I often say partisanship is poison. I deeply believe that.
I also deeply believe that it is dangerous to refer to our nation as a Democracy rather than a constitutional republic.
I also deeply believe that it is dangerous to refer to our nation as a Democracy rather than a constitutional republic.
However…I also think we need to remember to trust our principles…not our government.
That means also that some people in government will say things that I will deeply disagree with.
That means also that some people in government will say things that I will deeply disagree with.
That doesn’t mean they may not have had something to say meant only in good faith. Or that they never said anything worthy of our principles. Quite the contrary.
Therefore…an appeal to those of you who may be inspired by the words of a man that many of you found solace in.
Right now…days before the 20th anniversary of 9/11, while our liberties have become something that can be bartered, our leadership proven to be unworthy of our confidence and our watchdogs absurdly nipping at *our* heels and even their own…
Meanwhile some of my friends are doing the unimaginable and unbelievable to be honorable and dignified and braver than I can even conceive, work quietly and quickly…
often they are in a space alone, miles apart, but with the tools our nation’s innovative and creative spirit helped to provide -they are working together, even miles apart and have resources available like no other time before ….
…and they do the incredible (really the only thing that is to be done) they are saving the lives of brothers and sisters and their families trapped by the Taliban.
Imagine the strength to simultaneously grieve those that could not be rescued and push further to save a married couple’s daughters from what some might say is worse than death.
So now…we need to imagine what we know is true but frightening during times of deep disappointment, we need to apply who we are as a nation, shake off the muck of manipulative men and women that are not meeting their oaths and offer it as simple truth.
We the people.
We the people.
WE the people.
In many ways it is 20 years ago again. Many are in there, in the unimaginable, deep in the crater working to do the seemingly impossible. As before..
..no one is left behind and no one is left unaccounted. No one is treated as they are not worth it.
No one’s life is suddenly not useful enough to be valued. No gratitude is expressed insincerely. No one is treated as replaceable or discarded equipment.
No one is treated as they simply were in the wrong place at the wrong time. No one is treated as our word meant less than we swore. No excuses.
Success means how we the people are remembered, win or lose and with all imperfections (including how we remember ourselves and each other.)
We are not a people that abandon our principles; especially when powers attempt to weaken our knowledge that we are one people, indivisible independent and capable of responsibility and resolve.
I keep saying we. Our imperfect union needs us now as much as we need it.
We are not the worst of our natures anymore than we are our best. Our happiness is not guaranteed. However our capacity to pursue it is - not by any law or state or elected or unelected leader. It is guaranteed by birth. It is guaranteed by nature.
That is what being born free allows. We the people, in our grief can pursue a joint happiness not only for ourselves but for our children’s children.
They will succeed and more. We will demand accountability and we will get it and more.
“Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in other people, that can be a risk, and there will be times when the process will disappoint you…
But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in America — and in Americans — will be confirmed…
Mine sure has been.”
-President Obama - Farewell Address January 10, 2017
-President Obama - Farewell Address January 10, 2017
BY EMILY DICKINSON
After great pain, a formal feeling comes –
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs –
The stiff Heart questions ‘was it He, that bore,’
And ‘Yesterday, or Centuries before’?
After great pain, a formal feeling comes –
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs –
The stiff Heart questions ‘was it He, that bore,’
And ‘Yesterday, or Centuries before’?
The Feet, mechanical, go round –
A Wooden way
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought –
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone –
A Wooden way
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought –
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone –
This is the Hour of Lead –
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow –
First – Chill – then Stupor – then the letting go-
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow –
First – Chill – then Stupor – then the letting go-
/end
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