At one point, I stopped and just stood there looking around. This was the way this country, with its multi-ethnic groups, could be like -- should be like. Every color of the rainbow, every racial identity, probably every religious denomination was represented here. They were all laughing, talking, playing together and really having a lot of fun.

The scene was our first annual neighborhood block party. We surmised that this would be a wonderful opportunity for all of our neighbors, new and old, to get to meet one another. The great burning question was probably on everybody's mind that day. "I wonder what all the other ethnic groups are bringing to the potluck dinner?" We had asked everyone to bring a dish that best represented their respective ethnic heritage.

My wife, Judy, and I love to sample foods from different countries, and we were not disappointed. Our new Filipino family brought pancit. Our Latino neighbor brought Mexican chicken, while my wife made her Jewish specialty, noodle kugel. Almost everyone brought their ethnic dishes or desserts.

There began a number of boisterous volleyball games. Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, young and old, males and females -- all shoulder-to-shoulder trying to win … What a thought.

Then the police showed up!

Actually, at our invitation, the local beat cops, on their bicycles, were visiting the area and arrived just in time for the water balloon toss. Then, as a wonderful gesture of good will to the many adults and children in attendance, the female officer even participated in the balloon toss. The officers than passed out toys and honorary police badges to the children. Although we implored them to stay for dinner, they felt obliged to continue on their beat.

About that time, the block mothers went back to their homes and brought out their special foods. The ladies all placed their foods along with barbecued meats on a long table, and we all lined up. It was glorious!

As the evening came upon us, I just sat there looking around. Our small block was actually a microcosm of the world. Every race, color and religion is represented on our block, and here we are all enjoying each other's company and ethnic foods. If only the people of the world, or even this country, could see what life could really be like. People of all colors and religions playing, talking and eating foods from other cultures.

I saw the joy on the children's faces -- children who have not learned to hate or distrust their neighbors just because they look different.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached love, peace and togetherness. Some current foreign leaders seem to preach hate, distrust and separatism. Bigotry and racism are taught at home, whether directly or indirectly, to unsuspecting adolescent minds. I had taught my young children to love and accept all other good people of every race and religion. Now, as adults, they have friends of every race and ethnic background.

I'm 71 years old now. I hope and pray that I live to see my dream come true.

Although I am a Republican, I feel that President Obama may have the best chance for that to happen. The world just might become a better place.

Jordan Lawson lives in Oceanside.