July 4, 2011

I was born in America and personally have seen over fifty years of history here. I have seen the birth of many technological wonders which we now take for granted. I enjoy many freedoms which are alien in many other countries. And yet, I have watched in sorrow as we continue to fight wars, oppress the rights of many, and disrespect our Mother Earth.

This sorrow I feel empowers me as an American to fight for the ideals we say we stand for as a country, some two hundred thirty five years ago. It is our declaration of independence and these few words still stand out to me...

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

So why do we have so much prejudice in this land of the free and the home of the brave? Have we forgotten the meaning of these words? Do we believe them? Why are we so afraid of our neighbors, at home and in other countries? Why do we look with envy at our neighbor's resources? Why are we willing to look the other way as we fight war after war? Have we forgotten some the words of FDR, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in the depths of the depression, who said in 1933...

" ... the only thing we have to fear is... fear itself..."

"Yes, the money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths. The measure of that restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit."

"Our greatest primary task is to put people to work. This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously."

"In the field of world policy, I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor: the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others; the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors."

So today... July 4, 2011... is not as dark as those times in 1933 or others darker days that came. We can take some comfort. But there are many lessons we can learn from their problems as we work to solve today's issues in America and around the world. I vow to strive to be better human being on this road of life. May we learn from history, and her lessons, as we live in America striving to make these words come true in our life time... for ourselves... and America...

"Let Us Beat Our Swords into Ploughshares..." ...and put an end to all wars. May we respect our neighbor's right to... "...Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Let's live peacefully with all countries, respecting ourselves, our environment and all life on Mother Earth. May we work for the betterment of all life where ever it may be found.