Love of Liberty

By Phillip W. Patton

[Page 157]

     Liberty is that process which puts the trust of government in the hands of the common man. What an ordeal our founding fathers must have undergone as they served as midwives for the birth of our country.

     Here they were, outspoken men for the most part, men who were dedicated to carving out a new nation in the new world. They spoke the English language, and had all the customs and styles of dress that would make any Englishman proud to be English, but they were not English. They were Americans.

     The birth pangs were so great that many times the struggle was almost given up, and yet after the country was born the founding fathers could indeed be proud of what they had helped to beget. And so America grew. To the Pacific Ocean we expanded our boundary and to the frozen land of the North, but we grew not only in volume of territory, but in respect as a member of the community of nations.

     We grew in other ways also. People flocked to our shores to become Americans, proud to be a part of this growing country. Here they came with their broken English, expressing their love for this new home. They brought skills and trades which laid the foundation for many of the great companies which we have today.

     Those who built the nation were determined that it would endure in spite of all the prophets of doom who predicted its fall. This determination is what caused Americans to dream of the impossible and then accomplish it. And now, men are painting a bleak picture of tomorrow. They tell us that we have depleted our natural resources and polluted our air and water. But we who are descendants of those determined men of yesterday can change this.

     Speaking as a young man, I know there are many things about America which are not right, but in America we can change those things because we govern ourselves. Be outspoken. Criticize those things which are wrong. Suggest a better way. Remember, change is possible and will take place if you are sincere and dedicated to helping change them.

     But think of what is best for the majority and not just what is best for the few. Liberty is that process which puts the trust of government in the hands of common men. Will you fail that trust?