Let Freedom Dream

"Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York." --Dr. Martin Luther King from his famous I Have a Dream speech.

It's a difficult task to point out in a moment of joy over crossing a threshold many thought impossible in their lifetime, that the same racism beat back by the Nov 4th 2008 election will instead be enshrined by it.

How could one remain unmoved at the tears of joy streaming down the face of Jesse Jackson at the acceptance speech of President-elect Obama in Chicago? The dream of racial equality crossed another hurdle and stands as a great marker in the history of this land. I am proud America has overcome race to the extent we have.

We have not yet attained the high goal set by Dr. Martin Luther King in his famous I Have a Dream speech. We have not. There will for some long time be petty prejudices held by the lesser among us. We can not perfect ourselves and yet we can aspire to be much better.

The Ludlum Elementary School in the Hempstead Union Free School District of Long Island, NY is now called Barack Obama Elementary School. How does this redefine the wishes expressed in the dream of Dr. King? It serves to enshrine racism.

From the AP story which reports the renaming... Officials for the Long Island district say they think the school is the country's first to be named after the first black president-elect, although similar efforts to rename schools, parks and streets are under way elsewhere.

Barack Obama is being honored for the color of his skin, not for the content of his character. It's just that simple. We have yet to see what the man is made of to determine how his character fares.

The office of President for which he will take an oath, Jan 20, 2009 will test him like no other. We can only wish him good luck and the good sense to follow the great guidance that God provides.

Fresh Blood

Had the pleasure of meeting an Iraqi War vet, last night. We had shots of Bushmills over post-election talk and the role of Putin in the future. Great perspective. This guy had come to the USA in the 90's as an immigrant and since has served a couple tours in Iraq. When asked by a self described "moderate" lefty sitting nearby, which did he prefer, Russia or the USA?... he listed all the reasons he's here in America. Lefty didn't get it. He kept asking as if there were the chance this guy who'd fled Soviet style Communism might still long for it. Well you might have guessed as much from a Gore/Kerry/Obama supporter.

For some time the role of immigrants like this proud soldier, especially from the former Soviet Union states has been on my mind. The newly freed are our best reminder of what we have come to take for granted. Or they can be. The sting of real oppression is fresh in their minds.

Our friend Lefty said he is a German-American. His family has been in the US for seven generations. When I pointed out to him that he was an American since he didn't speak German and parents and grand-parents didn't either he realized it was a long time since he considered himself as simply an American. That's really taking what you have for granted.

I want to hear more of the voices of those who are recently freed from oppression. Next time you here an accent which seems unfamiliar, ask about that persons story. So many times you will be amazed at the lengths to which people will go just to have the chance at freedom. It will inspire you.

Remember to thank a Vet for having done that bold work.