As a person of Puerto Rican lineage I feel a certain freedom to reach out in word to those who see themselves in an America that is separate and render reasons as to why this should not be so. I won't insult you by telling you to think for yourself but I will encourage you strongly not to be used by those in the liberal media or mindset to incite hatred for your fellow Americans.

I know racism still exists. I'm not ignorant of that fact. I remember a few years ago when I was driving up from Florida to visit my sister in Alabama who was in the military at the time when I was about to run out of gas. I pulled into a gas station and noticed a man pulling out of the same station having filled his tank. When I went in to pre-pay for my gas the attendant simply shook his head and said, "No." I was shocked, humiliated, and scared that I would get stranded somewhere and after begging and pleading he was resolute and would not sell me any gas. I got in my car and prayed that I would make it to the next town even though my gas light had lit up.

Was I upset at the time? Yes. Am I angry still? No! The reason that I'm not angry is that I know in my heart of hearts that this man did not represent what America truly is. You see, despite that one isolated incident I believe that with guidance from God, honesty, integrity and hard work you can see your dreams fulfilled and move beyond the hateful rhetoric that fuels the rage.

As a prose fiction writer and graphic novelist, I worked for 15+ years to get published. I have a file folder filled with rejection letters from agents and publishers but what is at the end of that folder is my contract with my first publisher, Markosia. I keep that file to remind my daughter (should she ever need reminding) to never give up on her dreams. It's been a tough road with promoting the work and getting it out there (it's my first work after all) but I live in a country that allows me to do just that if I want to!  read more »