by Marty Coleman | Jul 4, 2010 | American, Independence Day, Jose Ortega y Gasset, USA |
Today we celebrate the birth of the United States of America 234 years ago.
Who likes the idea of being mediocre? Not me. But I do like the idea that the millions and millions of average people are the deciding factor in whether a nation is great. Yes, it’s wonderful to have fantastic leaders and great managers and genius artists and fabulous engineers who lead the way. But most of us don’t live in a world surrounded by fame and greatness every day. We live in our neighborhoods with average folk. Who they are, who you are, that is what defines America.
You can read my post from yesterday on how I test myself to see if I am living up to what I consider to be American standards.
Drawing and commentary © Marty Coleman
“What makes a nation great is not primarily its great men, but the stature of its innumerable mediocre ones.” – Jose Ortega y Gasset, 1883-1955, Spanish author and philosopher
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by Marty Coleman | Jul 4, 2009 | USA |
For my friends from outside the USA, you are invited to enjoy a drawing
of our 4th of July fireworks celebrating our independence from Great Britain
in 1776, 233 years ago. For my friends within the USA, take this as me
sitting beside you while you watch the fireworks, wherever you are.
We usually watch the 4th of July fireworks along the banks of the Arkansas
River in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There is a city park that stretches the length of the
river and they shoot the fireworks from a bridge that makes it easy for
everyone to see. I love America.
This year we will be in Boston for the celebration. It is one of the cradles
of our country and we are very excited about being there for the 4th. Along the
Charles River separating Cambridge from Boston we will sit and listen
to the Boston Pops Orchestra play as they have for a zillion years. The
1812 Overture will be played with cannons being let loose from the river and
bells of the churches of Boston ringing along side them. I love America.
Wherever you are, think about not just the issues of America, but the idea of
America. Just as we as individuals have our ideals that we sometimes do not
live up to, so it is with our country. But it doesn’t mean we don’t have the
ideals and it doesn’t mean we are not working towards their fulfillment.
I love America.
I am grateful, very grateful, I had ancestors that seized the moment and made
the US happen. I love America.
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by Marty Coleman | Jun 4, 2009 | Thomas Jefferson, USA |
President Obama used this quote in his speech in Cairo, Egypt today. I
am glad he chose to use this quote, it is a truth not just for America, but for
any government, and any leader, to take into account.
I happened to like President Obama’s speech. If you saw or heard the whole
thing I would like to hear what you thought of it as well.
“I hope our wisdom will grow with our power and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.” – Thomas Jefferson
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