It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
As what Rebekah calls a “former foreigner” (like millions of immigrants over the centuries, I made the conscious decision to become an American), I have always been deeply interested in the soul of what makes this nation such a beacon of freedom in a world fraught with autocracy and oppression.
In consequence, I do not think there is a more appropriate set of documents for our time – for this contentious age – than the foundational ideas articulated in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
I am convinced that, when it comes to our founding ideals, some kind of functional illiteracy must reside at the heart of the bizarre, counter-constitutional and unAmerican behavior demonstrated by so many in Washington today.
Charters of Freedom (and empty chairs):
So you know I was more than happy to show up when the “Charters of Freedom” monument was officially unveiled outside the Edgecombe County Courthouse Thursday afternoon.
It was a gorgeous May day here in Tarboro, featuring sunshine, light breezes, a handful of local dignitaries and an enthusiastic group of children from the Think & Grow Childcare Center across the road.
Other than unveiling the words (startlingly appropriate) that should make the absurdity of our current political situation obvious, the other “can’t miss” feature of the ceremony was the number of empty chairs.
The driving belief behind the installation of these life-sized replicas is that to the extent people preserve and read and understand these pillars of American freedom, We the People are protected and guided and better equipped to serve one another.
The number of empty chairs, then, both amplifies the point and illustrates the danger we are in when we do not understand and respect the foundations of this democracy and freedom we currently enjoy.
Because our life together is based as much on trust and respect as it is law and order. But it will not work if we remain ignorant and uneducated and – worse – disinterested.
Which all combines to make me at once both extremely hopeful and deeply concerned.
“Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery…” – Amen – DEREK
Note: poor sound quality in this rendition of our National Anthem, but the visuals are quite compelling