Just imagine.

Imagine a world in which we all believe in each other and in a power greater than each of us.

Think about the astonishing future our children would inherit, if we just believed in the basic goodness of the human race and the purpose intended for all of us by our creator.

What is the cost of prejudice and intolerance?

Imagine — starting tomorrow — a bipartisan Congress convenes, and one by one the world’s problems are addressed in a logical, methodical approach resulting in solutions achieved through understanding of each other’s points of view and meaningful compromise.

Imagine agreement is formed between business and labor that all must share in a nation of prosperity, working together in a common bond to make sure that our economic system remains the best in the world, and recovers more strongly than ever.

Imagine true diversity is achieved by the eradication of extremism throughout the world. We become color-blind, nationality is a matter of pride, and personal lifestyle preferences are nobody’s business but their own. Imagine a world where we really are equal men and women.

Imagine a world where the rule of law prevails, democratically decided by the people. Not driven by ideology and 5-4 votes in the Supreme Court.

Imagine the United Nations actually working, bringing together all the people of our world, led by true leaders determined to reach the goal of world peace.

Let’s turn to the immediate issues of our time, and to history for instruction.

It was at a perilous moment in American history when President Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best: “The only thing we have to fear — is fear itself!”

America, the greatest nation in the world, now stands squarely in eye of the storm. Imagine the United States showing the strength, the resolve, and, most of all, the compassion required to lead the world to salvation.

Let’s address the human tragedy occurring on the borders of our country.

Imagine a solution that combines sensible border security with the “love of God” for the unfortunate children now here. Then imagine an honest meeting between Latin American country leaders and the U.S.A. to address the illegal immigration problems together.

Perhaps the greatest threat faced by all is the religious schism created by the rise of militant terrorism throughout the world. Imagine a world in which we embrace the principle of “live and let live,” a world where one’s religion and beliefs are not to be infringed upon. No more wars in the name of religion.

Imagine all the rulers of the world meeting with one common goal in sight.

That goal would be the avoidance of Armageddon.

We are perhaps, as Charles Dickens wrote, in the best of times and the worst of times.

Current polling indicates a degree of personal frustration that creates a dangerous passion of pessimism. It is in times like these, history dictates, that change is demanded and becomes possible.

Imagine people of good will everywhere demanding action, a simultaneous coming together of all races and creeds for the good of all mankind.

America has given the world an unparalleled example to follow, of life and liberty in the pursuit of happiness. We can and shall lead again.

Just imagine a world of love, peace and understanding.

“Blessed are the “the peacemakers” among us.

Be extremely proud to be an American and a citizen of the world.

Come along, and dream with me, with lyrics from John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”

“You may say I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one …”

“The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces of people going by. I see friends shaking hands, saying, ‘How do you do?’ They’re really saying, ‘I love you.'”

From me to you, my friends, just imagine, what a wonderful world this could be.

Don Roberts is a former city councilor and vice chairman of the Charter Commission in Augusta. He is a trustee of the Greater Augusta Utility District, and a representative to the Legislative Policy Committee of Maine Municipal Association.

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