nearby, there’s a Korean-owned mall in Buena Park called The Source. I recently visited to eat at a Mexican restaurant there, which might sound odd since most of the food offerings are Korean, but this Mexican restaurant serves amazing soup. After dinner, my wife and I strolled through the food court. My wife, who is Filipino, blended in perfectly. I’m tall and white, so I stood out more, especially in a crowd of hundreds enjoying an afternoon of good food and conversation. At first, I noticed the height difference; then, I noticed the many languages spoken around me. It didn’t make me uncomfortable—instead, it filled me with pride. This is America. This is what I love.

Looking for a great place to eat? Try La Huasteca for delicious Mexican food and stop by The Bakery afterward for a sweet treat.

Trump wants to deport my friends and neighbors. He blames our imaginary problems on any minority he can target. His rally attacked Puerto Ricans, Blacks, and Jews yesterday, publicly stoking hate in a way that’s both alarming and dangerous. I’m voting for Kamala Harris to protect my family, friends, and country. We have to end Trump’s influence and the MAGA movement. This election is our opportunity, but we also need to push for accountability afterward. Those who enabled this mess should never be allowed near the seats of power again.

Voting is important, but we need to do more if we want to protect our communities and keep the diversity that defines us. There are actions we can take, starting right where we live. If you’re in a multicultural area, try stepping out of your comfort zone to connect with people around you. Say hello to new neighbors or start a conversation with someone from a different background. You’ll learn a lot just by being open. I’m working on this myself, though it does mean pushing past my introverted side.

f you want to get more involved, consider supporting immigrant rights organizations. Many nonprofits rely on donations or volunteers to help newcomers find stability and safety. Groups like the ACLU, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, or local organizations work hard to support people affected by anti-immigrant policies. Even a few hours of volunteering or a small donation can make a big difference. And given Trump’s stance on veterans, I’d also include nonprofits that support them.

Then, there’s the simple power of using your voice. Share your experiences with others and speak up when you hear people spreading hateful rhetoric. You can even write a blog or Facebook post. Conversations, especially with friends and family, can make a huge difference. Hate and fear thrive in silence, but when we speak out—whether on social media or over the dinner table—we remind others that diversity is something to be valued, not feared.

Our everyday choices matter. Supporting immigrant-owned businesses, attending cultural events, or even trying foods from different cuisines at places like The Source can remind us and others of the richness in diversity. Heck, go eat some lumpia, it will brighten your day. It all starts with small acts that reflect big values. When we commit to protecting our diverse communities and fostering unity, we’re not just preserving a piece of America; we’re strengthening it.