Restoring America’s True Greatness: Rejecting Divisive Rhetoric to Uphold Global Leadership and Unity
Ankit Sapkota
Pennsylvania, USA
As thousands of Indian, Bhutanese, and Nepalese Americans join in celebrating Diwali, also known as Dipawali, Pennsylvania’s recent recognition of the festival as an official public holiday has made history. As one of the few states to honor Diwali this way, Pennsylvania has sent a powerful message that reflects America’s core values of inclusivity and mutual respect. Diwali, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, and unity over division, couldn’t be timelier in its message for Americans this year. With political rhetoric at its most divisive and hate speech driving wedges across communities, the need for unity—one of Diwali’s central themes—is urgent.
The recent political climate has seen intensified hostility and polarization, with rhetoric often targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, and political affiliation. This negativity threatens to unravel the shared American ideals of unity and compassion. And as the 2024 election approaches, voters face a crucial decision: choosing leaders who will honor these values, safeguard democracy, and ensure America’s strength on the global stage by promoting unity and rejecting hate-driven division.
Let’s examine some of the pressing concerns currently facing Americans:
An Era of Authoritarian Overtones
Recent political events have raised concerns that some leaders are gravitating toward authoritarian tactics, sidestepping democratic norms in favor of centralizing power. Former President Trump, for example, has repeatedly called to target political “enemies,” threatening the democratic principle of checks and balances that has upheld America’s political stability. This shift from discourse to divisive action suggests a dangerous precedent, one that risks eroding public confidence in democracy itself.
Erosion of Political Decorum and the Global Perception
In stark contrast to the values symbolized by Diwali, the recent increase in political attacks has led to a perception that American politics is in decline. Globally, where the U.S. once symbolized democratic ideals and the pursuit of global peace, many now see a country preoccupied with internal discord. With insults and baseless accusations hurled from podiums, the rest of the world watches, questioning whether America still stands by the values it has historically promoted abroad.
Rejecting Short-Sighted, Business-Style Leadership
Trump’s approach often reflects his background in business, prioritizing quick gains over long-term integrity and ethics. His repeated praise of autocratic figures like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un—framed as “making peace”—is less about diplomacy and more about optics. While he claims these relationships promote stability, they ultimately underscore a willingness to align with authoritarianism, a trait that risks weakening America’s reputation and diplomatic relationships in the long term. Voters should consider whether a short-term, self-interested vision truly aligns with America’s role as a global leader.
The Blame Game and its Implications for Democracy
Under Trump’s rhetoric, political opponents are painted as personal adversaries, an approach that sets an unsettling tone for the nation. Baseless accusations and divisive comments have targeted groups across racial, political, and cultural lines, including recent attacks on Puerto Rican communities and immigrants. This hostile approach not only alienates significant portions of the population but also detracts from pressing issues that deserve bipartisan cooperation. True leadership, as the symbolism of Diwali reminds us, seeks unity rather than division, growth over discord.
As Diwali shines its light over communities nationwide, it is a timely reminder of the values that make America truly great. Unity, compassion, and respect for one another’s differences—these are the principles that bring people together and strengthen communities. As we approach this pivotal election, Americans are tasked with a decision that extends far beyond one term or one candidate. Our vote is a vote for the future of democracy, a commitment to a path that values global respect, peace, and moral leadership. Rejecting divisive rhetoric at the ballot box is a chance to uphold the ideals that make America a beacon of hope and leadership for the world.