Monday, November 12, 2012

Colonizers of Dreams

Today, we honor those who gave their lives in defense of this country. We admire their spirit and hold them in memory. Whatever your politics, whatever your opinion, let us pass no judgment on the dead.

Today we honor those who give their lives in defense of this country. We admire their spirit and hold them in prayer. Whatever your religion, whatever your opinion, let us pass no judgment on the soldier.

Today we remember the reason we are free. Ideals are a good thing; we should all aspire to them. But let us not, in our aspiration, forget those whose ideals have been forged in places, times, and moments very different from our own. It is tradition to raise a glass to the victorious dead.

There is no victory in death, but the assurance that you have done all you can do and given all you can give. If we are to be all that we can be, we must remember with sadness those whose blood keeps us ignorant and shallow and free and promise that they did not die in vain.

There is victory in life, in getting up again and again to do the job you were told, asked, or volunteered to do. Do not force your ideals upon another; share them instead. There is healing in conversation, in listening and being listened to.

Too often we hear the phrase 'this nation is built on a dream.' But what is a dream if one cannot shape it into reality? Acknowledge the hands that have shaped our collective dream, for better or for worse. Tear no one down out of love or fear.

The passing of judgment is not for any of us in this world. There are no such things as perfection or neutrality. By all means, seek these traits as ideals, but don't expect the world to conform to your inner dream unless you're willing to do what it takes to make that dream a reality.

Remember the dead.
Smile at the living.
Do not condemn the colonizers of dreams.

WolfGrrl

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