I can smell the steaks, burgers and dogs cooking on the grills across America today as we celebrate our country’s independence in the good old American tradition. There will be parades, speeches and fireworks galore all to remind us we are the land of the free. The Statue of Liberty standing tall in New York Harbor still bears the words on her pedestal written my Emma Lazarus.
“GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR, YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE. THE WRETCHED REFUSE OF YOU TEAMMING SHORE. SEND THESE, THE HOMELESS, TEMPEST-TOSSED TO ME; I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN DOOR.”
These words were seen by the masses of Poles, Italians, Jews, Germans, Irish and all the other nationalities that came to our shores in search of freedom. I think somewhere along the line we lost the meaning of those words. The hatred and prejudice now seen towards others seeking freedom is like a burning ember continuing to grow and being fueled by the prejudice we saw arise many times in this country. How can we say we are the land of the free? Is freedom only for the chosen or is it for all mankind? Those are my thoughts on this day of celebration think about your feelings and decide if you believe in those words above or not.
Enjoy the day my readers and may we have many days of freedom to pursue all the liberties we celebrate this day. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY GUYS AND DOLLS.
2 comments:
I may 'borrow' your thoughts and post on facebook..Well said. Funny, I've used the quote from the Statue of Liberty to prove a point myself, but some people don't get it.
Some people never will.
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