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A Prayer for July 9th
On July 4th, we celebrate the 227th anniversary of the publication of the Declaration
of Independence. What does that mean? It is not a nation of one ethnicity, one religion or one culture. It is not
a nation formed for the usual reasons of race or blood. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "America is essentially
a dream."
Ben Stein wrote that the founding document of America says this new nation will aim not at exalting a king, not
an enriching a nobility, but at setting up a framework where all can reach for their goals and dreams. The state's
founding documents were not created to entrench the privileged few, but to allow opportunity for everyone.
On July 9th, the citizens of Iran will take up the torch of freedom from tyrannical mullahs by observing a general
strike throughout their nation. No one knows the consequences of their brave act. Within Iran, encouragement can
be found everywhere. As reported by Amir Taheri, support cuts across class, religion, ideological and generational
boundaries. Constitutional reform can be both peaceful and put to the people's vote. It need not be violent. Within
our own ranks at home, fear, carping and doubt have enjoyed a big week in the elite media but those who rant do
not speak for the people of this nation. Perhaps that is why they rant. The Iranian people need to know that America
is stronger and better than our whiners and handwringers.
With a nod of thanks to an immigrant who chose to become a citizen, Dinesh D'Souza, we can give the Iranians some
of what the Idea of America means.
- America provides an impressive standard of living for the common man or woman. Our definition of poverty is
middle class in much of the rest of the World
Americas believes in opportunity. We know that self-made tycoons are the exception but no nation in history
has built a better ladder for people to ascend from modest circumstances to success.
The ordinary life of work and family is highly valued. Unlike many other cultures, the life of business managers
and the people who work for them are considered noble callings.
Regardless of economic status, Americans are socially equal. The American view is that those who have money
are not in any real sense better than they are. A century or so ago, a railroad conductor was told that his next
passenger would be the Prince of Wales. "I assure you," the messenger said, "that the Prince will
be congenial." "And you may assure the prince," the conductor responded, "that I will be the
same."
In America, we expect people to live full and rich lives. Thanks to the benefits of technological capitalism,
we expect to live 75 or more years and to enjoy a vigorous life, devote time to good causes and watch the grandchildren
or even great grandchildren grow.
In American, individuals are the architects of their own destinies. Unlike much of the world, fate is not pre-determined..
Here, you write your own script. Your background tells where you came from, not where you are going.
In America, anyone can participate. We are the only country that extends full membership to outsiders. We can
work and live in relative harmony because we intend to separate the sphere's of religion and government without
preference and because we extend rights to individuals, not groups. When all are equal in the eyes of the law,
opportunity is available to everyone.
In spite of its flaws and errors, American life as it is lived today is the best life our world has to offer.
We win the wars that need winning but we do not stay as conquerors. As Abraham Lincoln stated, "no person
has the right to rule over another without the latter's consent."
"By the grace of God, "as Thomas Jefferson wrote, "the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles
on their backs, nor a favored few born booted and spurred and ready to ride."
Ben Stein concludes that our 4th should be happy but also we should pause to express our gratitude. "Our laughter,"
he says," has been made possible by the blood of our heroes. As we smile this summer day, let us remember
them and also the dreams they and their families lost so that we could have ours come true."
May we also preserve one thought or prayer on the 4th of July for the people of Iran as they pursue liberty and
justice for all just five days later.
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