East Coast Musings

Well, I’ve arrived in New Jersey. I’m warmly ensconced in my riverside hotel in Jersey City. As I gaze out the window, to my left if I could crane my neck out that way, I’d see the Manhatten skyline. I look east, out over the river, and towards the ocean. There, just a little to the right is “The Statue”. That emblem of freedom, of hope, of relief. The Statue of Liberty.

At least this is what I saw earlier today, when it was still light out. It’s only 5:23 eastern time, and already the sun has set. I look out to the east and see a suspension bridge, it’s suspension cables outlined in green lights. Directly in the center between the two suspension towers and up is a crescent moon, it’s reflected light playing out, dancing on the waves on the river. It’s a lovely sight. But my mind still sees that statue, knowing that black spot just.over.there is where it stands.

This is the first time I’ve laid eyes on it. It is, for me, a poignant sight. It moves my soul. I think of the youthful vitality of a nascient nation that received it from across the ocean. I think of the countless (by me, anyway) immigrants to our shores seeing it for their very first time. Seeing it as their ship chugs towards it’s berth.

I think of the joy they felt, the sorrow at leaving their homeland, mixed with joy at arriving in their new life. I think of the relief many felt knowing that now.they.were.free. They were arriving in the most free country on earth.

I think of the optimism of the words inscribed upon it.

In the century after this “new colossus” was erected, this young vibrant country, empowered by thosing huddled teeming masses who struggled to reach these shores, became arguably the most mighty superpower this planet has ever seen.

This view out my window is, however, a poignant and bittersweet view for me. For the promise of those words now rings hollow. The freedom of which the statue speaks seems fleeting, ephemeral now. Oh, I think the promise is still there, can still be found.

But, with all apologies to my reader…s… this nation has the wherewithal and fortitude to lead the world in all areas in those things democratic and free. But we have surrendered the moral highground that we once, presumably, held.

Our current president, and unlike many I don’t think he’s an idiot, just merely an evil, evil man; this president works tirelessly to deprive the citizens of this country of their birthright of freedom. For him, freedom is grand… for the rich. And we have no one to blame. WE elected him. (Okay, not me, I voted against my better judgement for Kerry.) We have only ourselves to blame.

I look out, now, upon that statue; I think of it’s promise to a country newly born. And it saddens me that merely 125 years or so after it’s construction, this is a country already on it’s descendence.

And that saddens me terribly.