American Dream, American Illusion, American Vision

When we look around today at the unholy alliance between Monopolists, Moralists, and those who are Manipulated, it is time for all of us to reconsider the direction of our Nation and the actions required of Americans of good Conscience.  We face the the threefold horrors of Greed, Pride, and Hate.  This is the illusion of the American Dream our Republican leaders have brought us.

I ask you this - Is our nation living the American Dream or are we living an American Illusion from which we must awaken?  Are we living the true vision of America, or have we settled for much much less?

It is time for us to go back and consider the lessons of great Americans like Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.  It is time for us to consider again the words of Thomas Jefferson.  It is time for us to reconsider the American dream.

Let us reaffirm the true meaning of "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."  The pursuit of Happiness does not refer to pleasure or wealth, but in the spirit of Jefferson and the Enlightenment, the Pursuit of Happiness can only be understood as the Pursuit of Virtue.  Liberty can only be understood as the freedom to live by individual conscience.  Life can only be understood as the freedom for all Americans to go where they wish, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

 The American Dream must strive for these freedoms.  Americans must protect them.

Let us all awaken from the dreaming illusion of America.  Let us awaken from the illusion that material wealth is its own best reward.  Let us awaken from the illusion that the conquest of an enemy is greater than the conquest of fear.  Let us awaken from the illusion that grasping for power is somehow greater that wisdom or grace.

The time has come for a new American leadership to deepen our dream to the Great Vision of America:  that wealth and prosperity are merely useful means, and the end is something greater - something dictated by individual conscience.  

When General Washington conquered the vast British Army with nothing but bravery and the promise of freedom, did he let pride conquer the American spirit?  Die he, as many suggested, allow himself to be crowned King?

He did not.

Instead he allowed that all Americans should have power over Government.  With wisdom and grace he achieved for himself a position higher than any king.

When Lincoln guided his nation through civil war, watching brother slay brother, achieving victory with honor in endless fields of blood, did he seek recompense of disgrace for his former rivals?  Did he seek vengence?  Did he harbor hate?

He did not.

Instead he roused his countryment with a peace free of malace.  In the practice of grace he broke open the great body of hatred.  By conquering hatred he ensured that there would no longer be "our dead" or "their dead".  All Americans who lived and died henceforth did so as Brothers in a healing nation.

And when Roosevelt faced the evils of greed at home and hatred abroad, when he brought a nation out of depression to face the armies of hate, did he dishonor his vanquised enemies?  Did he destroy the lives of those Monopolists who destroyed the nation with their greed?

He did not.

Instead generocity was shared to rebuild former enemies abroad, new economic security was instituted at home.  By embodying generocity at home and abroad Roosevelt brought general wealth, security, and prosperity where before poverty reigned.

So, now?  Where is the great leader today?

Where is the King would will not be King?

Where is the Conqueror who beholds his brother without Malace?

Where is the Victor who props up his former enemies?

The virtues of Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt live on today.  Jefferson's words show us how to embrace their legacy.

Each of us must take up the sword of wisdom.

Each of us must take up the shield of compassion.

Each American must strive to defent not just the surface of the American Illusion, but the Depth of the American Vision.

Each of us much achieve power that we may better share it with others.

Each of us must conquer our hate that none may suffer malace, that all may know grace.

Each of us must cast out greed and achieve true wealth, the better to share prosperty with friend and stranger alike.

The true American vision is within our reach.  The wealth and power of our nation are valid only insofar as they protect the true "pursuit of happiness".  Our actions, our government must protect the individual freedom to go anywhere, physically, mentally, or spiritually.  The true American Vision is an endless, united, free, individual search for Truth.  It must be ceaselessly protected, for it can never be finally attained.

Thank you all, and God Bless America.

This speech was inspired Jacob Needleman's Two Dreams of America (caution: pdf)

See his site: http://www.jacobneedleman.com