If She Could Speak

All over the world and throughout history the spirit of hope and the light of reason have weathered attacks by the forces of fear and ignorance. Each pair creates a self-reinforcing world view for their respective advocates; but the philosophies they generate are polar opposites.

Hope and reason encourage people to embrace change in anticipation of a better future. Fear and ignorance drive folks to cling to the myth of an idyllic past where comfortable, universally held, but equally imaginary absolutes were the norm.

In New York Harbor, The Statue of Liberty stands as a proud witness to our nation's commitment to the first of these competing philosophies.

Her actual name is Liberty Enlightening the World. She stands upon broken shackles atop a base which houses a museum where a bronze plaque bearing a sonnet by Emma Lazarus is on display.

The New Colossus

BY EMMA LAZARUS

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

These words epitomize the spirit of a land which claims to be exceptional among the nations of the world. History, of course, paints our nation's picture in more muted tones and subtle brush strokes than those seen in the minds' eyes of most Americans when they think about their country's treatment of immigrants. However, the historical canvass is a work in progress, and the overall message of its unfinished story unmistakably favors the triumph of hope and reason over the forces of fear and ignorance.

Yet today, Lady Liberty's message of optimism and human compassion is often drowned out by the devotees of the opposition. Their calls for the immediate deportation of Central American children seeking asylum make a mockery of all that she stands for.

If she could speak, I believe her words might be akin to those found in this Mike Luckovich cartoon:

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Take a virtual tour of Lady Liberty