The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World

From Vicki:

From the above link, the inscription on the base of the Statue of Liberty that has been on Bedloe's Island since 1886:

An inscription on the base of the statue says:

"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-tossed, to me;
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Millions who aspired to be free from Europe's "storied pomp" of governmental control, would reach to the land of the free. Later in 1924, the island became a government owned national park, coinciding with the year when immigration became greatly restricted with the Immigration Act.

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Why is America called the land of the free and the home of the brave? Because our founding fathers made it so with their break from England, their Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of these United States. It took brave, independent thinkers who were ready to make their own decisions without government interference. They wanted to make decisions about what was best for them!! They wanted to be a Christian nation, yet not be told by the government how and where to worship. They wanted a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. Nowhere is it stated that the government has to deliver anything to the people. The people wanted the freedom to do it themselves.

That was then. This is now. The burning question: Do we still want to be the land of the free? If so, then we need to be the home of the brave and vote responsibly to keep our United States a free nation based on Christian values and capitalism...and elected officials who serve and represent the best interests of we the people.

God show us mercy during this 2008 presidential election. Remind us of the past, the bloodshed over this very freedom, the strong men and women who stood up for their beliefs. Help us to remember our basic beliefs and why we live in this grand country. Help us to look forward to a better future for our children than what we could face on November 5 if we support someone who doesn't believe in capitalism and smaller government.

God, please help us to have the freedom and right to say the things we want on November 5 and beyond. You have given us a most remarkable country. Help us to respect what You have done for us. Keep us strong in the coming days. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This 2008 election season brings new meaning to the founding fathers' hard work to secure these for us.

Yes, I have already voted for McCain-Palin. These two are willing to lead with honor and responsibility. They are willing to serve we the people to the best of their abilities. They are earning our respect with their stance for freedom. They deserve our support and vote on November 4 if we are to be responsible with this bountiful land called these United States, created for us more than 200 years ago.