As we go through the Christmas season, one of my favorite activities is to watch old and wonderful holiday films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, or “Boys Town” with Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney. Talk about inspirational films, and one can come up with these and so many others that focus on how strong a community – and even a nation – can be if we, as friends and neighbors, learn how to work for and care about one and all. This isn’t about socialism vs. capitalism, for as these films clearly show it bodes well for us all if we have both the capability to build our individual lives as we choose while at the same time being there for one and all.
In my opinion, our former president Theodore Roosevelt may have given us a piece of advice that was as powerful and correct as any we have received from others. Roosevelt advised our America to indeed “carry a big stick,” but in the main, “to walk softly.” Yes, there are times when a nation must act powerfully, as our America did quite successfully in World War II. But in Roosevelt’s opinion, and in mine as well, we would do so much better if we led by example more than by threats of power, and acted in ways that assured all of America that to become rich and famous, one has the option to act in ways that allow for such an achievement, but that those at the bottom of the economic ladder would never have to worry about having enough for food on the table and a place to bed down at the end of the day.
There are so many Americans out there who call themselves true Christians who want to live their Christian dream. Truth be told, most if not all religions bring this dream and wish to the forefront of their people. It would be nice if my fellow Americans would actually continue to work to bring this dream into a reality. Let us lead our world, not by power and threats, but by example. Let us be what so many of us claim we are, a truly wonderful country.
In my opinion, our former president Theodore Roosevelt may have given us a piece of advice that was as powerful and correct as any we have received from others. Roosevelt advised our America to indeed “carry a big stick,” but in the main, “to walk softly.” Yes, there are times when a nation must act powerfully, as our America did quite successfully in World War II. But in Roosevelt’s opinion, and in mine as well, we would do so much better if we led by example more than by threats of power, and acted in ways that assured all of America that to become rich and famous, one has the option to act in ways that allow for such an achievement, but that those at the bottom of the economic ladder would never have to worry about having enough for food on the table and a place to bed down at the end of the day.
There are so many Americans out there who call themselves true Christians who want to live their Christian dream. Truth be told, most if not all religions bring this dream and wish to the forefront of their people. It would be nice if my fellow Americans would actually continue to work to bring this dream into a reality. Let us lead our world, not by power and threats, but by example. Let us be what so many of us claim we are, a truly wonderful country.
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