It must be liberty and justice – for all
What is it that makes this country great? To me, it is contained in the last words of the pledge, “liberty and justice for all.” I would emphasize the “all,” all races, creeds, genders, orientations, religions.
So what is our patriotic duty when it becomes evident we are not living up to this ideal, for which men and women have lived and died sacrificially?
It is a lofty ideal which necessitates constant surveillance and nurturing. There are many powers that would denigrate this constitutional right of liberty and justice for all. Some of these powers I would suggest are racism, general fear and greed. These sinister powers within us are more threatening than outside foreign powers.
It takes all of us working together to keep this country great. When we find ourselves polarized to the point of hatred, unwilling to hear another’s perspective, this is what dishonors flag and country. On the other hand, when we confront these forces, first within ourselves, and then others also, we honor our national intent.
My human nature is to primarily be concerned with me, my rights, my beliefs. But what makes us great, is the all.
Glena Penner, Reedley
This story was originally published September 29, 2016 at 12:33 PM with the headline "It must be liberty and justice – for all."