Currier and Ives: (n) the lithography firm of Nathaniel Currier and James Merritt Ives, which produced prints of American history, life, and manners.

Why is it necessary to advertise our depletion by criticizing what once brought us completion?

Why are we so sarcastic about elements that at one time brought comfort and joy to our souls?

After all, is cynicism really a belief system?

Is negativity a plan of action? Is sneering the equivalent of smiling?

Does denying have the energy of accepting?

I grew up in America. The country that surrounds me today is still my home—it’s just dirty.

Fortunately, we don’t throw away our bathroom because it needs cleaning, nor do we cast our clothes aside because they’re sullied with dirt.

Clean.

I need visions of where we are to go.

I need to see the best to achieve better.

I require encouragement.

I find it impossible to gain breath and sustenance on a diet of despair.

Currier and Ives once represented the simple life we now sarcastically proclaim ridiculous, and even sometimes insist is insensitive to all cultures.

Does this mean we contend joy, family, warm fires and beautiful pastoral scenes are “white” things?

Is it necessary to express the plight of the poor by having pictures of starving children? Must we alarm others to sickness by offering snapshots of bedsores?

My eyes are thirsty for hope.

I could stand a little Currier and Ives.