March 31st, 2023
As I sit here on my back patio watching the earth go through a rebirth as little leaves fall upon me while reading “The Wit & Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln ''. A book that I brought while visiting Lincoln's birth cabin in his and I’s birth state of Kentucky, I can not help but express my thoughts and feelings on the current events that have taken place lately, after all, it is my ambition to at the appropriate time to represent the people of this wonderful but fragile country, if those people would like me to do so.
We are currently bearing witness to an unstable world, where people of all kinds are struggling to live their lives in many aspects, financially, mentally, spiritually, and other parts that are not mentioned. In my opinion, it should not matter who is in charge, things should not change drastically just because of another's incompetent decisions while disregarding the opinions of the average person, however, that is exactly what is taking place. Too much power and money have been gained by those on stage who say that they are doing what is best for America and the world but while they are behind red curtains, doing what is best for their pockets. I know it is not all but it is most. In the TV show Vikings, the lead character Ragnar Lodbrok said, “Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst. And corrupts the best.” Although it comes from a fiction show, the quote is true. Because the so-called “leaders” lack the mental fortitude and self-discipline that it takes to be a true and proper leader. I was taught that the best way to lead was to lead by example, by doing the right thing no matter what, and by standing up for what you believe in even if it means you stand alone. I do not see any of that. What I see are weak-minded and closed-hearted people performing on stage like damn puppets. Where the masters get earnings and puppets get scraps from their masters. While the performance is live, the audience suffers, begging for an intermission because the end is too far away but the drama continues. People feel hopeless, unheard, and unsafe, I know that because I have felt all of those things lately as a result of what has transpired in the world. However, even in a world where there is darkness, there is always a hearth burning ever so brighter.
This country has a system that allows anyone to make the change that they want to see happen for the people if they are supported by the people. For better or for worse, that is how it works and that is how it should always work. Remember, by the people, for the people. There are too many events taking place, so it is pointless to single each one out for the sake of the length of this statement, banks failing, Nashville, etc, (if you would like to read my opinion on each or any event, please let me know). Each problem that we face has a solution, I understand that there can be a difference of opinion on the possible solutions and that is needed. However, there comes a time when people need to be silent, open their ears and minds, and bring common sense back to the forefront before we get too far in either direction. Therefore, if you do not see the change that you want to see, in any aspect of your life, then you yourself has to be the change. You have the right to tell who represents you how to vote on a bill, you have the right to donate money and time to the person that aligns with your views. People tend to forget that they can do those things and that we still have the right to do so. Those with the ability to take action, have the responsibility to take action if they so choose.
I truly believe that Abraham Lincoln was one of the most important if not the most important presidents in the history of the United States of America, though he was far from perfect but remember that perfection does not exist. During his presidency the country was fighting a civil war, we as a country were divided to the point where brothers were killing each other. But at the end of it, we were and still are the United States of America. Being divided is something that we are currently experiencing, whether you want to admit it or not, and that is why I think revisiting the Lincoln presidency is something people should take the time to do. Because, as I have said, wisdom is welcome no matter the source, and history takes place in a cycle. Yes, times are different but the knowledge remains true. Lincoln understood what the patriots fought and died for during the revolution, he understood what a gift this country is, though it was, is, and never will be perfect and that should be accepted but that does not mean that we should not strive to do our absolute best, because it is our duty to plant trees that we will never be able to enjoy the shade of.
I want to end with words from Lincoln himself.
“The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by the two different and incompatible names--liberty and tyranny.” -Speech, Sanitary Fair, Baltimore, Maryland, April 18, 1864 (HSW]
