Osceola (FL) Board of County Commissioners
20 October 2014
Michael Mello (242 words - 1:42)

Our original nation motto, E Pluribus Unum, Latin for, “out of many, one”, is something we can all learn from.  It is a motto that unites all the people of our county and our great nation.

We are a nation of many different people working together.  We are a diverse nation in regards to race, ethnicity, politics, gender and sexual orientation.  A nation of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, agnostics, atheists and many, many others.  Too many to name, in fact. 

This body has shown tolerance and acceptance and it sets an example for neighboring counties by demonstrating what makes our nation great—working together despite our many differences for the greater good of society, and focusing on those things we do have in common. 

The Osceola County Commissioners understand this guiding principle and demonstrates it in their actions by treating members of all religious groups and those from the atheist community, like myself, the same as all the others. 

We can hope that others learn from this commission and those around the country which understand that we are only great when we treat people with different beliefs equally—when we understand that collaborating with each other on common goals, and ensuring that the majority does not take away the freedoms and liberties of others is what makes us strong, united and free. 

Thank you for leading a county that consists of many differences and uniting us as one.  E Pluribus Unum.