The New Colossus

It thought this writing would be appropriate on the weekend holiday for the Fourth of July. However, I must give my Priest credit for planting the idea for this posting. He mentioned it in his Homily this morning. The New Colossus is inscribed on a plaque inside the Statute of Liberty.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

As I reflected on these words, I wondered if Americans have forgotten these words when we condemn those who enter our country in hopes of earning a living by doing chores that no Americans are willing to do. It seems everyone condemns them, but is willing to make an exception when their labors result in a savings to themselves. Condemn them if you like, but I am certain these are the very people Jesus would be associated with.

Call me an evil liberal if you like. I sang patriotic songs and enjoyed Bar-b-que every meal of the long weekend. I am proud to be an American.