“I would like to see someone proud of the place in which they live. I would also like to see that someone live so that the place will be proud of them.” — Abraham Lincoln (adaptation)
I may be wrong, but I think “Honest” Abe was grappling with civil war and he was trying to unite a country in turmoil. In his mind’s eye he wanted ALL Americans to come together and be proud of their place, their America…and if they did that and looked at the big picture vice something more self-serving, then Abe could envision their America being proud of them. I look at the country today and what we at Invictus are doing and I feel that we are those people who are proud of the place we live, and our country is proud of us.
Unfortunately, I do not sense that this is the case across the country, nor do I think our country is portraying itself world-wide as a Nation of solidarity…of the people, by the people, for the people. The nation is split, and I fear the future. The downfall of every great nation was in forgetting who they really were and undermining the essence of what made them great, in our instance the “truths we hold self-evident” that all are created equal.
I have personally seen as many of you have, friends, neighbors, business associates, even families that have been disrupted and often no longer tolerate being around each other…never mind …God forbid talk in an appreciative respectful way to each other. The ‘my way or the highway’ theme is garnering the most votes as quote of the year. No one wants to listen to the other side, and no one seems to care that we are undermining the very fabric that makes this nation great and makes us proud to be Americans…the “United” part of United States.
We have always been a Nation which embraced diversity of opinion. Now it’s two halves, not of the same whole…but two halves. No compromise. I know every logical bone in our bodies knows that we are stronger together than apart, but animosities and self-pride are keeping us apart and our adversaries are happy and no longer fear us or take us seriously. This is a sad state of affairs, and the country is suffering because of it.
I am obliviously biased, but I believe that Invictus is a microcosmic depiction of what President Lincoln envisioned and I think we can truly be the salve on the wounds this country is currently enduring; whether our fellow Americans are confused by the Nation’s true identity, politically polar opposites, trying to re-write history (good or bad), or not seeing what is truly at stake. In my mind, it’s the future of our country for our children and grandchildren that is at stake. In some respects, the Nation is like a marriage of two people coming from two families joining together as one. We must come together…we must compromise…we must keep this beautiful Nation intact, strong, fearless and magnificent. We must ring the bell of Freedom and make sure ALL Americans are proud of where they live…and if we help others to see that…then for certain “Our America” will be proud of us. Right Abe?