This 4^th of July, 2008

By Edwin L. Young, PhD

 

This 4^th of July

I rededicate myself to:

Trying to be the most genuine, altruistic, truth seeking and truth-loving brand of patriot possible 

Encouraging an America whose people are mutually supportive

Pursuing the goals of preserving and nurturing our earth and all of its creatures

Opposing any and all aspects of our culture that are properly characterized as social Darwinism and destructively competitive

Opposing imperialism and the exploitation of other peoples of the world

Engaging in active protest whenever our government’s policies or acts of its officials are not in the best interest of all of the people

Maintaining vigilance in this rededication by not surrendering in despair, cynicism, and apathy due to the enormity of the extent to which the challenge of national waywardness has risen

Finally, I rededicate myself to supporting leaders who:

Have the most moral courage and integrity and who are the most caring, emotionally well balanced, intelligent, knowledgeable, and wise among us

Are egalitarian and believe in the greatest good for the greatest number

Have a deep understanding of the histories of nations and evolution of their cultures and empathy for their current conditions

Reject exploitation, deception, and coercion of other nations and oppose war

Believe that our own and all nations, in their relations with one another, should abide by the highest level of mature, ethical judgment, and mutual positive regard

Are true statesmen

Furthermore,

Our NATIONAL ANTHEM should be changed

From the “Star Spangled Banner”

To “America the Beautiful”