Saturday, 04 July 2009
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My Independence Day
What tyranny have you faced down in your personal life? From what bondage have you claimed or gained your independence? What is your independence day? (Hosted by Featured_Grownups)
Yesterday, I received a couple of comments on my blog saying that I scream loudly about my rights now, but if the time came to actually serve my country or stand up for my rights I would turn tail and run like a coward. At first, it made me angry, but then I thought about it, and realized that a couple of years ago that was probably true.
I have long discussed my rights. I have long reported the wrongdoings of government and the infringements upon our rights. But up until about two years ago, I had never participated in a public demonstration. I had never worked for a grassroots political campaign. I had never waved signs and handed out literature.
Then the Ron Paul campaign came along, and I did all of that and more. I started putting action where there had once only been words. I won't lie and say I wasn't scared to death the first time I watched riot police break up a peaceful, law-abiding demonstration (with proper permits) under threat of tear-gassing (and arrests). Neither will I say that I don't still get twinges of fear watching these things happen.
The thing is, somewhere along the way, I sat down and really thought about what it is that we are fighting for. We're not trying to overthrow the government, or usurp the leadership of our nation, and we're not trying to elevate ourselves to a position of power over anyone else. We're simply trying to protect and defend the basic rights of all people, recognized under the original documents establishing our government written by our forefathers who risked life and limb to give us this nation.
And when I sat down and thought about it like that, I realized I had to make a decision. Do I really believe in this fight? Am I willing to take whatever risk is necessary to win this fight - not for myself, but for the freedom and liberty of all people?
The answer is a resounding yes. That is my independence... from the fear that once prevented me from taking action.What is your personal independence day?
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Comments (8)
You are linked.
Rock on. :)
Someone just left a quote about fear in my comments. It's true, fear holds us back from doing a lot of things, from day to day things to the larger things of acting on our beliefs. Good for you for taking action in your own way.
Good post, Wendi. I hope I can stay as bold, also.
I think you know how I feel about Rep. Paul, as we've discussed it before.
But, if he inspired you to this point of awareness and action, he can't be all bad.
Action for a cause that is so important to you can be really empowering. Nicely written!
If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. (I don't know who coined that phrase, but i like it)
the day that I graduate college will be my independence day. I will finally be developed and free of a decent amount of ignorance and stigma. And I'll stop remembering everything and being so hateful towards people because I'll have an ounce of worth, so they won't have so much power over me. If I don't finish school, I'll end up dying for something that I don't even know, probably, not that I have a problem dying for a cause or using myself in some other fashion. I'd just hope it would be a good cause. For some reason, nothing scares me and I'm led astray by ignorance quite often. I don't trust myself as much these days. LOL