Liberty presses on the American mind.
A true American cannot be moved from his or her conviction about Liberty. No eloquent speaker, powerful force, mind-altering influence; no bribe, or set of tragic circumstances, no ideology can shake an American from the knowledge that Liberty is at the heart of America:
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. ~ Declaration of Independence 1776
Liberty caused these thoughts to be written when minds were shaped by an America present long before the Europeans walked upon our shores. Liberty presses on the American mind still: Let them all be free – black, brown, red, yellow, woman, child, plant and animal! Liberty stands firm on this. True Americans understand it.
Americans believe all people should know Liberty. A true American will not participate in, or support, anyone or any nation (even her own nation) that would deny Liberty to another human being. Americans look across the globe with the hope of Liberty’s promise for all. A true American is generous and long-suffering for just causes. Listen:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…. ~ Declaration of Independence 1776
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it. ~ Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States (1809 – 1865)
He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.
~ Thomas Paine, American Patriot (1737 – 1809)
Americans raise their flag to honor Liberty and burn their flag when Liberty is in jeopardy. Liberty for All is the creed of true Americans. They cannot be swayed. They have tasted her intoxicating liberation. No government, no religious doctrine or person can deter true Americans from their pursuit of freedom. Liberty is their only religion, their only banner. True Americans are free to think and free to live.
Liberty whispers in their ear throughout the land.
Susan Feathers 