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As I attempt putting these words to paper, chaotic scenes currently broadcasting of Tahrir Square show Egypt in the very loud and lively throes of over-turning their duly elected leadership. One year ago, the Egyptian people chose their leadership in a democratic election. However, a year later, the Egyptian economy (among other things) is in a shambles and the same people are now unwilling to wait three years more for a new election. Although ultimately hoping for a democracy, they are now pushed to prefer economic stability over their new democracy, and their constitution has been placed on hold and plans are to move quickly ahead with new elections.
The next few days or weeks will definitely be interesting. This seems to be a case of "be careful what you wish for", and the consequences-of-choice is an unmerciful broadcast on a world-wide stage. I am not equipped to, nor do I want to argue either the pros or cons of the situation in Egypt, but it is none-the-less, disturbing to watch. I pray for the good of the people, both of Egypt and the world.
So tomorrow is July 4th - the anniversary of The Declaration of Independence in the United States of America! A momentous and truly historic day in the US!. Although we will celebrate as usual, many Americans are sickened to find our country has veered off-course, and see a shocking loss of respect for the honorable path set by our founders when they declared their independence, and wrote the Constitution. One does not have to be a constitutional scholar to understand the grave concern we have regarding the casual reference to, or the rather demeaning manner in which the Constitution is observed today by some of our elected leaders.
Have we forgotten the persecution suffered and the dedication, nerves of steel, and the hearts of the patriots that drove them to fighting for their freedom - for their independence? How many lives were sacrificed during that Revolution? How many lives have been lost in the many ensuing wars fought for continued freedom since that revolution? Are they for naught?
Sadly, respect for our leadership both in-country and out-of-country has recently suffered and continues to fall throughout the world. How do we move our country forward to rebuild the stature and respect for this great nation? What worked in the past to place the United States of America at the top of the world in terms of leadership and benevolence to citizens of the world? Where did we lose our bearing, what caused us to veer off course? We each much search our conscience, while not forgetting to search our history books - but only those books that were dedicated to recording true and accurate history, and not just the subjective opinions of mankind!
Always moving forward, always ready to help in the face of disaster, the USA has always been there to provide food, fresh water, medical aid, shelter, machinery, troops, volunteers, time and billions and billions of US dollars to not only our allies, but to whoever, or whatever need may arise around the world.
The single greater factor in placing the USA at the top of the world is Heart. The Heart of Americans. The Heart, the love of country, and the love of mankind has placed enough strong and wise leaders at the helm of the country to keep the balance beam always leaning to the positive. We listen, we argue, we tear at each others throats, but in the end we sort things out, we reach consensus and make hard decisions, and we take chances on the inherent good will of mankind. And as always, mistakes are made, sometimes very crucial mistakes in assessing the will of the people, and yes, mistakes in trusting and choosing our leaders. Our trick now is to keep the balance beam positive; it cannot be allowed to drop to the negative!
Our saving grace can be History. If we use it! History which teaches us how to learn both from our errors, and our best choices. By using common-sense based on true fact, we can correct course, amend our ways, and meet equitable goals to create win-win situations for all. Fall back on history and we can move forward again, confident and in the optimistic spirit of overcoming financial disaster and paving the path for a better future for our children and grandchildren.
As for the majority of us Americans - our glasses are always at least one-half full!
Vivian, I enjoy all of your articles & hope readers give your words great thought. Speaking of loss of respect of the honorable path set forth for our great nation by our founders I would like to make a comment. Why, if we live in a nation where it is illegal to disturb an eagle's nest yet legal to kill a living fetus, do we not recognize that we live in a nation founded by geniuses? As times change so has our nation, as expected BUT the leaders of our nation have taken the documents of our founders and distorted them to the point that we will soon have no freedom, laws will be taken out of context, etc... Many thanks to you for the thought you have put into your writings!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments Pen! It does my heart good to see others speak out for our great country! We must not be silent any longer - we must each in our own small way do what we can do to promote a return to respect and dignity for the nation. Thanks and be sure to provide feedback whenever you can, and do continue to speak out for our country!
Thank you Kymee! It is great that we do have our differences and would be a bland world if we all thought the same! No new learning, no surprises, and I can visualize a lack of challenge in general. I love my country, and am proud of my country for all it has done for the good of mankind. Unfortunately, there have been mistakes made, but all in all I believe mistakes are part of the process of any government - or human. This is where HISTORY can be the great teacher! I can only hope that I always manage to be encouraging and uplifting in my writing.
Thanks Kali, I certainly appreciate your patriotic and positive comments. I am counting on you being correct in all respects. It is a bit challenging to take that first step out onto the "political tightrope" (a fitting description by Bill Lewis in his comment below) considering that Politically Correct (mostly faux, imagined or dramatized) fury is out in full force right now. History does repeat itself, but not only because people have short memories, but due to fact that history is no longer taught in the schools as it once was - back when I was still in school (quite some time ago)! Thanks buddy!
Loved the article. It is about time someone put into words what this great country is all about without resorting to name calling and lack of manners. Good for you for being so intelligent and thoughtful. I believe this country will prevail, our founding fathers established this great nation with checks and balances in place to keep any one person or faction from gaining too much power. The pendulum swings back and forth with ideologies so I believe the people will be heard before things go too far off course. We need a passionate and informed population to help guide this nation down the best path. I personally believe most of our politicians are good, caring people with a love for this country and its people. Unfortunately, Washington is broken and most politicians have to learn to play the game to accomplish anything. It is sad, but again, we will survive and be stronger for it. We should learn from history, but as a friend of mine recently said, people have short memories and unfortunately, history often times repeats itself. Thanks for the great article. Kali
Bill, your question and feedback shows your keen perception, and I appreciate your comments tremendously. Am definitely not wanting to offend anyone, but being so darn tired of the Political Correctness, false words and drama that abound today, it is easy for one to just boil over. There is no way to please everyone of course, but if we could just please have the truth for a change it would be refreshing. Yet through it all, the American Spirit lives on - there is just something about that spirit, that caring and empathy for others that I hope never changes. Thank you so much for taking time to share your thoughts!
Did you really put the words to paper? :-) I agree with my buddy Lewis: this was an enjoyable read. You did a great job of walking the political tightrope there, Vivian. You're right--history can be a great yardstick, if we use it. Harry Truman said "The only thing new is the history you don't know." It's easy to say we've made mistakes in choosing our leaders, because no matter who we elect, nearly half the voters will still be hacked off anyway. While polling of foreign countries shows approval of our foreign policy has taken a slight dip recently, we're still viewed more favorably than we were just a few years back. I think, though, your true point is about patriotism and giving a damn, and yes, heart. You hit that nail on the head. As long as enough of us truly care about our fellow man and work toward the common good of all, things will work themselves out and that balance beam will continue to support us all. :-)
Quite an interesting read, Vivian. My wife, who is a history buff, also enjoyed it,
Thanks Lewis - was only skimming the surface. I am a political news-junkie, and strongly believe that we should use factual history as a guide to stay out of trouble, best we can. History was my favorite subject in school.
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