First Lady Michelle Obama spoke at #LULAC14 recently about the vital role education plays in the future of young Latinos. As a result, LULAC has announced its intent to collaborate with potential partners to provide aid for thousands of migrant children currently in limbo at the border. Want to help? Send an email to TakeAction@LULAC.org!
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Baldomero Garza III Elected to A Fourth Term as LULAC National Vice-President for the Southwest
July 13, 2014 - New York City, NY: LULAC National VP for the Southwest, Baldomero “Baldo” Garza III, was elected to a fourth term this past Saturday, July 11, 2014 by a majority vote of the National Assembly of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Mr. Garza’s re-election platform focused on community service and dedication to the stated mission of LULAC.
At the New York LULAC convention the 1, 625 certified delegates were being required to produce a photo ID in order to register to vote, which is not called for under the LULAC National By-Laws. National President Margaret Moran and her legal advisor Mr. Luis Vera were requiring this unprecedented action and they were also planning on dismissing the National Assembly, which is the ultimate author of LULAC. Mr. Garza decided that legal action was needed and with the assistance of some local NYC attorneys went to a NY state court and obtained a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the proposed actions of Moran and Vera.
After the TRO was granted, Mr. Garza returned to the national convention and was refused to be granted permission to speak to the assembly regarding the reasons for having to obtain the TRO. The microphone was turned off and the LULAC election judge left the room. The National Assembly was re convened at 2:30PM. A quorum of the National Board was assembled. Mr. Garza was elected Interim President, and a new LULAC election judge was selected and the national elections held.
Mr. Garza enlisted the wisdom of four LULAC National Past Presidents to find the direction and guidance to keep the LULAC mission alive. The Honorable Belen Robles, Eduardo Pena, Rick Dovalina and Hector Flores all provide the necessary guidance and approval with moving forward with elections. With more than 1600 + delegates’ awaiting an election, Mr. Garza fought to insure the election was held.
Voter ID, voter oppression and voter intimidation will never be allowed in LULAC again. National VP Baldo Garza, a Houston based attorney reminds the National Assembly that voting is a privilege that must be exercised. “Far too many have died to preserve this privilege. Do not allow it to be degraded or dishonor their memory. Stand up, voice what you believe and take action today”, stated National VP Garza.
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• The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy addresses the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.
• Baldomero Garza, III is LULAC National Vice-President of the Southwest and an attorney from Houston, Texas.
For additional information, please contact Mr. Garza at: baldogarza@yahoo.com or 713-498-7199.
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HERE ARE THOUGHTS FROM A FEW OF OUR "THOUGHT LEADERS" WHO RECENTLY TOOK THE TIME TO SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS ON FREEDOM AND WHY THEY'RE PROUD TO BE AMERICAN.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUDGE GRANT DORFMAN: Freedom is the natural state of Man, gifted to us by God as a cornerstone of our covenant. Freedom allows us to explore and develop our God-given talent and to become whatever our ability and hard work can conspire to achieve. But like the covenant more generally, our inheritance of freedom entails responsibilities too. The French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau famously wrote of his time that "Man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains." As a public official, I try to be mindful always that government should be the servant of the people and never their master. I believe that is what our Founders intended, and the basis upon which they built our Constitution. And I believe that all of us have a special role and duty as citizens to police our government and ensure that it strives always to work within the limits imposed by the Constitution and our laws, so that Ronald Reagan's words remain true: "We are a nation that has a government -- not the other way around."
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUDGE GRANT DORFMAN: I am proud to be an American not just for the blessings of liberty that this birthright has afforded me. I am the grandson of an immigrant who came to this country with no property, no family and no connections, but who succeeded through hard work and ingenuity. It was this country that gave him that opportunity, regardless of cultural and language barriers and his commitment to a religion that was oppressed in his native land. And that story is far from unique in our country. I am proud to be an American because our exceptional country has always been generous with its freedom -- a shining City upon a hill that is a beacon to all freedom-loving peoples; and we have, at our best, endeavored to share and expand freedom to all the corners of the world, not to hoard it as our possession.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUDGE PATRICIA J. KERRIGAN: Freedom means our constitutionally protected right as Americans to choose how we work, live, worship, speak, provide for and protect our families. While true freedom is beyond what a government provides, the many freedoms we enjoy as Americans are a fundamental part of our Democracy. Just as important as our enjoyment and exercise of these rights is the responsibility each one of us bears to protect and save our freedoms for the next generation. Everyday as we look at world events, we are graphically shown how precious our freedoms truly are. Every time I seat a jury in the 190th District Court, I remind the jury members that around the world people are literally dying for the right they are exercising, that is the right to have a dispute decided by fellow citizens, rather than by a government or by the military. All of our freedoms are important in today's world and so must be our commitment to preserve them.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUDGE PATRICIA J. KERRIGAN: I'm proud to be an American because as a people we continue to believe in our Constitution, live by our Constitution, and require our government to follow our Constitution. As Judge of the 190th District Court, my appreciation for and understanding of the importance of our Constitution is enhanced everyday as I participate in our civil justice system. As Thomas Jefferson said "I consider the trial by jury as the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government is held to the principles of its constitution." Our civil justice system is a remarkable system of which every American citizen can be proud. Is it perfect? Is America perfect? No, not yet. And the fact that we continue to strive for and demand improvement is part of what makes me proud to be an American.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUDGE DAN HINDE: Freedom means opportunity—the opportunity to succeed, to chase your dreams, to find your calling and answer it, to live, to learn, and to grow, unencumbered by the shackles of class. It means we have the opportunity to rise to any height—President, Governor, CEO, star athlete, celebrity, community leader—regardless of your starting point in life. But freedom also means the opportunity to err and to fall short.
Essentially, freedom gives us the opportunity to be Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena”—to strive valiantly, to do great deeds, and, yes, to fail. But to borrow again from Roosevelt, freedom means that we have the opportunity to fail while daring greatly, that we are not consigned forever to the fate of those “cold and timid souls” who know neither success nor failure.
But as is often said, freedom is not free. We enjoy such great opportunity because of the hard work, dedication, blood, and sacrifice of so many men and women who preceded us, giving, as Lincoln said, the last full measure of devotion, so that we—their heirs—might enjoy the freedom they earned. In turn, we owe it our children to pass on this freedom so that they may enjoy the opportunity to dare greatly and reach for their dreams as well.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUDGE DAN HINDE: No country, no nation in history was ever founded on an idea—not Athens, Rome, nor Egypt; not England, France, Germany, Russia, nor China. No nation was built on an idea, that is, until the United States declared its independence in 1776. And what an idea it was! All men are created equal and endowed by God with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
My pride in America begins with that great conception of our nation, but it does not end there. The Framers wrote a Constitution to establish a national government designed to protect our freedom and liberty. Then, our nation fought a terrible civil war to preserve that then-radical form of government—government of the people, by the people, for the people—and to cleans it of the horrible stain of slavery.
But in the rebirth that President Lincoln described, our freedom and democratic manner of government nourished and nurtured a society that has advanced not only its own population but all of humankind beyond belief.
Our society developed an economy that has lifted millions out of poverty, hunger, and illiteracy, not only at home but abroad. Our country led the effort to vanquish the twin scourges of fascism and communism, giving the lie to the totalitarians’ pretensions to utopia.
The United States remains a shining beacon to the world—a safe harbor in times of difficulty and a light to guide the world. Our nation always—always—sends aid to countries suffering natural disasters, whether friend or foe. Our people generate new ideas in technology, industry, the arts, and music. We are what other countries strive to be.
And I am proud to be a citizen of such an amazing, sublime country. God has blessed America, and may God continue to do so!
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUDGE JEFF SHADWICK: Freedom is the right and power to act, but really freedom comes with a duty and responsibility to self and others. Freedom must be exercised and fought for by each generation to prevent a loss of freedom and slide into tyranny.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUDGE JEFF SHADWICK: I am proud to be an American because we are the only country, ever, to be founded upon an idea rather than geography or ethnicity. The idea is that all men are created equal; that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. All anyone has to do is "buy in" to become an American. You cannot become French, or become Chinese, but you can become American. It is the origin of our country around an idea that makes this so.
America is the greatest force for good in history. I am proud of that.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
NIKITA HARMON: No idea is more fundamental to me as an American and as an individual than freedom. Freedom means the power or right to act, speak, or think freely without governmental hindrance or restraint. It means that you can have your own opinion and that you can share that opinion with other people even if they don’t agree with you.
Freedom does not mean the absence of authority or the right to do whatever one pleased—far from it. However, it entails the privileges enumerated in the Bill of Rights—freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and religion.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
NIKITA HARMON: I am proud to be an American because freedom here is a reality unlike many foreign countries. I am proud to be an American because children are free to pursue their dreams, to celebrate their successes and to rise to try again when they fail. I am also proud because Americans have been able to maintain a free society in a time of terrorism and war. As an American, I have the freedom of choice whereas in other countries their people do not have the choices that we have as Americans.
American is a nation that believes in opportunity for all. One’s success isn’t always determined by the circumstances of one’s birth. In America, it is determined by each individual with the help of an American society that's committed to everyone succeeding.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
KIM OGG: Freedom is individual and societal independence from oppression.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
KIM OGG: I am proud to be an American because of our individual and societal independence.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUDGE JAY KARAHAN: Freedom to me means the freedom to think for myself, to act upon those thoughts in a responsible way, to modify my thoughts with education, and the freedom to enjoy my "unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness."
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUDGE JAY KARAHAN: I am proud to be an American because, as a first generation American, I observed first-hand my immigrant father's struggle to seek and achieve the American Dream. To this day I marvel at my father's pride in his naturalized American citizenship. I marvel at his lifelong commitment to self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. I marvel at his patience in waiting for a visa to enter the U.S. to seek a better life for himself and to eventually become a responsible citizen. The U.S. gave my father the freedom to work as many jobs and as hard as he could or wanted to accumulate the knowledge and capital to start his own business. His enthusiastic patriotism despite the ignorance and bigotry he encountered along the way made him the successful man I'm so proud of. His sacrifices, hard work and enthusiasm - and that of all like him since the founding of our great nation - gave me the freedom to enjoy the blessings of life in the U.S. It is my responsibility now to honor that and to pay it forward.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
KIM BOHANNON HOESL: On first reading this question, I heard Janis Joplin singing, "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose." (“Me and Bobby McGee”). But that is not what I believe. My parents were both raised in segregated America, but they worked hard to overcome that history and to raise their children to view all people as equally entitled to pursue their dreams. They taught me that I could be whatever I wanted to be, even a pilot or a physicist, and that I did not have to be limited by my gender. Freedom, therefore, is not having nothing to lose, but having everything to gain. Freedom is being limited only by me, and not by the arbitrary or unfair restrictions of society, or religion, or government. That was the freedom our founding fathers sought and achieved here: the freedom to seek, and control, my own destiny, limited only by my own desires, beliefs, and conscience.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
KIM BOHANNON HOESL: There are so many reasons to be proud of my country, but the most important reason to me is the strength of what this country represents. My country, for all its problems and its internal conflicts, stands alone in the world’s history as the largest, most successful democracy ever. And that is no small feat. When you consider how small the original 13 colonies were geographically and how uniform in citizenry, and then compare that to the America of today with its expanse of geography and diversity, it is nothing short of amazing. From sea to shining sea, this country embraces an incredible diversity of landscapes, of climates, of economies, of cultural histories, of racial and ethnic variety. We have deserts and tropics, farmlands and dense urban cityscapes. We have ethnicities from around the globe. And yet, the vision of those original founding fathers has carried through this tremendous growth and transformation of our country, and our democracy continues to work today. What other land can lay claim to living through such extraordinary change and upheaval as the past 238 years has involved, and yet still maintain the freedom and the democratic process we began with? -- Only here, only in America. My country’s complete faith in its people, and in the democratic process, has survived what has destroyed many other nations. And I am exceedingly proud that my country continues to represent the best in democracy today.
I recently found myself explaining the significance of the Fourth of July to my 4-year old son. He is not quite able to grasp the concept of revolution and freedom. But he understands birthdays, and celebrations. As he grows, my husband and I have the humbling opportunity to teach him the values we hold dear as American citizens, and to watch the same love of country develop in him as we hold within ourselves.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
DIANE PEIRSON: To me, freedom is all about choice. We can choose to succeed or to fail, choose to support government or to oppose it. We can choose to fight against bad laws, or fight for good laws. We can work in our communities to better them, or we can raise a voice in dissent. These things are what make this country great.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
DIANE PEIRSON: I'm proud to be American because, while America has a shorter history than most, it is one of the richest, most diverse and colorful histories in the world. I could not imagine my youth in other countries. We traveled a lot and I went to many schools, I played with many different kids. I had it all, I had nothing and my family wouldn't have been able to do that anywhere else. I have the opportunity to give my time to my community now because of it.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
RAMONA FRANKLIN: Freedom reminds me of a beautifully handcrafted quilt. Each patch in the quilt symbolizes the uniqueness of one being permitted to live the way a person chooses to live without unlawful restraints. One patch that is crafted in the quilt of freedom stands for one to live in the United States with the opportunity to lawfully speak his or her mind without being censored. Another patch that is crafted in the quilt of freedom is the right of religion. The third patch that is crafted in the quilt of freedom allows a woman the right to make decisions for her own body. The fourth patch that is crafted in the quilt of freedom allows a law abiding citizen to live anywhere they desire to live. The fifth patch that is crafted in the quilt of freedom is the ability to receive an education. The sixth patch that is crafted in the quilt of freedom is the ability for one to think as one wants without constraints. The last patch that is crafted in the quilt of freedom is the right of choice. Freedom symbolizes the complete handcrafted quilt that has all of its unique and beautiful patches woven together.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
RAMONA FRANKLIN: I am proud to be an American because of the rights we are all afforded. As an American I have the right to vote and the right of religion. I do not take my right of religion for granted. So many other people in other countries do not have the right to worship their appointed gods. Here in America, I have the right to worship my God who provides for me and my family daily without any interference. I am proud to be an American because I am able to pursue my dreams, goals, desires and ambitions without restraints. I am proud to be an American because I am proud and honored to have the opportunity to be a Judicial Candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law # 5.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
PHILLIP WEBB: Freedom means being able to have my own opinion and being able to voice that opinion. Freedom means being able to worship God openly. Freedom means being able to openly support and elect local, state and national leaders. Freedom means to be able to disagree with those leaders. Freedom means being able to own my own home or land and having the right to protect my home and land from trespassers who intend to seize or steal my property or harm my family.
We also have the right and freedom to gain knowledge and education. James Madison, the father of our Constitution and the 4th President of the United States once said, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.“ Knowledge is freedom.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
PHILLIP WEBB: The freedoms I described are contained within the United States Constitution. Nowhere in the world do you find such a document which prescribes a form of government that is by the people and for the people. Many men and women over our country’s brief history have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, its form of government and way of life. You just can’t get that brand of devotion anywhere else. In the USA, we are free to have an idea, develop that idea, and profit from that idea.
For enumerated reasons, including the freedoms we all enjoy, I love my country.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
SAM HOUSTON: Freedom is at the core of what it means to be an American -- it is a great gift and even greater responsibility. We protect our freedom at home and honor the men and women who protect our freedom abroad by acting with integrity and honesty. Our freedom, unique in all the world, is the result of men and women who ask themselves everyday "Is this the right thing to do?" Freedom is our greatest public trust -- and we must safeguard it by acting with honor and personal integrity.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
SAM HOUSTON: My pride in being an American comes from the place where I grew up -- the small West Texas town of Colorado City, about halfway between Midland and Abilene. In this little town, I learned the value of hard work in my family’s small hardware and auto parts store. Whether I was sweeping the floor or helping a customer assemble a bicycle, I learned to take pride in a job well done. I learned the value of small businesses to a community and I learned that successful businesses are built on trust. I had great role models -- men like my grandfather R.P. “Pete” Ainsworth, a rancher who once managed the Renderbrook Spade Ranch, and from my uncle Fred McClellan, a cotton farmer. These men taught me about respect, honor and integrity. I know now that what they were teaching me was how to be an American.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
DEBBIE FANCHER: Freedom means being able to make the choices that I feel are best for me and my family and that line up with my biblical beliefs. I was born in Venezuela which is now a socialist country so my passion runs deep to keep policies and tactics that led to its destruction away from this country.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
DEBBIE FANCHER: I’m proud to be an American because America is the greatest beacon of hope for the world!
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
COUNTY TREASURER ORLANDO SANCHEZ: Freedom means the liberty to live one's life in a country that, as a matter of law, protects our God given natural rights. As a refugee from communism, the USA means freedom for me.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
COUNTY TREASURER ORLANDO SANCHEZ: Because our country not only fights to preserve my freedom, but it fights to preserve other's freedom and promotes that concept around the world.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
CONTROLLER GREEN: On the most essential level, freedom is the intrinsic right to choose for yourself what you will do with your life. Within the confines of a society’s laws, an individual is free to pursue a chosen livelihood and personal pleasures such as marriage and volunteerism in the community. Freedom brings certain responsibilities, I think, such as participation in the affairs of one’s community, and it also may involve the duty to protect the freedom we are given through service to our country. One needs only to imagine living in a country or society where freedom is denied to realize what a hardship that would be. I am also mindful of the past, and the struggles that millions of Americans faced in gaining true freedom in our land, the cost they paid.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
CONTROLLER GREEN: People around the globe are envious of the enormous opportunities that most Americans have. I believe the greatest advantage we have is the ability to choose our leaders—and our history is rich with brilliant, humane and thoughtful leaders. Democracy is synonymous with America. I am personally proud that I have served my community through elected office. In the larger scheme, I am proud of the ingenuity that defines America: our industrial and commercial strengths, our medical and scientific breakthroughs, our arts and cultural geniuses. As an African-American, I take special pride in that heritage and the many individual accomplishments made to this country by those of my race who came before me.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Congressman Brady, can you share your thoughts on freedom and what it means to you with our readers?
CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY: Freedom is everything. But what Freedom will never be is free. Freedom is a precious gift that our veterans and our fallen have secured for us and continue to secure for us.
Being an American is about being free.
Martin Luther King, Junior said “we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom.” He was so right that “a man can't ride you unless your back is bent.”
As Americans we must always stand proud and tall for freedom and against injustice. We must have faith to take the harder path with the greatest rewards. Being a servant leader will never be the easy path, but it is the most rewarding path.
Serving my constituents and my state in Washington, DC is an honor that I do not take lightly. It’s my duty to preserve freedom for all Americans. As Dr. King said “The time is always right to do what is right.” That time is now.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Congressman Brady, why are you proud to be an American?
CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY: I first understood why I’m proud of being American from my mom. In 1967, my world changed when dad took on a difficult case for our local church. While helping an elderly woman escape an abusive marriage, we were repeatedly threatened. Mom even learned to use a gun, just in case. When the trial started, this angry man burst into the courtroom, killed his wife, killed my father and shot the judge – who thankfully lived. His actions left our mom to raise five children by herself – ages 14 to 3.
I tell you this because being an American is about making my fiercely independent and determined mother proud. She kept five kids on the straight and narrow with a good offense. She had us serving our community from morning to night. For me, it was Boy Scouts, altar boy at two churches, year-round sports and student government. In our community, if a club or activity existed, it was a good bet you’d find a Brady kid there.
She taught each of us to be independent, optimistic, to have faith in God and to give back. Everything I am. Everything I know about being an American, I owe my mom.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Do you have anything you would like to share with the readers of Houston Business Connections Magazine and potential voters in the 18th Congressional District of Texas?
SEAN SEIBERT: "My fellow Houstonians of District 18. I am seeking your support to be your reasonable voice in Congress. I will champion the causes that are important to you, my constituents. I’m listening to you, I will take your concerns forward, and I will fight for the causes that best serve you. I appreciate your support to become your advocate and leader in Washington.
I started his military career at the age of 19 by enlisting as a private in the Army. I spent several years enlisted before receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1987 while attending the University of Texas at Arlington.
Over my career I led our nation’s greatest resources, its sons and daughters, in numerous deployments (to include Guatemala, Bosnia, Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan)."
MORE ABOUT SEAN SEIBERT
In 2009 I was selected to join the 82d Airborne Division General Staff on their deployment to Afghanistan. Starting off as the lead planner for the Afghan National Police, whose stalwart performance was rated as immeasurable. The Commanding General selected Sean as his number one choice to lead the efforts at the key strategic board crossing in the Khyber Pass (where 80% of all NATO resources entered Afghanistan from Pakistan).
In this role Sean increased revenue by 203 Million Dollars, while improving commercial throughput from 17,000 to 22,000 per month. While leading the NATO effort on the border he facilitated regular discussions between the Afghan and Pakistani Government Officials.
Sean’s approach to the local Afghan community was one of constituents, where he regularly listened to their issues and negotiated with the Afghan Government and NATO to obtain what the people of the area needed and wanted. These efforts lead to job creation and economic growth in the area.
Raised in Texas, Sean is the eldest son of an immigrant mother (who became a U.S. Citizen in 1967) who instilled a multi-cultural view of the world and gave him the encouragement and confidence to be the first in the family to go to college obtaining a BA in Criminal Justice and furthering his education with a Masters in Organizational Management.
Sean Seibert is a fiscal conservative who believes in debt reduction and has a philosophy of pay as you go.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUSTICE KEN WISE: Freedom means the ability to achieve whatever you want and live however you want based on your own talent and willingness to work hard. The United States of America was founded on this ideal. Our founders desired a society with a very limited government designed only to protect the nation and foster the commerce that would help everyone succeed. Our founders wanted to avoid a big government, which restricts freedom. Our founders want to avoid oppressive and voluminous laws, which restrict freedom. I pray for a return to the idea that each of us can succeed if we respect each other, work hard and develop our talents.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUSTICE KEN WISE: I am proud to be an American but even more than that I am so grateful to God for being born an American. No other country in the world gives its citizens the freedom we enjoy. The freedom to worship as we choose, build a business, raise a family, and do it all without a government directing how it is to be done is a precious state of affairs. I am proud of my country and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a small part of her government.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
STATE REP. MARY ANN PEREZ: Freedom means something different to all of us, but for me—the definition is very clear. Freedom is the ability to adequately provide for my children, having the right to make my own choices, and being entrusted to hold leadership roles within my community. Freedom, to any individual, is a hard-sought goal and the ability to achieve it by whatever means necessary. Freedom is not found without struggle, determination and sacrifice but it is a fight that’s worthy of the journey. Freedom is having the capacity to enrich your community and be involved in the electoral process.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
STATE REP. MARY ANN PEREZ: I am proud to be an American because by being a citizen of this beautiful country, I have both witnessed and experienced the benefits of a thriving democracy. I am proud to not only be an American, but also to be a Texan and a Hispanic American. This nation, that embraces an assortment of cultures, has made me unbelievably proud to join alongside the rest of the country to encourage the equality of all people from different walks of life. I believe in the promotion of diversity, the elevation of entrepreneurship and the dignity of the hard-working—each of which are values that our great country was founded upon.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Do you have anything you would like to share with the readers of Houston Business Connections Magazine and potential Harris County voters?
JOHN SCHMUDE: I believe that the family is the fundamental building block of society, and when there is chaos in the family, chaos in our communities will inevitably follow. Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build strong societies. I believe that our family court judges have an obligation to make decisions that support and strengthen families and to render just and amicable solutions when it becomes necessary to dissolve familial bonds.
As Judge, I intend to implement the following courtroom policies and procedures:
One of my first acts as Judge will be to end the Court's policy of denying parents access to their children when they have not filed a certificate of completion of a court mandated parenting course. I believe that such policy is flagrantly unconstitutional and tramples upon the natural rights of parents. It is difficult to imagine how denying an otherwise good parent access to a child based on failure to file a form in any way advances the best interest of children.
I will maintain a courteous courtroom in which all lawyers and parties will be treated with the utmost respect.
Lawyers who have reached agreements on cases and lawyers who are ready to approach on true default judgments will be accommodated on any day the Court is in session and at any time during the day that court is in session and available. This way, lawyers will have the flexibility to prove up and finalize agreements and defaults quickly and efficiently.
I believe that the role of a judge is to make rulings when there are legitimate controversies between the parties and not to create controversies when parties are in agreement. As such, barring exceptional circumstances, it will be my policy to generally grant continuances that are agreed to by all parties.
If a lawyer makes a timely late call and properly notifies opposing counsel, I will not move forward on a case until such lawyer is present in Court. As a solo practitioner, I understand how attorneys are oftentimes required to be in multiple courts on the same day and how courts sometimes impose substantial burdens on lawyers. The practice of law is stressful enough without the added pressure of unnecessary and burdensome demands imposed upon lawyers by courts.
I am a strong believer in mediation. Mediation not only reduces precious judicial resources, but more importantly, it has a tendency to bring parties together as opposed to courtroom battles, which tend to pull parties further apart. I believe that families are usually better served when disputes are resolved amicably.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
MARCY CLAYPOOL PERRY: I am not a politician…but you asked for my thoughts -- here they are…What is freedom? In the past it was the ability to speak on topics that mattered to you…then you had the right to have an opposing view…but now you are called names if your opinion does not match others --you can also be threatened. So as I watch, freedom of speech is being eroded for a form of political correctness which ignores the gains of the past, and distorts history.
Freedom of choice covers the ability to have your own beliefs; your own religion.
Freedom was not about the minority of any group determining what your beliefs should be; but was based on a majority view.
Freedom to me has been about living where you want too…if you can afford it.
Freedom was training for the job you want and working to get it.
Freedom is now about being able to have friends of any color… 40 years ago that was not true.
In today's internet society we are able to check on those who supposedly represent us, if we choose. We are also able to see if they hold us in any kind of regard and I know quite a few do not. It is my freedom of choice to re-elect them or not.
We have incredible amounts of freedom and we will continue to have them as long we guard them jealously.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUSTICE JEFF BROWN: Freedom is a gift of God. Government can help secure and protect our freedom, but it’s not the source of our freedom. And government can just as easily deprive us of our freedom. God intends for us to live freely—to worship Him as our conscience directs us, to speak fearlessly against oppression and tyranny, and to be free to work and provide for our families. Living freely is the only way each of us can become the complete person God wants us to be. But freedom cannot be taken for granted; it must be protected and nourished. Perhaps Ronald Reagan said it best: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUSTICE JEFF BROWN: I’m proud to be an American because our country is an exceptional place. It’s a place where big dreams can come true for those willing to work hard to achieve them. Being an American is not about belonging to one ethnicity; it’s about buying into a collection of ideas about how people should live their lives: freely, dutifully, and according to the rule of law. And I’m proud to be an American because more often than not, America has stood up for goodness and decency and fair play. America and Americans are far from perfect, but we are exceptional because of the ideals we strive to realize, both for ourselves and the whole world.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUDGE WESLEY WARD: Freedom is opportunity, choice, and duty. It is our God-given (not government-allowed) freedom to live, become educated, vote, speak, and work how we choose. But it is not all take and no give, for with our freedom comes duty, our responsibility to protect that freedom and to nourish it by living it. “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others,” said Nelson Mandela.
Freedom is fragile. Freedom must always be guarded, because there are always those who would seek to restrict our freedoms. As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not passed to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
As Judge of Texas’ 234th District Court, I fight everyday to protect our freedom, through fair and equal enforcement of the law. Because freedom can only exist through the rule of law -- the backbone of our democracy, and the safeguard of our liberty.
For me, on a personal level, freedom is on the back of a horse, on a high bluff looking west, with the rising sun at my back, my wife and my children around me, looking out across the endless vista of opportunity that America gives to the world.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUDGE WESLEY WARD: Why NOT?!? (That seems like a good place to start.).
My pride in America has always been thorough and complete. It did not start at some point, and it will not end. For America is more than any single point in time or any single victory or misstep, it is the promise of continuing improvement, eternally striving to achieve the ideals of justice, equality and opportunity.
America is the greatest land of opportunity ever conceived. And not by a little. By a LOT. It is the beacon of hope for the world, hope that the world can be better when we trust and love our fellow man, and when we give people the opportunity to succeed. Through our adherence to our Constitution, free enterprise, and equal protection under rule of law, America has raised the standard of living for the entire world.
America is not perfect; never has been and probably never will be. But it is by far the greatest system ever devised, and it is still getting better (especially in Texas!).
Harry Truman said that “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” Every Monday morning, we start our court session in Texas’ 234th District Court with the Pledge of Allegiance the flag of the United States of America, and then to the flag of the Great State of Texas. We then set in to the hard work of justice, raising up the rule of law, seeking fairness and rightness for all who bring their disputes. Everymonday morning, and every minute of that day and every other day, I am so proud to serve America. (And why NOT?).
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
JUDGE STEVEN KIRKLAND: Whenever, I ponder that question, I hear the voice of Barbara Jordan rumbling across the prairie. I had the good fortune to hear Ms. Jordan mark the Sesquicentennial of the battle at San Jacinto. It was a sunny morning in March, and her voice echoed across the battleground, her words… “Freedom, that was what it was all about, freedom…
“We are revolutionaries, we Texans...we Americans, born of revolution. Born of a desire for the God-given right of the individual...be he brown, white, yellow...to live his own life as he chooses. Or, as she chooses. Here at San Jacinto, we won that right for Texas and eventually for Mexico by defeating a dictator. On this 150th Anniversary of that battle, let us publicly state our respect for the dignity of Mary and Maria...Juan and John...Richard and Ricardo...and for their inherent right to choose their own destiny...and to enjoy freedom...for that was what San Jacinto was all about ... freedom!"
While I will never be as eloquent as she, I will build on what she offered that morning. I find freedom in many places and ways. Whether it is hiking up Emory Peak in Big Bend or riding a bike along Buffalo Bayou, sitting in quite contemplation in a Buddhist temple or singing hymns in a Baptist church, holding my partner’s hand as we walk down the beach or playing ball with my nephew, casting a ballot, or reading a good book. For me, the freedom to choose my own destiny means the freedom to explore new ideas without fear of reprisal or retribution and to use those ideas to build my life. As Congresswoman Jordan so eloquently put it, that is what our revolutions were about.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
JUDGE STEVEN KIRKLAND: If you listen to the talking heads on TV, you’d find it hard to believe, but America is a place where people come together and work hard to solve problems together. I’ve been part of many successful community driven solutions, from the housing organization I founded in 1991 and watched build more than 350 units of affordable housing in Houston’s inner city, to the City’s Homeless Court which has graduated more than 1000 folks. I am proud of the successes, I am even more proud that this son of a truckdriver was able to work with such a diverse community to make these things happen.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
STATE REP. PATRICIA HARLESS: Freedom is a gift I have been given by the men and women that gave their lives serving our country. Their gift has given me the ability to worship in public, speak my mind (even though it may not be what is popular or wanted), to work, raise a family, get an education, start a business, and to be as rich or as poor as I want. Freedom also means I have a responsibility to participate in government to ensure that my freedom is passed on to my kids and grandkids.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
STATE REP. PATRICIA HARLESS: I am proud to be an American because America is a country of people that understand "to whom much is given, much is required". We have everyday citizens that give their time, talent and treasures to help others, not because they are required to by the government, but because they choose to. We are a country founded, though at time it seems weak, on faith in God and the Bible. We give, help, and sacrifice for others. It is just the American way. Every time I see a disaster in some part of the United States, though my heart grieves for the loss, it also rejoices when I see complete strangers standing shoulder to shoulder to help those in need. You don't see that in other countries, unless it is Americans that are there helping.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
FARRAH MARTINEZ: Freedom is living without restraint or hindrance from others. It is the right we have in this great country to make choices for ourselves and for our family. Freedom reminds me of the sacrificial work that other people do to keep me free; freedom keeps me humble and allows me to appreciate the immeasurable gift that is invaluable and it reminds me of how expensive of a gift it truly is. Freedom reminds me to cherish life and not to take this life we have here in American for granted. Freedom reminds me that to whom much is given much is required. Freedom reminds me to go out every single day and give it my best because it came at immeasurable price.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
FARRAH MARTINEZ: I am proud to be an American because of the great life this country has afforded me and my family. There are few countries, other than American, where my story would become a reality. I was raised by a single mother who worked two jobs to support our family. My mother could not afford to send me to college; however, I was still able to attend college and later go on to attend law school and become an attorney. Now I am running for judge. My personal story makes be proud to be an American because this county, while it is not perfect it is a place of opportunity and there is no other country that I would rather live in; nor is there any other county that I would rather serve as a Judge. The U.S. Constitution provides a great compass to protect our rights and freedoms and what I love about America is that we keep working to get it right; we keep working to make sure that everyone is protected, that everyone is included, that everyone has a chance to see their dreams come to pass. I am proud to be an American and privileged to be a candidate for Judge of the 190th Civil District Court of Harris County.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
DAVID C. NEWELL: At the risk of stating the obvious, "freedom" means a lot of different things to different people. People find its meaning in the inspirational words of Martin Luther King, Jr. or maybe even a popular song. But one thing that I have observed about freedom is that people, including myself, do not seem to think specifically about what it means to them on a regular basis.
If you look at the dictionary definition it can mean the quality of being free as in the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. It certainly means that to me as I often marvel at little things many of us take for granted such as the ability to catch a quick bite to eat at a fast-food restaurant. But I also see it quite often in the big things like the ability to vote for who will be my voice in passing the laws that will govern my daily life.
And that leads me to another definition of freedom, that of a political right. It is a great paradox that our freedoms are based upon our responsibilities as citizens of the United States to participate in the process of self-governance. You can feel that responsibility not only in those little reminders such as a notice for jury duty, but also in the eyes of soldiers returning from foreign soil where they fought to bring freedom to others and preserve it for us at home.
So perhaps that is what freedom means most to me. Those dictionary definitions and real life examples serve as humbling reminders of how truly blessed I am to live in a country with so much freedom that I rarely have to question my access to it. And they also serve to obligate me to exercise that freedom in a way that preserves that liberty for my family, my friends, and my fellow citizens.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
DAVID C. NEWELL: I am proud to be an American because it is founded upon self-governance and reliance. Our government was the first of its kind to secure the freedom and opportunities of the people the government serves rather than a select group of people or a single individual. Indeed, our founding fathers included checks and balances in the bones of our republic so that when one group might edge towards tyranny another group has an institutional interest in curtailing that overreach.
Moreover, its citizens have a voice not only in their representatives, but in the rule of law. Because America was founded upon the principle that no man is above the law rather than the divine right of kings, citizens have a path through the court system to directly challenge laws that infringe upon their constitutional rights. And where government exceeds its authority, it is always within the power of the governed to affect meaningful change.
This interplay between rights and responsibilities is unique in the world, and it is the cornerstone of what makes America great. It provides an example to the rest of the world as a shining city on a hill and a harbor to those who want to share in the American dream. And it fosters such an abundance of freedom and opportunity that those who enjoy its blessings rarely have occasion to question those gifts.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
CHRIS CARMONA: Freedom is different things to different people depending on their background and what struggles they went through growing up. For me, Freedom is having the ability to pursue any goal or dream I choose in a country that stands for building your own destiny. Freedom is the ability to be me without feeling that I will be prosecuted for not fitting a typical mold of another. Freedom is the ability to sleep at night without fear that injustices that occur elsewhere around the world, don’t make it into our neighborhoods because of the sacrifices that our soldiers make to keep us safe. To me, Freedom is the essence of being an American.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
CHRIS CARMONA: I’m proud to be an American because there is no other country in the world that has the opportunities that we do. Recently those opportunities have been trampled on and suppressed, but I am fully confident that we will right the ship. But see, that’s what makes America so great. Even in our darkest hours, we have the ability to come out stronger than before and become an even greater country. We are compassionate people who have the heart for seeing others succeed and we support each other when times get rough. Where else in the world can we succeed, fail, and then succeed again all in the same lifetime? That’s only in America. We are the country of hard work, grit and determination. We are boot-strappers and aren’t afraid to take on the challenges of success. We don’t rely on others for our success and we understand that the government is not Superman. We have the opportunity to become our own destiny and build our own legacy. America, overall, is a true meritocracy where discipline and hard work breeds success and that is the heart and soul of what it is to be an American, and more importantly that is why I am proud to be an American.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
STEPHANIE BOUTTE: I was born absent of the shackles of slavery and bondage, yet in the shadows of Jim Crow; and I was nurtured and protected by my grandparents who allowed me to build a sense of confidence and tackle aspirations which were not within their immediate grasp.
Freedom to me means the underground rail road, freedom rides, sit-ins, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and President Obama. To come from a time where we were forced to drink from separate water faucets to becoming the first Black President, that is Freedom. When I think of what my ancestors had to endure, I become more in love with my Freedoms. Freedom to be me, whatever that is!
I was born absent of the shackles of slavery and bondage, yet in the shadows of Jim Crow and vast discrimination. I was nurtured and protected by a grandmother who fostered me a sense of confidence to tackle aspirations which were not within her grasp as a young woman.
But in the world which I bore my two children, Freedom, when considered in its full context is first and foremost a proposition, or better yet, a compromise. We concede certain rights in order to occupy certain spaces, or forfeit the same. Yes, precisely, it is that condition which allows us to navigate our "do's" and "don't's" in order to gain full access to the quality and purpose for the life we choose. So Freedom is not a stagnant thing or one which is guaranteed infinitely. Depending on how broadly we aim to exercise them (Freedoms), they become subject to challenge and doubt. At times, we have to resume the fight for it, or reinforce our right to it, as various interests whittle portions for their own purposes. Yet it is desirable, because at its best, Freedom allows us to proclaim our thoughts in an unfiltered fashion, move about our daily lives in the manner which is within the province of our own discretion, and it enables us to champion our own causes as well as those of others, when we see fit. It does require means, in terms of resources, and a state of mind which is sufficient to reach the fulfillment of this proposition.
As I reflect on the pain, struggle and hardship of those who lost their lives to the cost of Freedom, I am inclined to believe that Freedom, in its deepest sense of the word, is the ability to create, without infringement, restraints and limitations. And the awareness that the greatest burdens to the realization of true Freedom and the aspirations we treasure most are often those born within our own minds.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
I am proud to be an American because even with all of the injustices found in our nation, we still stand proud. We still find a way to compete. We are a competitive nation. I am proud to be an American because I know the truth about how this nation was built. I know the truth about who the true inventors were. I know what MLK stood for. I understand what Malcom X was saying. I am proud to be an American because I come from a legacy of doers. I come from a legacy of people who did what it took to get the job done. For these reasons and more I am proud to be an American.
I am also proud to be an American because, although she has a deep, dark, storied history; it still provides some of the greatest opportunities in the world. It gives me great pride to know that my willingness to face adversity, challenge the systems and work diligently towards my goals can warrant me sweet success and a better life. Freedoms, which I take for granted and rights which are constitutionally protected are not easily guaranteed in other nations. I am proud to be an American because, it takes character, pride and dignity to accept the fact that I may always be seen as a third class citizen but I will never be deterred from achieving greatness. I am proud to be an American, because of the defiance that was shown and the blood that was shed by my ancestors to make this country great is the same blood that runs in my veins-today. I am proud to be an American, because I know that in this country you can actually have an idea that when nourished properly, planted in fertile soil, and watered meticulously can become a living legacy.
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Laura Nicol is the Democrat Challenging Republican Jim Murphy in the 2014 Midterm Elections for the Texas State Representative for House District 133 seat. In this interview, Nicol shares her thoughts on why she’s the best candidate; her stance on abortion, her stance on gay-marriage, and more with Aubrey R. Taylor
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you the best candidate in the race for State Representative for House District 133 on Tuesday, November 4, 2014?
LAURA NICOL: Electing me would put a fighter for ordinary people into the legislature. The causes and consequences of poverty are well known and can be cured. I am determined to put evidence-based policies in place to make society work for everyone. Every school should be a good school, every job should be a good job, and every business should be an asset to the community. I will fight to change the system so everyone can succeed. Re-electing the incumbent Republican would mean business as usual. He is wealth oriented and seems completely disinterested in his job to promote the general welfare and provide for the common defense. He brags on how many private schools are in his district, while he votes to cut public school funds. He approves of spending those diminished funds on charter schools, which cater to the well behaved children of two-car-one-income families. He sees no problem with leaving the rest of our children in under-funded schools, in over-crowded classrooms, trained to pass hi-stakes tests, and subjected to humiliation and/or arrest for minor rule violations.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
CARL PITTMAN: For many Americans freedom is taken for granted because it's all they've ever known. Everything that needs to grow must have freedom. Our country is on the verge of economic collapse and constitutional crisis at the hands of a president (Obama) who is completely unfamiliar with what the term "Freedom" truly means. America and Freedom are synonymous, because you can't have one without the other. Freedom is the very cornerstone on which America was built. Freedom is a blessing from God with the assistance from all of those who have served and have died to protect and sustain it. Freedom means everything to me, but I have never lived under the illusion that it was free.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
CARL PITTMAN: I am proud to be an American because it is truly the greatest country on the face of this planet. It allowed a small boy from the most humbling of starts to do some incredible things, with more to come. I am proud to be an American because no other country in the world can come back from the brink of destruction at the hands of a corrupt government like America will surely have to do! I have always been proud of America, not because America is perfect, but because America is mine. I knew as a 18 year old United States Marine that I was part of something far greater than myself and I was willing if necessary to die to protect it. I am proud of America because I love America.
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Aubrey A. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine recently asked Stacy Swimp to share his thought on what freedom means to him. Here is his response:
Aubrey A. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine recently asked Stacy Swimp to share his thought on what freedom means to him. Here is his response:
WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO ME
BY STACY SWIMP
"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."- John 8:34-36
Many times, when discussing freedom, we tend to think in terms of the Constitution, our nation's public policies and what we call "individual liberty". In effect, we often consider freedom as something related to politics and what man defines as our boundaries.
When I think of Freedom, I think of the kind of freedom that no man can ever give me:
Freedom from my own sins and the bondage that came from sin.
Having been raised in an environment where bitterness and wrath, alcoholism, mental and physical abuse systematically stripped me of all initiative to achieve; I became a slave to that which surrounded me.
Sadly, that resulted in my becoming even worse than anything I had seen or heard as a pre-adolescent. I was blinded by my own sense of being a victim and could not see beyond the moment, chasing one destructive goal after another.
When I accepted Christ as my savior, it was the most liberating act I had ever known. It is Christ who made me free. Who released me from the guilt, shame, and fear that once held me captive.
I was freed from the rage.
God delivered me and gave me a right to live a life of freedom as He intended it…Freedom of Conscience and of spirit.
So, today, as we live in a society where government seeks to persecute us for our freedom of conscience and spirit, I am without worry or anxiety, for I know that no matter what the world may do to me and regardless of what perverted law government sanctions against my conscience, no man can deny the freedom I have from Jesus Christ, for it comes from the Spirit of the Lord.
The Bible says to live is to be like Christ and to die is to be with Christ.
There is no freedom in our nation that will matter to me without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Furthermore, as we face a reduction in our freedom of religion in America today -- which comes from our Judeo-Christian values -- society has found itself increasingly in spiritual, moral and economic bondage.
In the final analysis, freedom, to me, means I have the liberty to be who I am in Christ Jesus and to stand tall before any and every opposition to my faith. Moreover, against every violation of my conscience, knowing that the Lord will show Himself strong on my behalf.
On behalf of my true freedom!
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Do you have anything you would like to share with the readers of Houston Business Connections Magazine or potential voters in the 2nd Congressional District of Texas?
NIKO LETSOS: There are real and long-term problems we are facing that must be addressed. The scale of these challenges requires a partnership between the American people and the American government - not a relationship of antagonism. I have three main proposals that will allow us to take on all of the problems we face effectively. These are aimed at ensuring the government is always serving the interest of everyday Americans, not petty special interests. The first will allow us to track every single tax dollar we face by making all the details of government spending available to the public in real time. The second is a way to track those we send to represent us by making politicians’ detailed schedules available to the public. The third is a setting up a legal framework that will make the media more accountable so folks can get an accurate picture of what is truly going on. These proposals once enacted as legislation will build trust and thereby get our democracy working again."
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
PHILIP OWENS: Freedom is more than an idea, it is an ideal. The Declaration of Independence begins with the fundamental truth that “we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights -- life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. Jefferson and the Founding Fathers recognized that no man or Government can take away what God has given.
These are rights we have not just at the beginning of our nation’s life or when we may become a citizen. But something that we are given at our individual creation and even more so at the beginning of the creation of life itself. Consider that at the very beginning of man, and at the beginning of our life, we have the freedom to live a free life in pursuit of what makes us happy. America itself was founded upon that notion. In fact, these freedoms are so important that brothers went to war with brothers to ensure every American had these.
I take that notion and the ideal of freedom very seriously and very personally. For me, freedom is not only my right, but the right of others. And it’s my duty to protect those rights; because, if freedom can be taken from someone else, it can be taken from me. Now people may forfeit their right to freedom by violating the rights and freedoms of others; but that is the consequences of their choosing. Government itself should protect our rights, but not interfere with or limit them.
That’s why I think as we celebrate freedom we must also recognize the responsibility of being free. It is our duty to protect those rights by the wise exercising of them. But we cannot protect people from the outcome of poor choices by protecting or compensating them for making poor choices. Freedom means that I can make my life better by taking advantage of those rights, but not by taking advantage of others or their rights.
Nelson Mandela said: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
PHILIP OWENS: I’m proud to be an American simply because I think this country has served as an at times imperfect, but enduring example of what can be accomplished by a free people who are citizens of a county that allows them to use their talents and abilities to pursue happiness by exercising their liberty as a free man or woman. And that we have so many of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives and friends willing to sacrifice their life to give that gift to the world.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
MACK MCINNIS: The Concept of Freedom covers many ideas and rights that should be automatically bequeathed to everyone in the world. Your question asks me to select those Freedoms that are most important to me.
An early freedom that arrived to our shores before the Right to Vote, is the Right to a Fair Trial. Over time the Right to a Fair Trial evolved into the rule that, in criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the accuser and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. For me, this is the most basic right. Even the Romans believed that the government should have the burden of proof. Of course, Freedom of Speech and the Right to Vote are essential rights that we cherish.
I have often heard it said that the American Constitution is the greatest testament to freedom ever written. In light of court interpretations and amendments, our Constitution did become the great document it is today, but it began as a wonderful but imperfect Charter of Freedoms that legitimized slavery. As Barbara Jordan said in an off-the-cuff speech, “We the people” is a very eloquent beginning that did not apply to her, but through the process of development, the Constitution became a document in which her “faith is whole; it is complete; it is total….”
As a young teenager in Alabama, I was an Eagle Scout. I recall a time when I could not enjoy the fellowship of black Scouts because we attended separate events and separate summer camps. At one Scout fair, I lent a small axe to another Eagle Scout who had wandered into the white Scout area on the opposite side of the hosting stadium. We talked and found that we had many things in common. We could have been good friends, but at the time Scout troops were segregated.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
MACK MCINNIS: Reverend Joseph Lowery (SCLC Director Emeritus) often says that the Civil Rights movement freed white and black folks. He is right. Before I attended law school, I served as a VISTA Volunteer in several poor black neighborhoods in Houston including the Fifth Ward. I know firsthand how important our Civil Liberties are. Our Freedoms are still developing. Someday those immigrants who are helping to fight our wars will be given the Right to Vote and the Right to Become Citizens. I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN LIVING THIS PROCESS!!
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
DAVID HAMILTON: Freedom means enjoying our God-given, Constitutional rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Texans have always stood for freedom, and fought for our rights when they were threatened by big, centralized governments that ignored the will of the people.
José Antonio Navarro was a freedom-loving Texas hero who fought for Mexican independence from Spain, and later fought for Texas independence from Mexico before signing the Texas Declaration of Independence and becoming one of our first Texas state senators.
Navarro was the uncle of another freedom-loving Texas hero, James Bowie, who died defending one of the greatest symbols of freedom in the Lone Star State: the Alamo.
Freedom means never forgetting the sacrifices our ancestors have made for us.
That is why Texans will always remember men like Bowie, Travis, Houston, Austin, and Navarro. That is why Texas will always remember the Alamo.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
DAVID HAMILTON: I am proud to be an American because this is the country of Charles Sumner and Hiram Revels.
When the Kansas-Nebraska Act expanded slavery into northern states, Senator Sumner gave an impassioned speech on the evils of slavery and condemned the members of Congress who defended it. A pro-slavery congressman nearly beat Sumner to death in what is now known as the caning of Charles Sumner.
Fourteen years later, slavery had been abolished and Senator Sumner gave another speech on the Senate floor. This time, he had the honor of swearing in Hiram Revels as the first black United States senator.
America is the country where people of all races worked together and conquered slavery. America is the country where our differences do not prevent any of us from reaching for the stars.
America is the country of Charles Sumner and Hiram Revels.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
DAVID HAMILTON: Freedom means enjoying our God-given, Constitutional rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Texans have always stood for freedom, and fought for our rights when they were threatened by big, centralized governments that ignored the will of the people.
José Antonio Navarro was a freedom-loving Texas hero who fought for Mexican independence from Spain, and later fought for Texas independence from Mexico before signing the Texas Declaration of Independence and becoming one of our first Texas state senators.
Navarro was the uncle of another freedom-loving Texas hero, James Bowie, who died defending one of the greatest symbols of freedom in the Lone Star State: the Alamo.
Freedom means never forgetting the sacrifices our ancestors have made for us.
That is why Texans will always remember men like Bowie, Travis, Houston, Austin, and Navarro. That is why Texas will always remember the Alamo.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
DAVID HAMILTON: I am proud to be an American because this is the country of Charles Sumner and Hiram Revels.
When the Kansas-Nebraska Act expanded slavery into northern states, Senator Sumner gave an impassioned speech on the evils of slavery and condemned the members of Congress who defended it. A pro-slavery congressman nearly beat Sumner to death in what is now known as the caning of Charles Sumner.
Fourteen years later, slavery had been abolished and Senator Sumner gave another speech on the Senate floor. This time, he had the honor of swearing in Hiram Revels as the first black United States senator.
America is the country where people of all races worked together and conquered slavery. America is the country where our differences do not prevent any of us from reaching for the stars.
America is the country of Charles Sumner and Hiram Revels.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
LATONYA POLEDORE: Freedom is being able to walk inside of a public restroom. A long time ago there was no freedom because of the way this nation ran things. Slavery existed around the time 1789-1861. The definition of slavery is the practice or system of owning (in those times) slaves. During those times, slaves were pretty much forced into cleaning up for long periods of hours and building this nation without compensation. Some slaves worked out in the field picking cotton. During this period in our nation’s history, if slaves did not pick the cotton and walk to take the cotton to the cotton house, they would get whipped. Slaves were controlled until Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. This gave all African Americans freedom. Today we are living in the 21st Century where everyone is equal in the sight of man. Every nationality is now able to sit side by side. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote many quotes, his “I have a Dream” speech is perhaps his most remembered. In society, freedom for African Americans is being able to achieve our goals. But a key target that African Americans must still continue to work diligently toward is accomplishing the goal of getting a quality education. Fredrick Douglass once stated that, “the way out of slavery is getting an education”.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you?
RUSTY KUCIEMBA: Freedom is that which is out of the realm of control of governmental and religious institutions. Freedom cannot be given, but it can be taken away though by force. Freedom appears to be in a constant state of flux, it seems to be on the decline in America today with NSA spying on us and sifting through our emails and phone calls, FBI questioning people who attend protests, databases that are storing information about every American, the popular "free speech zones,"drones flying over us, and numerous other transgressions on a free people. There is hope with new technology outpacing government regulators and enforcers every day. This appears in the form of crypto currencies(bit-coin), ride sharing programs(uber/lyft), and many other innovations. Some people are choosing to ignore bad laws and regulations- feeding the hungry with the proper permit, demonstrating outside of the designated area, participating in ride sharing programs prohibited by city ordinance, and in numerous other ways. It appears freedom is something that many people harken back to when watching old movies and seeing that there is no TSA, there is no one questioning people and demanding they present their identification, there is no spying on Americans, and the idea that you give up huge rights to the state in order to be "safe" is not prevalent. Freedom could be thought of as a neo-nazi transgender lesbian heroin addict protesting a Hanukkah celebration(outside of the "free speech zone")while having a surgery by an unlicensed doctor and paying for drugs and the procedure with bit-coin. Freedom in my humble opinion is being exercised to the fullest by the participants of the Free State Project.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
RUSTY KUCIEMBA: I am proud to be an American because I live in a country that has disagreement and debate. A country that values opportunities and innovations. A country that has given birth to many fields of thought and philosophy. A country in which the flames of liberty are still burning in the hearts and minds of millions of Americans. A country that I call home.
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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does Freedom mean to you?
SEAN ROBERTS: Independence Day to me means freedom from dictatorship and a principle that the people will govern themselves.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American?
SEAN ROBERTS: I am proud to be an American because we strive to provide opportunities to succeed to anyone willing to work hard enough to achieve their goals.
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