We have just celebrated another Memorial Day. The concert on the Mall was entertaining and inspiring. I am grateful every day for those who sacrificed for the cause of honor, freedom, and responsible global citizenship. And for those who went and returned wounded in body and spirit, we owe them care, support, and respect. June 6, D-Day, will be another occasion to remember---those who served in combat AND support roles.
It is a time to reflect on what they fought for, what values are worth fighting for, the integrity of our motives, and the kind of world (and nation) we want for ourselves, our children, and all future generations.
My America will be a nation of equal opportunity for ALL people. We are created equal under the law, with different talents, gifts, and strength. Class, race, gender, faith should not discriminate or divide.
My America will be a nation filled with love and compassion enough to insist on and provide adequate health care for everyone, and the sick (physically and mentally) are not denied required care because of excessive costs and mismanaged service.
My America will be a nation that puts human beings and quality of life before money and profit, a nation that recognizes the necessity of clean air and clean water and a healthy earth. Limited natural resources require responsible use and distribution. I want a clean world for my and your children and grandchildren. We are stewards, not owners, of this magnificent creation. This is not a complex concept. We do not have to choose between a healthy future and jobs now. There is a solution to the challenge. American ingenuity is up to the task.
My America will be a nation that honors a rational exercise of the Second Amendment while limiting and restricting irrational, excessive, abusive license of violence. For God's sake and ours, do we really need to carry guns to church like Georgia politicians think they do?
My America will be a nation that understands and preserves the First Amendment separation of church and state. There is no place, NO place for sectarian prayer in the public arena. Please pray at home, in your places of worship, in your hearts, but more importantly, why don't we all try LIVING the values we think are so necessary. The heart of every world religious tradition is the recognition of "something" greater than myself AND the admonition to love and honor others. It has been said by others in many ways, but its truth rings clear: the life worth living is the one lived in service to others.
The choice is ours, personally AND as a nation; we can live a Self-centered OR Other-centered life. The consequences and benefits are unlimited.
