An Ironic American and French symbol

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JamesN.
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Joined: Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:46 am
Location: Nashville, Tn.

An Ironic American and French symbol

Post by JamesN. »

I've been thinking a lot about the "Statue of Liberty" and "Ellis Island" lately and the immigrant and refugee crisis discussions now taking place since the Paris bombing. And it strikes me as so ironically relevant to the fear-mongering now taking place.

Joseph Campbell said on more than one occasion that any consideration of a new myth would have to include the whole planet. And although it might seem highly unlikely at the moment of any resolution to this dilemma under the present circumstances concerning terrorism and indeed many other factions as well; that incredible work of art still stands and inspires.


Emma Lazarus’ Famous Poem

A poem by Emma Lazarus is graven on a tablet

within the pedestal on which the statue stands.


The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"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-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
What do I know? - Michael de Montaigne

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