Divided We Fall

Yesterday marked a significant day in our nation's history.  An event so paramount that it solidified freedom for an entire group of people.  Did you hear about it?  Was it discussed around the water cooler?  I cannot recall any significant recognition of this event (I did see one tweet).  Have we become so caught up in the moment that we forget about significant events in our nation's history?  We were founded to be a nation of self-reliant citizens.  Founded on the notion that everyone should be given an equal opportunity.  On December 18, 1865 we amended the constitution to ensure that slavery was no longer legal.  The 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States was one of 3 amendments that ensured freedom to all former slaves.  This was a huge deal.  So why didn't any of us discuss this historic event?  What good could possibly come from celebrating an event that happened almost 150 years ago?  The first ten amendments, also known as The Bill of Rights," were ratified simultaneously and were vital to the establishment of our new constitution. Since then, there have only been 17 more amendments to our constitution.  So why do we ignore the significance of this event.  Most amendments take years to pass; but, the 13th amendment took only 10 months and 6 days.  I'm sure many would say to me that we shouldn't celebrate an event like this because it points to the history of slavery in America.  I say to them that is exactly what's wrong with many Americans, today.  So many people feel disenfranchised because their reality doesn't match the expectation that was drilled into them through our public school systems.  They expect a job that pays six figures right out of high school.  The ideology that they were spoon fed at a young age, gets upended by the reality of  adulthood.  So they are pessimistic.  And what reason do they have to be optimistic?  Our leaders point fingers, quibble over issues that aren't relevant, and posture about this and that to stay employed.  Older citizens yammer on about getting out and voting.  Everyone uses rhetoric to advance their cause.  And the name calling and finger pointing continue as one Congress comes to a close and another Congress begins.  No one was talking about the ratification of the 13th amendment.  No one was celebrating a moment when we came together as an entire nation and got it right!  We get a lot right.  However, each year, it seems as if either side becomes more dug in, more adamant about winning, and unfortunately, staying employed.  Maybe the powers that be are afraid of history.  Maybe they want us to be divided.  Imagine the optimism for our disenfranchised Americans if they were armed with the truth.  Imagine the resolve of all Americans if they knew the truth.  I see many Americans calling themselves patriots, yet they point the finger and choose childish behavior over rational discussion.  I say celebrate the 13th amendment, understand the significance of the 13th amendment, and never forget the 13th amendment.  In celebration of the 13th amendment, I submit to you a quote from a great American and an abolitionist:

Liberty or Death!

As I reflect on the history of the United States, I contemplate how we got here as a society.  Our founders set out to create a form of government where the people are the beneficiaries; however as time passes, we continue to indulge ourselves in the activity that we were asked to avoid.  When did we decide that Liberty is dependent on government?  Why did George Washington warn us to avoid political parties?  Why did Washington say that government is a necessary evil?  Does it not fascinate anyone that he warned us of the divisiveness that political parties create?  My distant relative, Patrick Henry, said "Give me liberty or give me death!"  I tend to agree with him.  Therefore if there is no liberty, then there is no life.  In other words, will the sheep keep following the herd or will they do like our founders and take it upon themselves to pursue their own vision of happiness?

My Views and Opinions

The purpose of this blog is to share my view of the world.  All content has been filtered through my mind; therefore, you may not agree with me.  I want you to know that's perfectly normal.  I won't get offended if you disagree with my opinion; however, my only request is an open dialogue.  Far too many of us feel as if our opinion is the only one that matters.  The latter is what I despise about mankind.  In other words, unless you've come up with an awesome new way to put your pants on, you're no better me.