ack’s Winning Words 10/28/21

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”  (Emma Lazarus)  My grandparents immigrated to America, passing by the Statue of Liberty.  Part of the beauty of that landmark are the words of Emma Lazarus.  Times change; situations are different…but I’m haunted by those words that greeted so many immigrants seeking a new way of life.  To me, “Lady Liberty” (dedicated on this date in 1886) is a statement of American values.  My favorite college course was titled, ” American Ideals.”  I’m proud to call myself an “idealist” in a land that seems to be leaning toward realism.  ;-)  Jack 

FROM EDUCATOR PAUL:  The history of The Statue of Liberty is far more intricate than a welcoming beacon to people from other countries seeking freedom. It’s history and inscription is more closely founded in celebrating Our Declaration of independence.===JACK:  The irony is found in the Lazarus words.===EP:  If we study the history of the “Lady Liberty” we would find that the statue has it’s roots in the end of slavery in our country. The inscription came later and was not met with universal approval. In fact, published political cartoons at the time depicted immigrants devouring the statue and contaminating the country.  When I visit my daughter and family in New Yofk, I always take a day to walk on the Promenade. From there I can see the Statue of Liberty and think what  it meant for so many people seeing it for the first time from a ship. It’s basic to my family’s history. We need to know the true history of the statue including what it morphed into the hopes snd dreams of so many people. Both aspects of the statue’s history are relevant and important.===JACK:  Each person who views the statue has their own reaction.  The same way with teaching CRT.  Each student has their own way of processing information.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  Maybe it’s time to move the statue down to the dry land at the border and the government open two immigration offices to handle the influx of folk coming in that way now?.?. My in-laws came in across the waters too from Italy. 0;-)===JACK:  What a great idea!  But, if you want cause MORE of an uproar, just try it.

FROM THE SHARK:  Amen====JACK:  When you first came to America, you probably did so on an airplane.  What was your first impression?===S:  How unbelievably beautiful the girls were because most women in Iraq dresses in black Abbayas and all of them did so in Saudi Arabia so it was the most pleasant cultural shock I have ever experienced:)===JACK:  What if "traditional" Americans were sent to live in Iraq?  Culture shock?

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I like your ideals and idealism as well.  Not sure about the realism part except that we are scrutinizing past heroes with the modern lens and finding they fall short, way short…as do we all.===JACK:  I once gave a George Washington Birthsay Speech in college.  The class was laughing as I listed all the failures ans shortcomings of George.  The prof, in his critique, told me that what I said was entertaining, it was not appropriate.  "He taught me a lesson that I did not forget.  Heroes often have "feet of clay," and should be careful as to who it is that we call a hero...and why.

FROM SR IN SJ:  YES, dear "idealist"!!  and at 94 you will surely continue on. . . . ===JACK:  I feel that I've gone from realism to idealism in my thinking.  Someone, or some people have to set a standard.  In a way, I see that as part of the role of the "religious."