A Work in Progress

Overlooking the north side of Albuquerque July 4, 2010

July the 4th

All across our land there are communities organizing celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and yet we in modern day America are quite removed from all the events that took place in history to shape this nation.

We know little of the audacity it took to envision a land separate from monarchical rule. We know little of the brutality it took to annihilate and enslave people faced with foreign occupation and foreign ways to make room for more and more immigrants from foreign lands and to build and sustain a solid economical structure for this new country. We know little of the blood that was shed for years after the Revolutionary War right here in our own country in the name of freedom, liberty and justice.

Liberty and justice for all?? Yes...thinking back to July 4, 1776...it was the beginning of many things. On July 4th each year I enter into sober reflection over the meaning of liberty and justice for all.

When one attempts to go back to that date in history through one's imagination...there is a sense of excitement and glorious beginnings, but some are aware that so much more was taking place and would take place beneath the surface of such ideology.

All the people from Africa and various island communities brought and kept against their will to our land for the purpose of slavery were not given freedom until over 100 years after the signing of this document. And it would be over 200 years after the signing of the declaration before any true sense of equality or justice, with day-to-day practical application, was given to most African Americans in our country. Liberty and justice for all??

The declaration of equality and justice for all was not offered to the Native peoples in this country who were tricked and overpowered in order to surrender their lands and lives, as our founding fathers settled new towns and communities and forged into the West out of a desire for power and wealth. Liberty and justice for all??

Removed to some extent...and yet, as modern day voters and citizens, and we are very much a part of what takes place today, and will take place tomorrow and in the future, that impacts what this country is all about...a country that promises liberty and justice for all.

Today Mexican immigrants, without the proper legal documentation to live and work in the United States, face similar fates as states, county sheriffs, and certain communities determine to eradicate them through deportation. We'll travel half way across the world to attempt to provide liberty and justice for people in a foreign land (Iraq and Afghanistan) where we consider the rulers to be tyrannical, and yet, in our own land, we refuse to come up with a solution that offers dignity and respect to a people who have for over a century literally broken their backs and given their lives to put vegetables in stores, to clean our motel rooms and work spaces, and care for our young children, among many other difficult jobs. These undocumented immigrants do this in search of this dream of liberty and justice for all, knowing that they are often used and abused at the hands of tyrannical corporations right here in the United States of America. Liberty and justice for all?

All this reflection could lead anyone who is truly willing to look at the reality of liberty and justice for all in our country to a great sense of cynicism.

So it gave me needed perspective to hear this radio interview from Weekend America: A Native American Take on Independence.

Albuquerque fireworks 2010

Fourth of July

Independence Day,

we show our pride.

We show our pride with fireworks.

Fireworks represent,

bombs bursting in air;

burst in air in war

war for freedom.

Freedom from sacrifice,

sacrifice of blood,

young blood spilt,

paid the cost.

Price paid in blood,

blood spent,

liberty for you,

a man gave his life.

Life lost for love,

love of country,

land of free,

paid by the brave.

Sparks in air for fun

reminder of men,

brave lives gone.

Patriot loss,

patriot pride.

by

Roger Hancock

September 20, 2001

I encourage you to experience the music and vision of BRUHLE AND AIRO...they are fascinating and offer a fitting message to what this day...July 4th symbolizes...that in the midst of devastation, division, and yes...even deception...there can be those who stand up for truth and will work towards re-creation and reconciliation. Yes...we...the people of the United States of American, and of the world, are certainly a work in progress.

I dedicate this post to my brother, Neal...who has such a deep and enduring passion to spread a message of life transforming liberty to everyone with whom he comes in contact. Much love to you my brother!