Let Freedom Ring!

"Freedom" is an American feel-good word. It is comfort food for the American Soul.  It is used with force and conviction in political rallies and civic classes.  Freedom echoes through American hallways and rings through its valleys as the hallmark of American life and the embodiment of the American way.   

I am aware of my great fortune to possess citizenship in a country that values freedom as such a normal fabric of our nation's existence, that two citizens are able to boldly and publicly express their pleasure or displeasure with the nation, without fear of governmental intervention or federal punishment.  THIS reality is a precious gift,  bought with the blood, sweat and tears not just of those who have served in the Armed Forces, but those ancestors who have built the nation for us, whether by choice or servitude.  

These numerous contributions in the securing of our inalienable rights have been provided not only the marching of soldiers, but also the marching of dissenters,  the marching of contingents of the First Americans on Trails of Tears, and the relentless marching along history's path by an unending parade of sacrifice that has made America the Land of the Free. The ranks of this parade have been filled by laborers, artisans, farmers, professionals and citizens of every sector of American society.  For this reason, this country belongs to every American and we must never forget not only the sacrifices of those who hav defended America, we must remember the contributions of those who have sustained her as well. All Americans are within their rights to express their opinions on matters of social importance - or not - whatever their station in life, from the poorest to the richest; from the most successful to the ever-failing; from the most popular to the most despised.  EVERY American has the right to express themselves.  

Of course, there are no guarantees that one's expression will be liked, appreciated or embraced by anyone else.  Our heroes of history were often the pariah of their own day, braving withering social pressure to stand for well-accepted, popular practices we now call injustice.  Sometimes, even the government that heralds those rights, attempts to stifle them when the heat of the day is just too intense.  Nevertheless, even in the face of powerful opposition, in America, freedom ultimately rings.  

For that reason, wherever one's opinion falls with respect to displaying dissent during the National Anthem, do not lose the beauty of our freedom in the fog of disagreement. Very few nations in the world could stand the strain of allowing dirty national laundry to be aired in the midst of singing the national song. America's greatness lies in its invitation to love it, not in any coercion to do so. For me, who proudly stands as the Colors are flown and the Song is sung, the presence of other Americans who choose to kneel shows in the most vivid manner possible, that Liberty continues to be proclaimed throughout the Land, and those who have contributed to the red stripes on Old Glory, indeed did not die in vain. Let Freedom Ring!