Updated 07/04/2007
"I didn’t vote for him,” an American once said, “But he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.”
Pardon me for not feeling particularly proud of my country today.
No, that's not right.
It's not my country that has let me down...that has let us down...it's one branch of our government.
Mr. Olbermann leads off his commentary with a fine quote from quintessential American symbol John Wayne, speaking of the just-elected JFK. It's a hopeful sentiment that speaks to the core of our representational government.
Personally, when I think about the events of the last few days and the last several years, the words that come to mind are from Robert Bolt's play A Man For All Seasons, based on the life of Sir Thomas More.
Roper: So now you'd give the Devil benefit of law!
More: Yes. What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
Roper: I'd cut down every law in England to do that!
More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country's planted thick with laws from coast to coast -- man's laws, not God's -- and if you cut them down -- and you're just the man to do it -- do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake.
My father shared those words with me when I was growing up, and I count it as one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.
Respect for the rule of law is one of hallmarks of a great society. When that respect becomes tarnished, society is the worse for it.
How can any American citizen retain respect for the rule of law when our own leaders treat the rule of law as an annoying impediment?
A patriot stands up not for his country's actions, but for its ideals.
Today, then, as I celebrate with America, I do not celebrate my country's actions.
I celebrate, among other things, these noble words:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Happy Birthday, America.
Andy
Andy Collins manages the D&D Rules Design & Development teams for Wizards of the Coast. He's also the official "Sage," answering D&D rules questions online.
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