When a nation becomes desensitized to the atrocities of war, it somehow seems commonplace to disregard these tragedies and horrors that are being felt by others because of our petty differences. Over 15 soldiers lost their lives last week and their names will be forever marred by a senseless war.
But what do we debate? Opinions and rumors about someone faith! Not that he kills in the name of God and peace, but rather sermons given by someone else months ago! Void of the facts our conversation has become overshadowed by useless stories about infidelity, religion, and bias for one person over another. Yet, where is the common sense in this madness? Who truly speaks for a nation that has lost its way? Who?
Here is my speech that I will be making to the disabled veterans for OBAMA organization tomorrow.
My fellow Veterans,
I approach to you today to say we have failed in our efforts to maintain a positive campaign. This failure is not permanent, nor was it our intent; because, we somehow overlooked a crucial fact that there are elements within our society that are insistent on extinguishing the voices of those who seek opportunities that would uplift and transform this nation. These lessons, although arduous, has imprinted an enduring impression on the minds of many citizens, and it is what we do in these times that we either address it or allow this manifestation of villainy to prosper.
My efforts to see voters of all ages, races, gender, and creed come together for a common purpose has left a void of indifference because of the philosophical differences between them. Undaunted, I forge ahead hoping there was a campaign that would build a bridge of unity, hope, and prosperity for all. Nevertheless, this bridge was laden with the sincere oppression of religious intolerance, unconfirmed deception, and reprehensible allegations. Yet, the bridge in Selma, AL was not crossed by Dr. King because of the expediency of change. It was crossed because of the enduring marathon of transformation that required tremendous sacrifice and courage of those who believed. This is why I continue to hope for a positive campaign and will continue to run that marathon of hope.
There are those who cannot and will not accept change as a model of improvement within their everyday lives. Some would say that the world is safer and that these times, although difficult, will get better. For those I ask, "Are you satisfied, and why would you sacrifice such a precious gift for little return?" Is it prudent to descend into poverty to accept the complacency and a false sense of security? I say this is not patriotic, but insanity. The yielding of constitutional rights to pacify a muddled sense of patriotism is not courageous, it is cowardly. The shroud of fear is not a strategy; but rather it is an effective form of control to manipulate your judgment and make you subservient to the status quo.
Dr. Martin Luther King stated in his I Have a Dream Speech, "When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." That dream has been expanded to include women and every human being that wishes to share in that dream. Still, would his speech be attacked today as sexist or racist? Hopes and dreams are often attacked by those who would manipulate the indecent statements of oppression to achieve a goal for self aggrandizement.
I am not unmindful that this is a situation that these candidates must take responsibility for. Regardless of their intent, some will say they signed up for this job without provocation or coercion. Yet, that is not true. I was compelled by the plight of America’s image abroad. I was coerced by the citizens and the constant hardships felt by those at the bottom, yet not felt by those above. I make no excuses for my faith, nor do I apologize for being a person of faith. For the Baptist, Jehovah’s Witness, Catholic, Muslim, and other countless people who practice their faith who voted for them, I would be remised to say that any of us are exempt from ridicule for our beliefs. But, those are our beliefs, inspired by the aspect of faith, not the teachings of those who speak the text. It is the application of my faith that guides me, not the location where I practice it.
Many have endured personal persecution, as religious discrimination is perpetuated by those who worship in a different way. John Kennedy was persecuted for his Catholic beliefs, yet he persevered and left a remarkable legacy. It is for that reason; I feel that these dividing points should be cast aside, because these differences should not preclude us from being unified in our purpose for change and respecting the rights of every citizen along the way. These differences should not be a deterrent; rather, it should galvanize the unique and unalienable rights as an American citizen.
Yet, for those that think we cannot overcome, I would like to say...WE WILL OVERCOME!
For the media who seeks to tear down the barriers of understanding and bridge the barriers of confusion and discrimination. We will overcome!
For the people who feel that are divided by these campaigns and has given up on the change that we have started in this nation. We will overcome!
For my opponent(s) who think that I will not stand up to those who will disrespect my race or besmirch my message of inclusion. We will overcome!
For those who sow the seeds of implied racism and religious bigotry that has divided our people for so long. We will overcome!
For the citizens who believe, donated, and volunteers in these campaigns - withstood the rain, sleet, and snow to cast their votes. We will overcome!
This is the hope I had growing up, the hope I had while staring at the stars in the sands of Iraq and it is the hope that we will have going forward. That hope will carry us forward and will shine as beacon throughout the world that no person will be able to diminish when we elected a new President of the United States. My choice happens to be Barack Obama, and on that day, we can all hold hands and sing (as Dr. King stated) with the true meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
Thank You and God Bless America