Photo entitled “For the Love of Lady Liberty” by Katheryn Laible
What it Means to be a Citizen of the United States of America...
I’m thinking about what it really means to be a citizen of The United States of America, and this Great Experiment that is our system of government… this wild concept of a Representative Republic with all these checks and balances specifically designed to evade both Kings and ill-informed mobs, and to recognize the value of different perspectives, interests and expertise…
I’m thinking about a precocious young country founded upon bold declarations of human rights; on freedom of conscience and the value of civil discourse; recognizing that we are equal as men, humble before God and thus endowed with those inalienable rights that are self-evident and sacred to so many, so often disregarded by a powerful few, and so therefore enshrined in a Bill of Rights intended as the start of a living addendum to a carefully crafted Constitution, and set in place…
I’m thinking about how that Constitution was so noble and yet born of practical concerns, written by mere men endeavoring to reach higher, address failings and hold US accountable to the public welfare – particularly our soldiers, but also our societies and economies as a whole — and of its pragmatic, dynamic view of our ever-human nature. How audacious, thoughtful, and shrewd it all was….
I’m thinking about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, decidedly human and yet incredibly honorable, thoughtful men; they and so many others who have honored, been inspired by, and found hope and moral courage in this dream … this beautiful dream that counts on a critical mass to manifest… of so many who have given so much to better realize it; who weave this amazing tapestry that is US… guys like Frank Capra, or the Rev. Dr. King, or “Americanism Chairman of Nassau County,” Gus Scutari…so many folks in so many places, seen and unseen, giving it their best to keep the faith…
Freedom Isn't Free...
I’m thinking about how freedom isn’t free. Some give all. It’s a heavy responsibility. So much trust is placed in our citizenry to be worthy of such sacrifice. The least a soldier gives is his own freedom, which so many have told me is the very thing that they would give everything to preserve.
I’m thinking about how preserving freedom requires more than armed defense, especially if this “defense” is to serve that mission. Freedom comes with responsibility. It requires a critical mass of citizenry capable of thoughtful debate and decision making, and who reasonably evaluate and recognize various expertise. We are to study history with honest and thoughtful eyes, think critically, evaluate sources and consider ethics and morality; to carefully validate, honor, study and otherwise build and preserve knowledge; to offer our own pieces bravely yet respectfully, while listening at least twice as much. In all, we are to endeavor toward wise solutions with honest care for both the greater good and individuals’ specific responsibilities.
I am grateful for my beautiful country and its noble yet grounded ideals, even as I recognize original sins and other grievous wrongs. We all know how hard it’s been to get these principles recognized as “self-evident” applied to all, and how hard it is to reconcile with great pain that has been inflicted in this failing. Still, I take hope in our Nation’s history and design; our recognition that all is imperfect up front and pragmatic faith that we may overcome; that we may learn better, do better and continue endeavoring toward something better. That storms will come. That our spirits will survive.
Ah, Humanity...
Nothing, no one is perfect. Far from it. Hard truths must be reconciled, and we’re all wrapped up in a twisted mess together. My favorite metaphor shared by an old friend is of humanity endeavoring to pull itself out of primodial ooze, each of us struggling to stand and clean ourselves while occasionally getting pulled back down; helping each other sometimes, other times drowning.
Occasionally getting a good view of the light.
As such, any institution of man is going to be, well, human. This involves…a lot, including everything worth saving, too many folks destroying, and one giant puzzle after another. That’s why it’s so important we give it our best. It’s really our only hope.
I love my precious planet, which has helped shape my beautiful nation and my amazing home that is New York – this commercial capital, mecca of world culture, and proving ground of human dreams…this experience that makes it obvious to me that what unites good people transcends race, creed and kind; that shows me money isn’t the root of all evil, tho great power does hold tremendous responsibility, and that lack of money is by no means a valuation of worth. A place that naturally distills eons of world philosophy to settle on golden rules, and recognition that it’s going to be as good as we make it. We will reap what we sow. Other things will happen. Keep the faith. Lend a hand as you can. Thank you, friend.
Of course, some value none of this and see we who do as suckers and fools. One alone can taint much with poor and painful philosophies, and, frankly, none of us are perfect. Noone, honestly, comes close. This is the lot we are in. This is the material we have to work with.
Hope Floats...
Still, while it’s so easy to be so disillusioned and disheartened, and I by no means advocate turning blind eyes to things that must be overcome and reconciled, I remain more often brought to tears by those who feed my faith…including so many of those who once seemed blind and thoughtless. While it feels like a case of “Horton Hears a Hoo,” every act of good conscience means the world. Thank you.
The best coalitions are of the willing. Heaven knows we need all the help we can get. May heaven help us. May we help ourselves. Best we can do is our best to be decent to each other, to light paths and be teachable ourselves. I am forever grateful for all who help us be and do better… No matter how it may feel sometimes, please know it is not in vain. Everything we do. Everything we think matters. Each one of us holds a piece of what’s required for us to overcome so many challenges to survive and thrive.
I pray we get it together. I know we can…
Grateful thanks for all out there giving it their best.
