ONE THING on Patriotism

My family came to America from Ireland in the early 20th century, fleeing famine and poverty. This country promised a chance to build a better life. My grandfather applied for a job at a laundry, barefoot. The manager loaned him the money to buy shoes, then hired him. My grandfather retired as a machinist at GE, having put all five of his children through college.


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Our country has bad mood swings when it comes to immigrants. The early Irish-Americans were turned away from jobs, labeled illiterate drunks. Later, when I was growing up, we celebrated the melting pot. In the tech world, I have worked alongside brilliant people from everywhere. Today, that spirit is under threat. Irish drunks have been replaced by other groups, but it's the same targeting of the vulnerable. 

I still believe America is strongest when — and because — it welcomes diversity, including immigrants, international students, and LGBTQ+ folks. That belief, to me, is deeply patriotic. Happy 4th.
 
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Giving a pep talk and tips on pitching their product ideas to judges and the audience at ProductFest last month. More ideas and photos from Product Culture on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.