Written on November 2nd, 1883, The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus is the perfect poem to represent the ideals of the United States of America. This country is supposed to be the world’s greatest cultural melting pot, accepting dreamers of all backgrounds who seek a better life. We may not always reach that lofty goal of equality and acceptance, but we can still do our best to form, as the constitution says, “a more perfect union.” 

Todd reads this poem for us to contemplate and compare to the rhetoric of our presidential candidates. As much as we hate to bring him up, we cannot ignore Donald Trump, as he continues to stray further from the ideals that make our country successful. Rather than quoting the constitution, he quotes Adolf Hitler. Rather than embodying freedom for all, he seeks to force his beliefs onto others. Rather than carrying out the will of the people, he confirms his intent to be a dictator. Ultimately, he does not have our best interests at heart, and thinks only of himself. 

Unless you are of Native American descent, we are all immigrants. Based on an idea as opposed to geography or ethnicity, our country is unlike any other, and we should hold on to what makes it special. Remember the words of Emma Lazarus, and lift your lamp for those in need. We must exercise our right to vote and preserve democracy, not for ourselves, but for our children, and all others who seek a better life in America. 

How does Secret Santa work? After taking calls on the Emma Lazarus poem, Luke Mathers joins us for a Thursday edition of Tuesday Tangents. Aaron, Luke and Todd look to the text lines to see who is in the wrong about the rules of holiday gift exchanges. 
The Todd Allbaugh Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 12 - 2 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribed to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and YouTube to keep up with Todd and the show!