Seed tomorrow with wise freedom today!
As we approach BBQs, fireworks, and pool parties to celebrate our Independence, I ask that we contemplate the essence of real freedom. Does it mean “we” get to have and do what we want, “rightfully” imposing our values on others in the name of good intentions?
I struggle with some American’s desire to protect their children from the sins of our past, angered at the thought of sharing truths that are a factual part of our history. Too many, including children suffered (and still do) at the hands of those who forced their “freedom” on others.
Across the US, from 1819 to 1969, our Native American children at more than 400 boarding schools suffered physical and sexual abuse, solitary confinement, malnourishment, and more. The findings, released in a federal report in May, 2022 concluded that a number of the schools were responsible for the deaths of at least 500 children, uncovering roughly 50 burial sites. Officials expect the numbers to increase. The analysis is the first comprehensive historical review of the school system. Truth matters.
The federal residential school system was designed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society, upon the solid foundation of “American Christian values.” Schools often utilized militaristic approaches in an effort to overwrite native identities.
How will our next generation benefit from not knowing about bigotry, racism, abuse, lynchings, lack of access to education, banking, voting, and a boatload more? Those miserably abused deserve to, at least, to have those sins not repeated.
Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind. ~ Virginia Woolf
This July 4th, I’ll take time to pause long enough to think about freedom for all, especially freedom from abuse, executed by those in control.
And, in our contemplation of liberty, the Constitution, and leadership’s responsibility to uphold the law and demonstrate behaviors we value as Americans, let’s responsibly examine the data being presented in January 6th hearings and ponder Abraham Lincoln’s words, before it’s too late:
We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.
Let freedom ring . . .
Life is calling . . . Today’s the day!
Learn Lavishly. Live Significantly. Leave a Legacy.
Marilynn Semonick, CEO (Chief Exploration Officer)
Educator, Consultant, Coach, Facilitator, Professional Speaker
Marilynn@marilynnsemonick.com
The Success Studio
Wednesday Wisdom 