The 2024 election season reignited following Biden’s departure early this summer and Kamala Harris taking the campaigning reins. During one of her rallies, she questioned Americans: What kind of America do you want to live in? I think about our that specific question. What type of America do I want to live in? To watch future generation grow up in? What unites us as American?
According to American history, a group of “Pilgrims” traveled from England to govern themselves. Whether or not, they intended to include the native Americans, they eventually grew to a culture away from home and over a century past their arrival, they established themselves as a new country and formed a democratic government. A government for the people and by the people. They voted for leaders to serve and create the laws Americans live by. Since then, America has continued to evolve its identity in the global community. Eventually, it has become a country with diverse cultures, beliefs, and citizens.
This election season’s, there are some American who feel our country should not be dual heritage. They want the power of decision making and shaping the country to remain in the hands of one race over the others. To support their belief, they use gerrymandering to prevent many black Americans from voting. The negative emphasis towards Asians during the pandemic by our political leader alienated a whole racial group of Americans who had a large role in constructing the railroads we use today. This is not the America I envision. I want an America that celebrates our racial differences. When I think of America, I do not see a bleak portrait of a nation with the same skin tone, but one rich with ethnic color.
If America is multi-racial, then there need to be religious organizations to represent these cultural backgrounds. Unlike other countries, America is fortunate to allow its citizens various paths to spirituality. Those who believe there is one God may follow the beliefs of that religion, while those who prefer to find spirituality through crystals, divination, or Buddhism may as well. A country introducing various forms of spirituality and allowing the citizens to choose is the America I envision.
The America I envision is stronger when built on the foundations of freedom. The freedom to choose the lifestyle you prefer. From food to religion. Choice in love to choice in family. There are many countries which follow one cultural norm. An expectation is that all citizens study the same faith, dine similar meals, and produce similar family structures. A predictable life once one becomes a formal member of that country’s society. America should refrain from becoming a homogenous society. The America I want is one which continues to celebrate the uniqueness in our amalgamated culture. Allowing the citizen their right to choose who they want to love, the family structure they want to create, the lifestyle they want to pursue. These qualities separate America from other countries, and unite us as one.
This is what I envision for America, and it clearly points to which of the two major presidential candidates I plan to vote for. Every American citizen has a choice. For those who plan to vote, it comes down to the question I posed at the beginning: What do you envision for America? When you think about what is America, what do you see? I am not white, nor heterosexual. I have lived in a country that is homogeneous, and felt the stifling effect of the rigid society. The pressure to assimilate, when I physically could not, and the constant feeling of displacement. America needs to remain the land of the free, bringing hope to people who seek a happier way of life. This is my America.
About the Creator
Iris Harris
An aspiring novelist. I enjoy writing ghost, horror, and drama. Occassionally, I dabble with some essays. You can find more of my work with the link below:
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How Am I Supposed to Feel
By now, the whole world is aware of the alleged assignation attempt on former US President Donald Trump. It occurred July 13, 2024, during one of his rallies in Pennsylvania, at the beginning of his address to his MAGA followers. As a member of the small group of marginalized American on various spectrums (race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.), my question to the rest of America is: How am I supposed to feel?
By Iris Harrisabout a year ago in The Swamp
India’s January Russian Oil Imports May Fall Sharply as Reliance Expects No Deliveries
India’s oil import landscape may see a significant shift in January as Russian crude deliveries are expected to fall sharply, driven largely by Reliance Industries’ indication that it does not anticipate receiving shipments from Russia during the month. The development has drawn attention from global energy markets, policymakers, and geopolitical analysts, as India has emerged as one of Russia’s largest oil buyers since Western sanctions reshaped global crude flows. This potential decline is not just a routine fluctuation in trade. It reflects deeper changes in global energy logistics, the evolving impact of sanctions, and India’s careful effort to balance economic interests with diplomatic realities. How India Became a Major Buyer of Russian Oil Before 2022, Russian oil accounted for only a small share of India’s imports. That changed dramatically after Western sanctions and price caps redirected Russian crude away from Europe. India, along with China, stepped in as a major buyer, attracted by deeply discounted prices. For India, the shift made economic sense. As the world’s third-largest oil importer, the country depends heavily on foreign crude to fuel its growing economy. Cheaper Russian oil helped keep domestic fuel prices relatively stable while shielding consumers from global price shocks. Refiners such as Reliance Industries and Indian Oil Corporation played a key role, purchasing large volumes and reconfiguring supply chains to accommodate Russian grades. Why January Deliveries May Drop The expectation of no Russian oil deliveries to Reliance in January has raised eyebrows because Reliance is India’s largest private refiner and a major exporter of refined fuels. Several factors may be contributing to the anticipated decline. First, logistical and payment challenges linked to sanctions continue to complicate Russian oil trade. Shipping insurance, tanker availability, and payment mechanisms remain sensitive, particularly for private companies with significant exposure to Western markets. Second, pricing dynamics have changed. As discounts on Russian crude narrow, Indian refiners may find alternative suppliers more attractive, especially from the Middle East. When Russian oil is no longer significantly cheaper, the incentive to navigate complex trade arrangements weakens. Finally, compliance and reputational considerations matter. Large private refiners like Reliance operate globally and must remain cautious about secondary sanctions and regulatory scrutiny. Reliance’s Strategic Calculations Reliance Industries occupies a unique position in India’s energy ecosystem. It runs one of the world’s largest refining complexes and exports refined products to Europe, the United States, and other Western markets. Because of this global footprint, Reliance must be especially careful about sanction exposure. Even if purchasing Russian crude is technically permitted under existing rules, the surrounding compliance risks can be substantial. By stepping back from Russian oil—at least temporarily—Reliance may be signaling a preference for supply stability and regulatory certainty over short-term cost advantages. This does not necessarily mean a permanent shift, but it underscores how corporate strategy can influence national import patterns. What This Means for India’s Energy Security A sharp drop in Russian oil imports does not mean India faces an immediate energy crisis. The country has diversified its supply sources over decades and continues to import large volumes from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. However, reduced access to discounted Russian crude could have economic implications. Higher average import costs may put pressure on refiners’ margins and, potentially, on domestic fuel prices if global benchmarks rise. The situation highlights a broader challenge for India: ensuring affordable energy while navigating a volatile and politicized global oil market. Geopolitical Implications India’s oil trade with Russia has been closely watched by Western governments. While New Delhi has consistently defended its purchases as necessary for national interest, it has also emphasized that it complies with international regulations and price caps. A decline in Russian imports—especially involving a major private refiner—may be interpreted by some as a subtle recalibration rather than a policy shift. India has repeatedly stressed its strategic autonomy, resisting pressure to align fully with any one geopolitical bloc. At the same time, maintaining strong ties with Russia remains important for India, particularly in defense and diplomatic cooperation. Any reduction in oil trade is likely to be framed as a commercial decision, not a political one. Global Oil Markets Watching Closely The potential drop in Indian demand for Russian oil could have ripple effects across global markets. Russia has relied heavily on Asian buyers to offset lost European demand, and any sustained reduction could force it to adjust pricing or seek new buyers. For Middle Eastern producers, the situation could open opportunities to regain market share in India. Increased competition among suppliers may help stabilize prices, but it could also intensify geopolitical jockeying in the region. Oil traders and analysts will be watching January data closely for clues about whether this is a temporary disruption or the start of a longer-term trend. Is This a Temporary Pause or a Structural Shift? It is too early to conclude that India is turning away from Russian oil altogether. Import patterns have fluctuated before, influenced by pricing, shipping availability, and refinery maintenance schedules. However, the current situation underscores a key reality: Russia’s grip on Indian demand is not guaranteed. As discounts narrow and compliance risks persist, Indian refiners—especially private ones—will continue to reassess their strategies. Future imports will likely depend on how global sanctions evolve, how Russia prices its crude, and how India balances cost savings with long-term strategic considerations. Conclusion India’s January Russian oil imports may fall sharply as Reliance expects no deliveries, marking a potentially important moment in the country’s evolving energy strategy. While not a definitive break, the development reflects the complex interplay of economics, geopolitics, and corporate risk management shaping global oil trade today. For India, the challenge remains the same: securing reliable and affordable energy without compromising strategic autonomy or economic stability. Whether this dip proves temporary or signals a broader shift, it serves as a reminder that in today’s world, energy decisions are never purely commercial—they are deeply political as well.
By Muhammad Hassan6 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (4)
I really hope your vision comes true. I feel like there’s so much good about America, but there are definitely things I don’t like/ appreciate. It’s a big enough country - there’s room for everyone. Great writing Iris.
So so amazing .i love your content and subscribed. Kindly reciprocate by subscribing to me also . thank you and keep it up
I wish there were a third candidate that would not be far left and far right
Iris, I think this is a clear explanation of what America could be with the right leadership and I share your vision. I loved this line: When I think of America, I do not see a bleak portrait of a nation with the same skin tone, but one rich with ethnic color. I don't see a bleak nation. I see the same as you. Let's hope the majority share your vision too.