An adaptation of Sir Winston Churchill's Speech to the British Parliament, June 18, 1940
Image credit: travelhdwallpapers.com
On the eve of this anniversary of one of Sir Winston Churchill’s great speeches, commonly referred to as “Our Finest Hour,” a great tragedy occurred within the sanctuary of a historically embattled church. A young Caucasian man, armed with a handgun, sat for over an hour in a Bible Study session led by a minister who is also a member of the Senate, then opened fire on the 13 attendees, killing nine. That the gunman was white, and his victims black, the gunman is said to have been wearing an apartheid-era emblem of South Africa, the church a black Christian denomination established in the early 1800s, and this all occurred in the historically intolerant Southern region of the United States makes this tragedy something of significance. The Charleston Shooting as it has been quickly labeled is a moment in our lives which has as much significance as the moment in history when major military losses in WW2 prompted Winston Churchill to rally the flagging confidence of Britain’s parliament. Here we adapt essence of Mr. Churchill’s speech which succinctly addresses the multiple fronts on which we are at war with ourselves.
Image credit: world-war-2-diaries.com
“I am not reciting these facts for the purpose of recrimination. That I judge to be utterly futile and even harmful. We cannot afford it…Now I put all this aside. I put it on the shelf, from which the historians, when they have time, will select their documents to tell their stories. We have to think of the future and not of the past.” Our world has been in turmoil. Where we have fought and concluded victory in neutralizing threats abroad, we have encountered mass shootings and near economic devastation at home. Where we fought to secure democracy and opportunity for emerging economies, we have seen destabilization and eruption of ethnic violence. Where we have gained dominion over our habitats, we alternatively see cataclysmic disasters and chronic erosion of hospitable climate. The challenges are complex and complicated with the baggage of the past, spectres of unresolved conflicts that resurface when economic realities strain, and diplomacy wears thin. We cannot be too busy fighting one another that we let what we are fighting for go up in flames or deplete our valuable resources, our chances for survival.
Image credit: mapsworld.com
“I do not at all underrate the severity of the (odyssey) which lies before us; but I believe our (species) will show themselves capable of standing up to it…and will be able to stand up to it, and carry on in spite of it… Much will depend upon this; every man and every woman will have the chance to show the finest qualities of their race, and render the highest service to their cause. For all of us, at this time, whatever our sphere, our station, our occupation or our duties, it will be a help to remember the famous lines: He nothing common did or mean, Upon that memorable scene.”
We cannot allow the creations of the past to continue to dominate our present day concerns. Rather, let us reconsider the old, take ownership for our role as a consequence of it, appreciate what deserves recognition, and learn from the lessons we should value appropriately, the good and the bad. We need to give people purpose, we need to give people hope, and this is precisely why this moment matters so much, because that’s what leadership is about. This…is our finest hour.
Image credit: UNICEF.org
“Upon this (challenge) depends the survival of (all) civilization. Upon it depends our own (lives), and the long continuity of our institutions and our (legacy)...If we can stand up to (this), all (Earth) may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including (your land), including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if (civilization) lasts for..thousands (more) years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour."
History has much to teach us, but we must also not allow ourselves to be defined by it. Scrolling through the chronicles of the Famous Dailies, it is easy to the patterns of human existence: nations rise, nations fall, leaders rise, leaders are deposed, disasters happen and take many lives, war happens too and take even more lives, great feats of human achievement and discoveries are made, at other times we fail spectacularly and are setback by these failings. Through it all we have groups of people who inspired with impossible visions or heroic quest to save the world, who set out into uncharted territory to return with fresh discoveries that galvanizes fresh hope. We also have the people who work to keep it together on the home front. The people we are proud to say stood by us when we succeed, and are there to reassure when things do not turn out as expected. Choose a group to identify with and pave the way for another to build upon. Choose to see and project yourself into the future, a future where the whole human family arrives intact and are better for it. This hour is ours to define. May it be our finest.
Read the full speech http://www.winstonchurchill.org/resources/speeches/1940-the-finest-hour/their-finest-hour
The iconic Statue of Liberty, symbol of freedom and founding ideals of the United States, was collaboration of art and engineering inspired by French law professor, politician, and abolitionist Édouard René de Laboulaye. Laboulaye proposed "any monument raised to American independence would properly be a joint project of the French and American peoples." Wikipedia excerpt:
The statue is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue is an icon of freedom and of the United States, and was a welcoming sight to immigrants arriving from abroad.(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Liberty#)
Map of the Caribbean and North, Central, and South America
The Caribbean islands forming the Atlantic Rim extending from the Florida panhandle to the shores of the South American continent have been both a paradiso playground and gateway to the Americas. Referred to alternatively as the Antilles or West Indies by European settlers, the former colonies of the British, French, Danish, and Spanish are now mostly independent island nations. Migration between the American continent and the Caribbean islands remains diplomatic with over 2 million Caribbean-Americans currently residing in the United States.
In recognizing outstanding Caribbean-Americans and their contributions to American life we cover a storied continuum from the founding of a great city and the rise of this great nation, to the guidance and shaping of it’s culture and continuing interests. We begin the series with two great men, born 10 years apart, who quite likely had knowledge of each other during the revolutionary period in which the republic of the United States was founded. Remarkably both of these men were orphaned early in life, and pluckily went on to their achievements through the support of benefactors who provided an education and trade. To simplify the presentation, a chronological birth order is utilized.
Statue of Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable Chicago, Illinois
Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable, 1745-1818 Trader, First Settler/Founder of Chicago Illinois
Wikipedia, the free online encyclopaedia, attempts to debunk the wildly varied accounts of Du Sable’s history, which based on insight of early Caribbean lore and mores doesn’t ring true. The skepticism is echoed in the du Sable’s biography on PBS’ American Experience, however, the critical commentary is good, so one might not simply accept one account over another because it satisfies the brain’s need for a neatly packed and tied together story. What matters is that from various sketchy histories, Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable emerged prominently as the first settler of Chicago, Illinois.
The DuSable Heritage Association acknowledges the dearth of chronicled accounts of this seeming ambitious and strategically enterprising man. They concluded that anecdotal references suffice to support the claim of du Sable’s Haitian birth and eventual migration to the North American French colony, New Orleans.
“Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable was born in St. Marc, Haiti (or St. Domingue as Haiti was known then) around 1745 of a French father and a Black African Slave mother. There is a paucity of information in the historical record as pertains to DuSable’s life in Haiti prior to his migration to New Orleans around 1765. Many scholars suggest that DuSable may have had French Canadian origins. However most biographers generally agree that the majority of evidence regarding his origins leads to the conclusion that he was a mulatto from present day Haiti.”[1]
Of the establishment of a trading post it is said, Jean-Baptiste du Sable had the ambition of establishing a livelihood of trade and formed alliance with a Native American who taught him how to trap and pelt fur. The du Sable estate is now recognized as the first settlement of the Midwestern territory that would develop into modern day Chicago, Illinois. Portraiture of du Sable and the early settlement does not exist; what is available are artist renderings to visualize the man and the terrain.
Eschecagou settlement. Insets (l) Du Sable, (r) Du Sable trading post
“Located on the north bank of the Chicago River at its junction with Lake Michigan, DuSable’s estate consisted of a modest sized home, a horse mill, a bake house, a dairy, a smokehouse, a poultry house, a workshop, a stable, and a barn. The location of this settlement was at a natural crossroad for both Native Americans and Europeans seeking access to the Mississippi River. Many explorers and pioneers had come in passing prior to this settlement however none had stayed. DuSable established the first permanent settlement in present day Chicago and lived at that site for at least twenty years. He set up a trading post which flourished supplying customers with flour, pork, and bread in exchange for cash and durable goods. DuSable had established a good reputation with trading relations as far as Detroit, Green Bay, Mackinac and St. Joseph.”[2]
At a cross-road for explorers, settlers, militia, and troops navigating Native American territory and Midwestern colonies, du Sable was inevitably scrutinized and arrested by the military in the developing American revolution. Varied accounts are given of his end of life events, all of which involved selling the Chicago property and relocating either to French Canada, or back to Indiana or Louisiana where he likely had favorable ties.
There is a poignant trace of the revolutionary period in which Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable lived when his surname is written in alternative form DuSable. One finds the nation’s acronym d-uSa-ble, hinting at what was to come.
Alexander Hamilton, 1755-1804
Founding Father of the United States of America
First Secretary of the United States Treasury
Founder of the United States Monetary System
Founder of the Federalist Party
Founder of the Bank of New York
If Alexander Hamilton had not submitted to the fateful duel that ended his life, he might have outlived his Caribbean compatriot, Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable well into the 1800s. Given all of his accomplishments by that time, it is left to wonder how much more he could have accomplished in his prodigious career. Hamilton’s life follows a similar pattern as du Sable’s from his birth on the British West Indies island of Nevis to his formative years in the Danish colonies on St. Croix (now US territory), then on to study in colonies in New Amsterdam (present day New York).
Birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, Charlestown, Nevis, British West Indies
While du Sable's destiny charted by way of trade, Hamilton's course charted through the military and governance. It is said Hamilton was recognized for his intellectual abilities and oratory talent, he became chief staff aide to General George Washington having much autonomy in executing the duties of his office.
“Hamilton played a major role in the American Revolutionary War. At the start of the war in 1775, he organized an artillery company. He soon became the senior aide to General Washington, the American forces' commander-in-chief. Washington sent him on numerous important missions to tell generals what Washington wanted. After the war, Hamilton was elected to the Congress of the Confederation from New York. He resigned, to practice law, and founded the Bank of New York. Hamilton was among those dissatisfied with the weak national government. He led the Annapolis Convention, which successfully influenced Congress to issue a call for the Philadelphia Convention, in order to create a new constitution. He was an active participant at Philadelphia; and he helped achieve ratification by writing 51 of the 85 installments of the The Federalist Papers. To this day, it is the single most important reference for Constitutional interpretation.”[3]
After an excursion into law practice back in New York, Alexander Hamilton continued participation in shaping the political and economic foundation of the American republic. Christian Parenti writes,
Statue of Alexander Hamilton at the U.S. Treasury, Washington, DC
“Hamilton was alone among the “founding fathers” in understanding that the world was witnessing two revolutions simultaneously. One was the political transformation, embodied in the rise of republican government. The other was the economic rise of modern capitalism, with its globalizing networks of production, trade, and finance…In the face of these changes, Hamilton created (and largely executed) a plan for government-led economic development…his political mission was to create a state that could facilitate, encourage, and guide the process of economic change — a policy also known as dirigisme…”[4]
Alexander Hamilton succeeded in his mission through a Cabinet appointment as the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States by President George Washington. As Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton structured the nation’s monetary system and public debt, initiated economic policy for developing public utilities, infrastructure, and industrial development. Hamilton issued 3 key reports on the performance of the developing national economy, (1) a report on public credit, (2) report on the operations of import duty system, and (3) a report on the national bank. Hamilton also established a naval police force called Revenue Cutters to patrol the coastal marine trade routes for smuggling and piracy, and to assist in collecting tariffs. Hamilton’s philosophy was that economic recovery after the war was the key to peace. He imposed a tax on whiskey to fund a private industrial commission and manufacturing development which he deemed as critical to gaining economic independence.
Political life is not without dichotomy and scandal, and Hamilton’s verve was marked by forming consensus among bankers and business constituents which then founded the Federalist Party. He was apparently scammed into an adulterous blackmail scheme by a husband and wife team. Then there was the staunch opposition to gubernatorial candidate Aaron Burr who demanded an apology, or be challenged to a duel, for Hamilton’s repeated blocking of his political aspirations through public defamation. Alexander Hamilton declined the apology and in accepting the challenge to duel Burr on July 11, 1804, Hamilton was fatally shot and died from severe internal injuries on July 12, 1804.
In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge honored Alexander Hamilton with portraiture on the $10 bill for his extraordinary contributions to establishing the nation's enconomy and founding the U. S. Mint (monetary system). Hamilton is one of two non-Presidents to face U.S. currency.
Two extraordinary Caribbean sons, Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable and Alexander Hamilton, one a French mulatto, the latter a French-Scottish white. Both rose out of orphanhood, through benevolent sponsorship and education, to a destiny of remarkable contributions in the founding of the New World. The very different endings of their histories are no less significant of the revolutionary time in which they lived.
Thank you for joining us in recognizing these great men. And tell us, what are your impressions (thoughts, feelings) when reading about Alexander Hamilton in context of his Caribbean origins? What defines Caribbean identity; is it race, ethnicity, culture? Which Caribbean American in history or present day has inspired or influenced you personally or vocationally? Read more about du Sable and Hamilton in the links provided below.
Next: The Community Activists (Parts 1 and 2), The Statesmen References: [3]Alexander Hamilton. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton American Experience: People & Events: Jean Baptiste Point du Sable (1745?-1818. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/chicago/peopleevents/p_dusable.html Butler, D. (n.d.). Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable: The Founder of Chicago. Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://www.lib.niu.edu/1995/ihy951204.html
[2]Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Baptiste_Point_du_Sable
[4] Parenti, C. (n.d.). Reading Hamilton From The Left. Retrieved June 16, 2015, from https://www.jacobinmag.com/2014/08/reading-hamilton-from-the-left/
[1]The History of DuSable. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://dusableheritage.com/history/
Image Source (from top, left to right): Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable portrait https://31.media.tumblr.com/8d2db3835d08c834ce173b990f5ab79f/tumblr_inline_n7xmgeO4qv1ssufzt.gifAlexander Hamilton portrait Map of the Caribbean galleryhip.com Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable bust unionsuite.com Artist Rendering du Sable settlement/Eschecagou (collage) http://www.lib.niu.edu/ Alexander Hamilton (standing) - post446.com Alexander Hamilton, place of birth, Nevis - panaromia.com Statue of Alexander Hamilton, U.S. Treasury - wikipedia.org U.S. $10 dollar bill - pixshark.com
For a brief spell I allowed myself to be swept up into Dan
Brown’s fascinating portrayal of the American democracy as he wove the tale of
The Lost Symbol. Drawing from the intriguing worlds of secret societies, the
CIA, and the history of America’s founding ideals, Brown transports the reader
from the rabid incivilities of modern day politics with its harsh social and
economic realities into a world where time has largely filtered out the same
current that might have played out in such a momentous time. Brown delivers his signature style of driving,
gripping suspense amidst intimate details of art, architecture, history, and
symbolism.
Washington Monument, DC
Perhaps what I appreciated most about reading The Lost
Symbol was the demystifying of the occult, and symbolism in a way that
connected the dots bringing the origins of sacred literature, the Ancient
Mysteries, and science to its progenitors in the world of alchemy and philosophy.
This is not to say that conspiratorial minds may make less controversy about
symbolism in our currency and constitution. Rather, my hope is that it
illuminates and inspires a fresh wave of faith and hope in the ideals of the
Great American Project—the New Atlantis—a vision founded on ideals of
intellectualism, freedom, and science.
Also notable, in cameo appearance, Brown showcases the
strengths and advantages of technological innovations in computer science,
defense systems, and the emergent field of noetic science. This seemed to
indirectly underscore the prophet Ecclesiates’ exhortation, “There is nothing
new under the sun…” in the way modern security protocol intersects the secret
passages and symbolic art & architecture of the nation’s capitol. Or, as a
colleague shared recently, “The more you know the more human we become. Also
the more we know, the more we realize we do not know and the more open we are
to learning, and the more tolerant we are of others…keep learning” (LDR).
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
2012: Ideas That
Matter
(Part 1)
The King of Love:
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
MLK with wife Coretta Scott King
Once upon this
planet earth,
lived a man of
humble birth,
preaching love and
freedom
for his fellow
man,
he was dreaming of
a day,
peace would come
toearth to stay,
and he spread this
message
all across the
land.
Monday, January 16, 2012, as I listened to the plaintive
strains of Nina Simone's rendition of “Why? (The King of Love is Dead), live at Westbury Music Fair, it
seems fitting that we kick off the new year with a celebration of hopeful
resolutions and the remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr (MLK). The bittersweet melody beautifully sums up the
era and saga of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; what meaning his life
and death served in our collective history.
MLK waves at crowds in Washington, DC.
He was for
equality,
for all people,
you and me, Full of love and
goodwill,
hate was not his
way.
The fervent celebrations of 2012 seemed to mark the
true inauguration of the new decade, one that holds much hopes and dreams for
reprieve from the economic and war ravaged trials of the previous. In King's
time, we were likewise at war abroad (Vietnam) and in turmoil at home (civil rights). Yet
it is the repeated cycles of excess, intolerance, violence and bloodshed in the
historical context that gives weighty meaning to these lyrics.
Will the murders
never cease,
Are they men or
are they beasts?
What do they ever
hope, ever hope to gain?
...always living
with the threat of death ahead.
Substitute “we” for “they” and one appreciates Dr. King's
words that ours is a shared destiny, not just in Dr. King's America, but wherever
on the planet we call home and country. “Are (we) men or are (we) beasts? First,
to treat others inhumanely dehumanizes the perpetrator as well. Octavia Butler
shared the insight, “All that we touch we change, all that we change, changes
us.” Second, when will we evolve beyond our primitive instincts and ancestral
prejudices? What separates us from the beasts is our self awareness and with
self-awareness comes the ability for rational thought, ideas, and choice.
Saying goodbye to 2011 with the idea that we can draw a line in the sand and
decide when to end a war says as much that in 2012 we can thoughtfully declare
a loftier goal—the end of all hierarchical violence.
Martin Luther King, Jr monument (2011) in Washington, DC
Will my country
fail, stand or fall?
Is it too late for
us all?
And did Martin
Luther King just die in vain?
We will look at how we could accomplish that in part 2 of this
post. Until then enjoy this MLK tribute by one of my all-time favorites, “the
high-priestess of soul, Miss Nina Simone.”
Debut of “Why (The King of Love is Dead) at Westbury Music
Fair
The lyrics of this song was crafted by the Nina Simone band
bass player, Gene Taylor.
“In the midst of our lives, we must find the magic that makes our souls soar”
~Evelyn Beilenson
NEW YEAR'S EVE 2011. Time is a construct. Our calendars can be changed at will (Samoa just nixed Friday entirely), our seasons may not. There is nothing inherently magical or transcendent about the changing of time, at the stroke of midnight, that ushers in a new day, a new year, or a new millenium. Our thinking makes it so. Our thinking makes it so, because our thoughts have power.
We must remember that what we see is mostly a perspective, a position taken based upon an idea. There are as many meaningful perspectives as there are sentient minds. Perspectives are meaningful inasmuch as they are suited for the purpose at hand.
Ideas, a perspective taken on something that matters, have the power to change the way we see what is, and how we act upon that perspective. Time is one such idea, and as we've already seen time marks change, and we can change time at will. Our ideas matter. Our ideas can change. We can change.
Remember, there is nothing inherently magical or transcendent about the changing of time, at the stroke of midnight, that ushers in a new day, a new year, or a new millenium. Our thinking makes it so. Our thinking makes it so, because our thoughts have power. We can thoughtfully use our power to reflect on the events and experience we shared in 2011, our triumphs and our struggles, the rewards and disappointments. We can dare to challenge assumptions, and see what is. We can accept consequences, and change at will. We can declare new intentions, and expect results. And we can be gentle to ourselves in doing so.
Twenty-twelve, 2012: let us be ready to be transcendent in the coming year. Let is be ready to accept all the good coming our way, and let us be ready to be gracious in dealing with the consequences of our choices. Let us be ready to change our challenges for the better, and make the best of our good.
May 2012 be all that you declare it to be, with good for all concerned. Happy New Year!
Photo credits are linked to images found on the internet.
Growing up and becoming adults, life seemingly gets more complex and demanding. Among the decisions we are faced with are the big questions like: Who am I? Is this what I’m supposed to be doing? What is my unique purpose? Or, how can I make a difference? Is this my best life? How big can I dream? How do I get to do the things I want to do? Is this my best option, or could I pursue that call of adventure?
Likewise, the answers and solutions to these questions can generate a great deal of uncertainty as we factor in our beliefs and experience, as well as the people that matter in those decisions. Wouldn't it be great if we could simplify it all to one or a few succinct, salient guidelines. Something that could be applied in broad simple strokes to vanquish the myriad of decisions life presents to us. Dr. Wayne Dyer appears to have accomplished this in his books for kids of all ages. Life lessons so smart and simple...even a child can get it.
As many of us are negotiating the new realities grown out of the choices of the past decade or so, here are some great ideas and practices to boost confidence, and bolster expectations for better days ahead. This is not "dumbing it down," rather it follows the inspiration and light-hearted fun of Dr. Seuss' Oh The Places You Can Go, which has been a perennial favorite to share with graduates.
Incredible You! 10 Ways To Let Your Greatness Shine Through
Dr. Dyer begins with the recognition that (#1) there is good in all of us waiting to be shared with the world. Yes, you are amazing, unique and awesomely made, and everyone else is too (#9). What is essential (#2) is to discover what makes us feel most alive--what we love. And it doesn’t matter where we are in life #5, “what matters is what (we) do with today.” You have power in your thoughts (#10), and you can choose to change your life’s situations by changing your thoughts (#6.) Happy thoughts, Dr. Dyer says, make you strong and free, so choose to be happy.
(#1) You’re great--no matter what. Learn to value yourself without needing others’ approval, and realize that everyone makes mistakes. Criticism can be just another’s fear of failure, the important thing is to get the feedback failure signals to us, and to adapt and move forward. That’s it, (#2) persistence pays off, an essential trait in being unstoppable.
Find more tipson how to fortify yourself against negativity, setbacks and uncertainty to develop an adaptable, creative life full of meaning and purpose.
No Excuses! How What You Say Can Get In Your Way
This is the smart and simple version of the adult self-help book (Excuses Begone!), a contemporary update on the earlier version (Your Erroneous Zones) that launched Dr. Dyer’s renown. The bracing title is no deterrent for the gentle guidance to help us recognize when we are making excuses (even when it comes through messengers.) Ultimately, we have a choice whether we let fear of disappointment and doubt stop us from pursuing dreams or to fuel new resolve.
What can you do with that? Check outthe quick and effective mobilizing technique.
So, yes, wisdom can come in simple steps, it is the practice that evolves into complex solutions as we take on more complex choices. Just find the answers that are right for you.
.
!), a contemporary update on the earlier version (
) that launched Dr. Dyer’s renown. The bracing title is no deterrent for the gentle guidance to help us recognize when we are making excuses (even when it comes through messengers.) Ultimately, we have a choice whether we let fear of disappointment and doubt stop us from pursuing dreams or to fuel new resolve.
, Dr. Deepak Chopra
