America- the land of hope, the land of new beginnings, the land of freedom – these are the phrases used to describe the country that millions of people call home. Yet, other adjectives could be used – selfish, materialistic, proud, and immoral. Although the heritage of this nation is great, moral, and upright; have we as Americans stepped away from the responsibility that comes with freedom – the responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves? Does the phrase, “Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free …” mean anything? Does America mean anything?
America used to be different from other nations. The great religious freedom evoked a great longing to belong in this country. The fact that Christians could worship without fear of imprisonment or death attracted many oppressed peoples to her. The freedom of political choices elicited a longing for this country. America has been different. This country is made from immigrants – from those who left England to find freedom of religion, to those who fled from the great political uprising on Ireland, and on and on it goes. America was their hope.
Then how can America refuse the masses that are pleading refuge in this country? How can we say no to the people who are starving for freedom from oppression, starvation, and persecution? Because we have no realization of suffering, we allow the perfection of our sheltered lives keep us from seeing the gas chambers in which millions were suffocated. We refuse to see the children littering the streets of Mexico, dead from starvation. We brush off the horrible feelings that come when we think of suffering, and we dwell upon our minor discomforts. Americans are not living up to the responsibility of the privilege of freedom. If America denies the tired, starving masses liberty, how can we call ourselves Americans?
If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great
America used to be different from other nations. The great religious freedom evoked a great longing to belong in this country. The fact that Christians could worship without fear of imprisonment or death attracted many oppressed peoples to her. The freedom of political choices elicited a longing for this country. America has been different. This country is made from immigrants – from those who left England to find freedom of religion, to those who fled from the great political uprising on Ireland, and on and on it goes. America was their hope.
Then how can America refuse the masses that are pleading refuge in this country? How can we say no to the people who are starving for freedom from oppression, starvation, and persecution? Because we have no realization of suffering, we allow the perfection of our sheltered lives keep us from seeing the gas chambers in which millions were suffocated. We refuse to see the children littering the streets of Mexico, dead from starvation. We brush off the horrible feelings that come when we think of suffering, and we dwell upon our minor discomforts. Americans are not living up to the responsibility of the privilege of freedom. If America denies the tired, starving masses liberty, how can we call ourselves Americans?
If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment