“None of us are free until all of us are free.”
-Emma Lazarus (1800’s) (variation)
-Fannie Lou Hamer and Martin Luther King Jr. (1960’s)
-Janelle Monae (2017)
-Kamala Harris (2020)
This would be the preferred motto of democracy.
That all people are free, not held in chains, not held back by law or public opinion.
Acceptance and love of all.
No judgments, no grudges, no feuds, no wars.
Acceptance and love.
Honoring.
Respectful.
Viewing humanity in color, but treating everyone as the same shade of gray.
Facing differences of religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity and ability without judgment.
Embracing the bones and flesh of humanity rather than pointing at differences.
Emma, Fannie, Martin, Janelle and Kamala have wanted what many of us want – a truly free and equal society.
Can we find freedom in loving, caring, respecting and accepting others without hesitation?
“You not only must love, you must not do what another hates. You must not do what another hates and you must know your freedom is bound up in your neighbor’s—no matter how comfortable you are.” (from Jewish ethical tradition of mussar)
Is this possible for us?
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Mary J Melange 
This is so simple. I can’t understand how anyone could miss the point, or argue with this. Why is it so hard?
Thank you for lifting your voice for humanity, Mary. I hope you have an easy slide down the second half of this week.
I don’t know why it’s so hard for some to be non-accepting of others. Learned behavior and opinions perhaps. I don’t understand how that would make a person’s life any better, easier or joyful.
You’re welcome, Dan. Same to you, have a good rest of the week.
I suspect the non-accepting of others has something to do with fear that was learned. I also suspect that most hateful people would not want to admit this.
We need to be free. Unfortunately if you watched the debate you saw the sociopath that came to the bully session. When asked the simple question if he condemned white supremacist’s and white militia he broke his oath to defend against enemies foreign and domestic. He was asked this question twice. Instead of condemning them he called them to arms – “stand back and stand by” He is supposed to defend against all enemies foreign and domestic. Instead he is the domestic enemy.
Last night our President was given the opportunity to denounce racism and he failed miserably. It was his opportunity to show acceptance of all people in this country, something he is unable to do. That is why the majority of Americans need to stand against this kind of vile hatred and show how to love and respect each other openly and honestly. It takes our votes and dedication to a better future in America and in the world.
It is the duality of human nature that causes this unnecessary struggle, Mary. The core of things is always the false sense of lack. It leads to greed, envy, jealousy, pain, fear-always fear- that turn to theft, dishonesty, covetousness, lying and murder. Unconditional Love is the simplest emotion to have and yet humans fight it with everything because something has told them they will then lose their power. My favorite book quote still remains to this day from A Course in Miracles:
“Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing i real exists. Herein lies the peace of God.”
Only love is real.. all else is illusion. 💕
Wonderful quote, Cheryl. “Love is simple” is truth – if only humanity would understand this and how it gives our hearts and minds the freedom to live a life filled with joy and peace. I’ve always thought how hard and sad it is to live otherwise in negative or hateful emotions. As humans, we lack nothing, if he have each other in our corner.
You are so right Mary. Last night I watched The Day the Earth Stood Still (new version, Dan. 😉) before my husband watched the debate. I just couldn’t. I knew it would be sadly ridiculous. I needed to feel we are being watched, wishing deep inside that something somewhere really would put its hand on this world’s societal shoulder and say, “Enough.” We are digressing in our mental and emotional growth. 😞💕
My roommate and I watched about 25 minutes of the debate and could not stand it any longer. I feel the same way – someone needs to come out of the sky and turn a number of tables over to give society a sorely needed push in the right direction.
I agree. Sigh. Love you.
❤🙂❤
I ask myself a similar question more often than even I can imagine. I do not understand blind hate.
Maggie, much like racism, the hate is systemic. It’s going to take time and a lot of difficult effort to effect change.
My grandchildren are of color. My daughter And my niece are in same-sex relationships. Two of my dear friends have transgender children. They are all loved. I see no other possibility.
“You not only must love, you must not do what another hates. You must not do what another hates and you must know your freedom is bound up in your neighbor’s—no matter how comfortable you are.” (from Jewish ethical tradition of mussar)
This is a core truth if we’re ever to live in peace. Thank you for sharing this today.
You’re welcome, Laura. Keep being who you are, add to the freedom of love.
Excellent question. I want to believe that this is attainable, but lately people are showing me how difficult it is for them to embrace the concept of equality. I hope that it is possible…
It’s not only the concept of equality, but the simple sense of truth, justice and what is right and wrong.
Beautifully expressed, Mary J. Hugs on the wing.
Thanks Teagan! Hugs back to you.
This echoes in my heart and mind! I was always taught that God is Love and we are to manifest that in this world. Perhaps it is easier to say than do but there must be an effort!!
From G.K Chesterton: “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.”
Words are always easier than effort in action.
May I add one more ? Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Yes, you may. Thank you.
We need this wisdom so much, Mary. If we can look for common ground, it might help us embrace the bones and flesh of humanity. We are way more alike than different.
Common ground, meeting in the middle, is greatly needed, JoAnna.. If only we could all take one srep forward.
I like the idea of all of us taking one step toward each other’s position. Or something like that.
YES
Thanks for the video!