Friday, October 24, 2008

An American Creed

With all of the election nonsense, some days I find it hard to remember what being an American is all about.  I heard this read on the radio this afternoon, and I just love it.  This is what America used to be all about.  And it still is what America is all about... somewhere underneath all that craziness.


I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.

I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”

By Dean Alfange

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*Originally published in This Week Magazine.
Later printed in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.

The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was raised in upstate New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1922.

6 comments:

Kari said...

Always so fun to pop in on you unexpectedly!! Wish I could carve out a few more hours a day ;) Who am I kidding? It's after 1 A.M. and my girls have golf lessons in 7 hours ... and my husband is out of town! Glad to see you are still living life to the fullest, working hard, and enjoying time with family and friends!!

Gifford Family said...

Thanks for sharing! It is sad that so many people get caught up in all the craziness!

Ann said...

very nice page today. I have been away from the internet for awhile and am happy to be back. I have a new post on my blog today. ~Ann

Anonymous said...

I am sorry I haven't written you in so long. Things are crazy. I hope Texas is treating you good. But I would like you to come back to Utah. We miss you. Let me know all the fun details going on in your life. Send me an email.
Angie

prism said...

Thank you - I really like this quote. And your blog page looks really nice, too. Nice job.

Heather said...

Hiya Chrystal!

Long time no visit - I love your blog redesign. Nice, sumptuous colors!!!

Kiss those cute fur babies for me-