Cure for American society
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This speech was written by Queen E. F. Phillips, and delivered by Christel Phillips at the NAACP
1999 ACT-SO Oratory Competition in New York City, NY.
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If America is to recover from the ills of society, she must face the truth.
The starting point is admitting that the principles upon which this country was founded are lost. They are historical writings that fill the pages of history books.
“In God we trust” is on American coins and currency. “We proudly pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America declaring that we are ‘one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Sadly to say, from the conditions of society I’m persuaded that these are mere quotations that sound good, but far from true.
America has become a battleground where at the blink of an eye, lives are snuffed out. As a teenager, I am concerned…. I am concerned that our dreams will be like flickering candle lights that are blown out by the winds of violence. I’m concerned that instead of moving forward we’re moving backward! We are nearing the 21st century, and hatred for our fellowman is still uttered with boldness, and acted out in vicious crimes.
As a young African American woman, I am concerned that justice and equality are in remission. I’m concerned that honesty and integrity to politicians are meaningless; as if playing a game of monopoly. I’m concerned because I see prominent religious leaders skeptics of their own beliefs, and afraid to speak out and take a stand for what’s right!
My own personal experience raises my concern about family life in our society. I know the devastating affects of divorce. Therefore, I’m compelled to ask, “What’s happening to our society? Who’s to blame for its conditions?”
No doubt, the easiest thing to do would be to blame parents, the government, and the religious community. The truth is, passing blame is not the solution. It has never been nor will it ever be. We, the people make up society; therefore, we the people, must accept personal responsibility for its condition and as well as its cure.
America is a great nation! And God has shed His grace on her. I am convinced that this truth lies deep within the heart of every American.
However, the cure for American society is a unified commitment to live as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. “In God we trust” must be the governing principle by which we live--not just a slogan.
If we the people of this great nation embrace this truth, spread it with love from generation to generation, we will have found the cure. And consequently, we will affirm the belief of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”
My fellow Americans, the reality is …
We are the cure!
Copyright 1998 Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author. Credit must be given to copyright owner.