BuzzFlash
presents Southern Style
by Rebecca Knight
July 23, 2002
We Hold These Truths
by Rebecca Knight
"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have."
-- Margaret Mead
The strength of America lies in the underlying truths that are her foundation. Our founding fathers set about establishing governance that not only allows for, but also encourages the open dissemination of information through our freedoms of press and speech. These freedoms allow every single American to form opinions and to express those opinions without fear of negative ramifications. As long as these freedoms are not infringed upon, America will remain strong.
Friends and family have questioned why I spend my time writing this column. The reasons are simple. I love America. I love Americans. I cannot sit idly by and watch what I consider to be misguided leaders of any political affiliation erode the best of our ideals. I choose to speak out and I am fortunate to have been granted a forum by the owners and editors of BuzzFlash. I will forever be grateful to them.
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
-- Alexander Hamilton
In response to my writings, I receive amazingly eloquent and patriotic correspondence. Each and every message I receive convinces me that the heart and soul of America is alive and well. Consider these words sent to me over the weekend:
"…what I saw last year in NYC and DC awakened a patriotism in me I hadn't felt since my high school days. I don't mean the jingoism that I see on bumper stickers or complete faith in our CEO president, I mean a real love of country. A love of country that means those 3,000 people weren't just pawns on some cynical chessboard in an imperialist game for global domination. A love of country that means my government knows the difference between justice and vengeance when it comes to finding the persons responsible for the terror, be they Muslims extremists or lax officers in our intelligence communities. A love of country that stems from a belief in the Constitution and the rule of law that everyone no matter the crime of which they are accused are entitled to due process and protections against illegal searches and seizures."
The person who wrote those words is just one of millions of Americans who understand the truths that set our country apart from all others around the world. Patriots like this writer have seen America through her darkest hours and will continue to be the underlying strength of this nation.
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
-- Albert Einstein
Some have pointed out the negativity in some of my writings. Yes, I am critical of actions taken and words spoken that do not have the ring of truth or may be harmful to our nation. I have sought to point out inconsistencies and wrongful actions taken by our current leaders. In that sense my columns have been negative, but never negative about America for there is much that is right with America.
The strengths of America are exhibited through the dedication of the rank and file military personnel, our strong work ethic, our compassion for our fellow man regardless of nationality or color, our ethical business leaders, our adherence to the rule of law, our respect for religious faiths of all kinds, our legal system which provides equal rights to all, and our ability to understand and accept cultural diversity. None of these strengths are flawless. None of them are perfected. That is the beauty of America. We are an ever-changing nation. With every struggle comes hardship and suffering, but the will of the American people to do what is right almost always brings about change for the better.
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
-- Albert Einstein
Those of us who believe that the tragedy of 9/11 has caused an overly zealous reaction by our elected officials in their efforts to hunt down and punish the responsible terrorists, speak out through love of country, not through disapproval of country or our fellow citizens. Healthy criticism has been the initiative behind the most fundamentally progressive changes within our government. Without healthy criticism and activist movements, women and blacks would still be without the right to vote. Without healthy criticism and activist involvement there would have been no civil rights movement. Without healthy criticism there would be no child labor laws. Constructive criticism and activist movements point out flaws within the system and shed light on the truths that lead to the strengthening of America. These actions should be praised and not condemned.
"Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph."
-- Haile Selassie
Current events are testing our nation to its core. The actions taken in response to the attacks of last year are threatening our civil liberties through the Patriot Act, the TIPS program, and now the possible reversal of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the use of the military as a domestic law enforcement entity.(1) The financial markets appear to be in a record breaking slump. Large corporations are filing bankruptcy and being charged with unethical accounting practices in astounding numbers. The president and vice-president are both suspected of participating in unethical activities as business leaders. Unemployment numbers have risen. The federal budget has fallen back into deficit spending and the national debt is on the rise. The intelligence agencies apparently failed to connect the dots of evidence in their possession that might have disrupted the terrorist plan for 9/11. The reorganization of government to include the new Department of Homeland Security is under discussion in Congress. Our leaders are considering increased military activity with possible action against Iraq. These are critical issues calling for the watchful eyes of the American people.
"It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
It is not just America's leaders who hold our future in their hands. We citizens are also responsible. We must to be vigilant in observing changes being made by our elected officials, whether through new laws or executive orders. Every day reports are published and words are spoken about each of these vitally important issues. Make it a priority to understand what is happening in our country. Make it a priority to read and listen to all you can. We must understand where actions taken by those we elected will lead us. It is within our rights to be told the truth about every issue. In fact, we must demand that we be told the truth!
"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
-- Will Rogers
If you disapprove of actions taken by elected officials, show it at the voting booth. Get out and work to elect those you believe will act with your interests in mind. Write letters, send e-mails, and make phone calls. Become an activist for change. History has shown us that we American citizens do have that power!
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(1) http://www.dojgov.net/posse_comitatus_act.htm
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Rebecca Knight is a native Tennessean, who grew up in Nashville, and currently resides in a small town near Nashville. Ms. Knight's political awareness evolved through the civil rights movement, the Vietnam era, the Watergate era, and the cold war. The debacle of the 2000 election increased her sense of responsibility for political activism. You may contact Rebecca Knight via e-mail at tennessee_gal655@yahoo.com.
© 2002 by Rebecca Knight
