The Civic Balance of Freedom and Responsibility

This week’s The Gowrie News reported the winners of the 26^th annual Fort Dodge Noon Sertoma “What Does Freedom Mean to Me?” essay contest. My family has been in a tizzy; we couldn’t be more delighted. The first prize was awarded to Jaiden Ackerson, our eighth-grade granddaughter. Dianna and her daughter, Erin Ackerson, were able to attend the presentation luncheon today (March 7). This week, Jaiden is being recognized as a winner and a hero and has been modestly enjoying her recognition.

Instead of starting with a dictionary definition of “freedom,” Jaiden led off by quoting Bob Dylan: “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” She went on to say:

Unconditional Positive Regard

"If your partner in life, child, friend or pet makes a bid for your attention, don't turn away. For this moment, they need your unconditional positive regard. This is more than one of the greatest gifts you can give; it is the key to making and keeping satisfying relationships."

If You Care, You Should Speak Up

"If you care, make some noise. Keep on making a ruckus. Cry from the housetops. March in the streets. Write letters to the editor. Money can buy change. Power can force change. But, the most beneficial and reliable changes come slowly from the persistent upraised union of many voices." David Satterlee

The Heart of Liberalism

"This is the virtuous heart of liberalism: the love to care  for unknown and future others without expectation of personal gain."
~ David Satterlee

Poem: Gathering Courage

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Gathering Courage

Life Will Get You in the End:
Short Stories by David Satterlee

from the book: Life Will Get You in the End:
Short stories by David Satterlee

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A decent proposal. A young man ponders the anxiety he may feel when it comes time to, someday, pop the question.

Gathering Courage

Standing on the corner,

Passing time away,

I think of all the times we’ll meet

And all the things we’ll say.

I think of sitting close to you

And watching the moon rise.

We’ll let the world just pass us by

What fools could be more wise?

I’ll hold you close and speak your name

Until we rise and all can see

That what they once had thought was one

Was really you and me.

I’ll care for you and make you mine

And we will vow our need.

Will share a love that only gives

And never takes in greed.

I think of what I need to live—

How I’d give all that I claim

To have you for my own to love

And have you share my name.

                             February 28, 1972