What would the Framers think?
Do you know who Emma Lazarus was? In 1883 she wrote a poem, and I would guess that many of you know at least part of it. You may even recall learning it as lyrics to a song as it was indeed set to music.
Ms. Lazarus penned the poem as a way to rise money. Before I tell you for what, here is her poem titled: New Colossus
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
the wretched refuse of y our teeming shore
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
By now you will have recognized that this poem is about the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty, the Mother of Exiles.
Ms. Lazarus intent was to raise money for the platform which Lady Liberty stands. In the early 1900's a bronze plaque was added to the footing, commemorating Ms. Lazarus and her immortal words.
I say well done Emma Lazarus! Her poem embodied what this new world was about. That all were to be treated fairly here, regardless of race or creed.
Of course the New World has had it's share of 'growing pains'. The Framers fashioned a new order, an experiment, if you will. They knew that the experiment would fail at some point- the population would become too large to continue to work, but they didn't know what that point would be. So the New World got a New Order-the Constitution.
Back to the poem.
The Framers had struggles as we know and the New World had struggles as well. Slavery existed the 1800's. A civil war threatened to rip the country apart. Exterior world events galvanized the New World into two world wars and other conflicts.
Then there were the race riots, as I call them, in the 60's. The hippie movement and 'free love'.
Where am I going with all this? Lets go back to the poem. 'Give me your huddled masses yearning to breathe free'. This is what the New World was founded on. A safe haven for those that were ostracized in other countries. Here they could worship whoever and however they wanted.
Freedom of religion. NOT freedom from religion.
I have a point, I promise- and I've reached it. In more ways then one.
In the news today, I saw where, in this country that has its very foundation in allowing individuals to worship however they wish-or don't wish, demonstrations planned against Muslims in this country. It was been reported that the organizers of these events are encouraging those who attend these demonstrations to bring firearms. I, myself, would call this inciting to riot.....
Before you pass judgement, I am Christen. I do however believe in the Framers words and respect others that are different then me to worship how they please.
I am asking that anyone who has thought about participating in any type of these events to do so peaceable first and foremost. Second, learn about other religions- not just Muslim but any other religion that is different then your own. You'll be surprised at how alike they really are. Third, respect other's rights in this country. Fourth, if you feel the need to change someone's belief system, be a missionary-no guns.
Remember this New World was built to be a refuge for those being persecuted. Not to be persecuted.
Ms. Lazarus penned the poem as a way to rise money. Before I tell you for what, here is her poem titled: New Colossus
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
the wretched refuse of y our teeming shore
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
By now you will have recognized that this poem is about the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty, the Mother of Exiles.
Ms. Lazarus intent was to raise money for the platform which Lady Liberty stands. In the early 1900's a bronze plaque was added to the footing, commemorating Ms. Lazarus and her immortal words.
I say well done Emma Lazarus! Her poem embodied what this new world was about. That all were to be treated fairly here, regardless of race or creed.
Of course the New World has had it's share of 'growing pains'. The Framers fashioned a new order, an experiment, if you will. They knew that the experiment would fail at some point- the population would become too large to continue to work, but they didn't know what that point would be. So the New World got a New Order-the Constitution.
Back to the poem.
The Framers had struggles as we know and the New World had struggles as well. Slavery existed the 1800's. A civil war threatened to rip the country apart. Exterior world events galvanized the New World into two world wars and other conflicts.
Then there were the race riots, as I call them, in the 60's. The hippie movement and 'free love'.
Where am I going with all this? Lets go back to the poem. 'Give me your huddled masses yearning to breathe free'. This is what the New World was founded on. A safe haven for those that were ostracized in other countries. Here they could worship whoever and however they wanted.
Freedom of religion. NOT freedom from religion.
I have a point, I promise- and I've reached it. In more ways then one.
In the news today, I saw where, in this country that has its very foundation in allowing individuals to worship however they wish-or don't wish, demonstrations planned against Muslims in this country. It was been reported that the organizers of these events are encouraging those who attend these demonstrations to bring firearms. I, myself, would call this inciting to riot.....
Before you pass judgement, I am Christen. I do however believe in the Framers words and respect others that are different then me to worship how they please.
I am asking that anyone who has thought about participating in any type of these events to do so peaceable first and foremost. Second, learn about other religions- not just Muslim but any other religion that is different then your own. You'll be surprised at how alike they really are. Third, respect other's rights in this country. Fourth, if you feel the need to change someone's belief system, be a missionary-no guns.
Remember this New World was built to be a refuge for those being persecuted. Not to be persecuted.
Comments
Post a Comment