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July 17, 2006
THE AMERICAN WAY - FOUR FREEDOMS
by Tina Grazier
On January 6, 1941 Franklin Roosevelt, in his Message to Congress, spoke of conditions in the world and his resolve to defend freedom and democracy. His words echo across the decades to find a place in the remarkably similar events of our time.
“Every realist knows that the democratic way of life is at this moment being directly assailed in every part of the world—assailed either by arms, or by secret spreading of poisonous propaganda by those who
seek to destroy unity and promote discord in nations that are still at peace.�
Recent developments in Israel serve to highlight once again the nature and scope of the enemies of freedom. This is not an enemy that has chosen war as an expression of physical or technological superiority. It is not one that merely seeks to expand territories and lands. It is an enemy that has assumed a fanatical religious superiority that claims as its right the total and complete subjugation of others and the annihilation of any who dare to refuse conversion.
“Their only interest is in a new one-way international law, which lacks mutuality in its observance, and, therefore, becomes an instrument of oppression.�
Our national history is one of freedom and of fighting for freedom, not only for ourselves, but also for others around the world. It stems from a shared and profound belief that every human being longs to live free and deserves the dignity that freedom ensures. In 1941 President Roosevelt called on the nation to stand up for freedom in a world peppered by tyrannical assault.
“In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.
The first is freedom of speech and expression…
The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own
way…
The third is freedom from want…
The fourth is freedom from fear�
Sixty years later President Bush asked that we, the benefactors and guardians of freedom, join together with others around the world to take a stand for liberty. We have witnessed a great effort put forth by the brave and young who stepped forward to answer the call with service and sacrifice.
Unfortunately, some among us have denied the threat and others have wavered in their support. Many others have used their voices for political ends and self promotion. The truly despicable have worked to undermine our efforts. These would do well to carefully consider the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941:
-We must have the courage to stand together to fight this ugly and vicious evil-FDR
“This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and heads and hearts of its
millions of free men and women; and its faith in freedom under the guidance
of God. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our
support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights or keep them. Our
strength is our unity of purpose. To that high concept there can be no end
save victory.�
President Bush, like President Roosevelt, is keenly aware of the threat we face. It’s time for us to face up to our responsibilities as free people. We must have the courage to stand together to fight this ugly and vicious evil; an evil that moves against freedom with terror, spreading fear and dread and leaving only pain and death in it’s path. It's the American way:
“As a nation, we may take pride in the fact that we are softhearted; but we cannot
afford to be soft-headed.�
Posted by Post Scripts at July 17, 2006 08:21 AM