The True Great American Dream
by Kazarian
The United States of America once held a divine mandate to lead the world into a higher reality. Since its inception, the country has carried the torch of freedom and stood by the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. Today these ideals remain the country’s greatest asset and the foundation for its greatest potential. America has seen its ups and downs, but through the years there has always remained the hope of a more perfect union; the true great American dream.
John F. Kennedy will long be remembered for saying, "And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Unfortunately, the next two paragraphs of Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural speech have not yet become as well known.
"My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own."
President Kennedy reminded us that America is destined to be an example to the world. Today, the country’s effectiveness for change is limited by its neo-patriotic, nationalistic arrogance and lack of true spiritual insight. America needs to stop pushing the world towards ‘freedom’ and must start leading by example as it has in some instances in the past. Inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty is a sonnet by Emma Lazarus. It was written in 1883, in honor of America’s compassion and humility in a world of oppression and upheaval.
So many souls of the world still yearn to breathe free. The United States chose long ago to shoulder the burden of serving humanity. In the past, it has welcomed the citizens of the world to dive into a cultural crucible and unite in an attempt to create a brilliant new alloy. Many people are too eager to melt together, but reluctant to suffer being forged and wrought by the hammer and anvil of service and sacrifice. The United States needs to pound out the impurities that keep it weak and brittle. Until it does, America as a nation will never find ethical greatness and meet its highest destiny.
The great American dream is just that, a nocturnal vision. It is a distant illusion of hope that will never be attained if it continues to sleep. The United States needs to wake up from its opulent, materialistic slumber. Only then can the great American dream become the great American reality and eventually a truly great planetary reality.
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips."Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"