Freedom lives …

If  we  are close-minded and think we know it all, then we cannot grow. We need to stay open-minded and discuss and listen to each other with an open mind; then we will be true to ourselves. We have been given by our creator life, liberty and craving for freedom.

After we visited Williamsburg, Va., with our family, we were impressed how our early founders of the Constitution worked things out — heated discussion, much talking, how can German, French and English get along together? They all treasured freedom. We traveled down Main Street with the town crowd, some carried signs, some took the steps of the courthouse and hollered out their ideas. There were conflicting ideas and at times hot tempers, but in the long run they could discuss and listen and shake hands with each other: agree to disagree and keep the discussion going.

How encouraging for the schoolchildren who also were in the street crowd, learning early history and how our Constitution was formed. We heard Jefferson discuss the Constitution and even talked with President Washington. We saw a court of tar and feathers in front of the tavern; we saw men answer the call to defend their freedom and march behind the drum and bugle band; some students even joined in. Oh!  That was a long time ago!

Our government is changing every year and new laws are written into Congress, etc., so now we have to sort through our feelings and decide what is important when we vote in November! We need to examine the issues as people in early Williamsburg did. We need open dialogue and to not throw condemnation at each other. Really, we are created in the image of God, and God loves us each and everyone. We do have the right to our opinion without condemnation! We can discuss in heated debate with our brother; we need to keep love to our brother uppermost in our minds. We do need to get to know our neighbors! So keep the ideas and the prayers coming that we may have a civil election come November!

Karen Mandsager

Albert Lea