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: