The simple things...
...are often the most powerful.
I applied for a passport yesterday. It verifies my status as an American citizen and affords me the protection of the US government access back into the US when I travel abroad.
For many, this process is terrible. Some must pay exhorbitant fees or bribes. Others must wait for years to be granted permission to leave their country -- if they are ever allowed to leave at all. Still more must pledge their obedience or allegiance to their leader, their country, or a religion they may or may not believe in.
All I had to do for that passport was fill out a simple form, provide a picture of myself, show evidence of my citizenship, and pay a fee.
I didn't have to pledge allegiance to anything or anyone, swear an oath to any god or government, wait on some list for years, or bribe a government official. No, the only statement I had to make was to "solemnly swear that my statements were true and correct to the best of my knowledge."
Regardless of where we may stand on various issues, this is a simple reminder of one of the many freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy.
And we shouldn't lose sight of that.
I applied for a passport yesterday. It verifies my status as an American citizen and affords me the protection of the US government access back into the US when I travel abroad.
For many, this process is terrible. Some must pay exhorbitant fees or bribes. Others must wait for years to be granted permission to leave their country -- if they are ever allowed to leave at all. Still more must pledge their obedience or allegiance to their leader, their country, or a religion they may or may not believe in.
All I had to do for that passport was fill out a simple form, provide a picture of myself, show evidence of my citizenship, and pay a fee.
I didn't have to pledge allegiance to anything or anyone, swear an oath to any god or government, wait on some list for years, or bribe a government official. No, the only statement I had to make was to "solemnly swear that my statements were true and correct to the best of my knowledge."
Regardless of where we may stand on various issues, this is a simple reminder of one of the many freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy.
And we shouldn't lose sight of that.