As a teen, I grew impatient with our government.
I could see only the ways in which it had failed.
My father, forever wise, smiled as I ranted.
When I finally calmed enough to listen,
he shared with me his life as a boy in Estonia.
Those few years, his country experienced freedom.
When he was 19 and training for the Olympics,
the Soviets invaded and occupied the country.
My father escaped, with only his heart and soul.
My father, among the lucky, came to the United States.
He raised his family here, where we benefited from
the privilege of this incredible democratic country.
He tried throughout his life to teach me that the
freedoms and rights I took for granted as a citizen
of a democracy were unique, extraordinary, precious.
I wish I could tell him now, as I watch our democracy
torn to shreds, that I finally understand; I finally get it.
Our democracy is extraordinary; and it is NOT a given.
We have to decide that we want it...enough to stand
against tyrants to preserve it for our children and our
children's children...and for the children of the world.
For, we were a beacon of hope, of possibility, of dreams.
It is not gone yet; though the attack on it, and us, is vicious,
planned and orchestrated with deadly precision and intent.
We will lose it, unless we each ask
but what you can do for your country.'
Then gird your heart, stand in your courage
and step forward together, united as one.
For this country, for us, for our children.
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