I debated posting this last Friday. But, then, I decided not to.
Why? What was last Friday? The 10th of February, which was the 69th anniversary of the House’s passage of the landmark Civil Rights bill of our era. (It was signed by President Johnson into law on 2 July 1964, after the senate passed its version of the bill.) You probably don’t recall that fact- because there was virtually no mention of this anywhere. (But, that’s mostly because the Supreme Court has decimated many of its provisions!)
And, given the propensity of our government to play ‘Calendar Roulette’, there was also no mention that Sunday was Lincoln’s birth date 214 years ago. Given the propensity of both political parties to claim his mantle, I found that omission surprising. as well.
(Lincoln was one of our most important presidents. And, if you don’t know much about him, I suggest your read this new book by Jon Meacham (shown above). The book is meticulously researched, with indexes and photographs. But, the actual book itself is much shorter than the size of the book would indicate (due to the index and photographs jam packed within). You’d be amazed at the little things Meacham brings up (it was during the time of secession- and there are plenty of parallels [or is that anti-parallels) between his inauguration day and/or our 6 January insurrection.)
And, since yesterday was Lincoln’s birthday, let us not forget one of Lincoln’s most famous speeches. The Gettysburg Address. All of 272 words. While it would take me under 60 seconds to enunciate, it lasted about 176 seconds when delivered by Lincoln.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Did you hear those words? No soul is better than another. It’s actually the reason why we should easily recognize that corporations are not and cannot be people. Because corporations don’t go to jail when they do something wrong. There hasn’t been a single corporation ever executed by Texas. It’s the people of America that are equal. If they aren’t, then it’s our job to make it so.
The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
This is the ironic portion, because Lincoln was dead wrong here. We do remember these words. Many school systems still require (thankfully!) students to memorize this glorious speech. This speech, with its superb ideals, brings tears to my eyes and a pang in my heart every time I hear it. And, we rarely recall the sacrifices made by the largest group of Americans to ever die in a single battle for our dream to survive. We should.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.
This is the closest secular statement I have ever seen reflecting the commandment of Tikun Olam. The repair of, the act of perfecting, this imperfect world in which we live. To insure that our children shall have a better one in which to live.
…government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
There is nothing one could add to this concluding prayer- except for our actions to ensure it becomes reality. (Thankfully, TheDonald is gone. May there never be another to shake this foundation.)
Take a moment today and remember that America is but a tad older than a dozen score years. We have come far- and still have far to go.
To make the United States and America to be one and the same.
Today, the 214th time it’s Lincoln’s birthday, is a great day to commit (or re-commit) ourselves to this journey.
And, since it is his birthday, let us not forget one of Lincoln’s most famous speeches. The Gettysburg Address. 272 words. While it would take me under 60 seconds to pronounce, it lasted about 176 seconds when delivered by Lincoln.
