We can say what we want without fear of being put in jail. Not everyone will agree with what we say, or how we say it, yet they have the freedom to express their ideas and we can express ours. Not everyone has that freedom. The media will work to stir things up and play both sides against each other, but the REAL news is the reminder that each of us has a right to free speech. That also means we have to be willing to let someone stand and scream in the center of town about ideas and concepts that make our skin crawl. If we don’t like what the message they are sending, then we can freely walk away.
I saw this statue and it made me feel proud. The expression on this boy’s face demonstrates the pride we feel in being Americans. I think at times it is hard to remember the reasons why we love living in this country. His joy reminded me that we can disagree and express our joy, concerns, differences or disappointments without fear. We have to realize not everyone may like what we are saying, and we have to be willing to live with the criticism. If we have freedom the other side has just as much right to their opinion and their freedom. And we can walk away or ignore them, turn off the media or refuse to listen…both sides have the same freedom.
Can you live with that? Are you willing to live with that? Are you willing to stand up for the future generations to be able to express themselves and live as free citizens…no matter what they believe or say? I hope so because that is what made this country great in a few short centuries. It is waht million of men and women have fought to preserve while you sleep in safety. Remind yourself of the joy freedom provides, wave the flag proudly, and speak your peace. Not everyone will agree, and that works for us.
Ann Art Gallery Blog 