On October 28, 1886 President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty, which had arrived in New York harbor on June 19 th of the previous year. In his speech he said, "We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected."
Liberty holds a torch aloft in one hand and clutches a book with her other. She was a gift from the people of France. Interestingly the base upon which the famous lady stands was a gift from the people of the United States. The cornerstone of that base was laid on August 5, 1884 nearly two years before the dedication on Bedloe's Island. The base cost almost as much as the statue itself.
The two gifts give a collected message to all ages. The message? Somebody else can give you liberty, but you have got to establish its base for yourself. True liberty, to be maintained, cannot be just a free ride. It cost everyone.
As we approach Independence Day it behooves us to remember we are dealing with the very core of the meaning of our liberty, the right to free elections and right of opportunity. Now if liberty means nothing to you, don't vote and become a person concerned only with your entitlements in life. If liberty means something to you then vote and become a more responsible and useful citizen. Remember no constitution, no court, no law can save liberty when it dies in the hearts and minds of the people.
When you do vote to protect your liberty and enjoy your freedom to pursue happiness, remember our Miss Liberty. She reminds you that what you are doing in the booth and life are gifts from our past. The base reminds you it must be build from the base up. Therefore let me ask that you not vote by Party affiliation or for only what’s in it for you.
Oh, vote party affiliation to a degree if you so choose on state and national offices. But in local matters, which is the foundation of these United States vote for the most qualified person for the position in question. There are just to many vital issues at the local level that effect us all immediately. We need qualified people more than ever in this fast changing world around us. There doesn't seem to be enough of them to give us clear choices, so vote for qualifications not affiliation at the local level. It will be a better base upon which liberty can face the next century.
In the same vein live your life as a citizen as if you earned it and not you are owed it. The base of any successful country is respect of the citizenry. That is how liberty is built to last.
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