I Do Not Choose To Be A Common Man

Excerpt: During a deployment to Taiwan I found a plaque inscribed with a creed that aptly described what it meant to be an American during the last century. It was written by Dean Alfange a New York politico. He was of Greek origin, legally immigrated with his parents as a small child, fought in WWI and died at age 91. It is notable that he was regarded as a liberal during his era, certainly a far cry from today’s crop by the same brand.

The following is what Alfange wrote:

“I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man,

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can. I seek opportunity—not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, ‘This I have done.’”

That creed was the essence of what most felt about America from the turn of 20th Century until after WWII. But with the passage of time it gradually changed and culminated in the signing away of fundamental freedom on March 23rd, 2010. Some applaud that for reasons explained in the last essay; others find it highly offensive, invasive and overreaching. It is the antithesis of “seeking opportunity—not security;” it is the implementation of being a “kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state” look after one; it is a step in the direction of a Soviet style future for our children and grandchildren; unless! Read An Introduction to Change