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Diana's avatar

You either stand at the door and hold it open for others, or you let it close behind you. May we all aspire to lift our lamps to the golden door for others.

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Clark Walker's avatar

Amen to that, Diana.

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Kate Whitley's avatar

This! This right here makes me so proud to be an American, Sharon. 

My family came from Ireland, Germany, Lebanon, and I’m not sure where else lol BUT they all immigrated here. And at the time they were the “other”. We do have a history of demonizing the “other”. And yet they were allowed to stay. They were not sent to a swamp prison. 

And I long and hope that for the future of our country. To allow more refugees and immigrants to arrive SAFELY in our country. And be given the opportunities like all of my family has been given.

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Clark Walker's avatar

I still believe that our country is the best example of what life can be for the rest of the world with the continued thinking that we offer through steady work and fair laws , anyone can succeed with a helping hand from a neighbor from time to time to move forward toward a stable life pursueing happiness and liberty.

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Keith's avatar

Wonderful !!! Remember

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Melanie Kerton's avatar

Beautifully written. Just what I need today.

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Amy's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you, Sharon & team!

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Patti Adkisson's avatar

I always learn from you, Sharon. I didn’t know how the funds were raised by those who had so little. Such a humbling and moving symbol of welcome and liberty!

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Beth  Johnson's avatar

Important for all to read and understand. It’s not about tha administration it’s about us … ALL of us

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Janet Lee's avatar

This is the history we should be teaching our children about our country and democracy. We can't let our history and this light go dark. Beautifully written!

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Jodie Pillow's avatar

This is beautifully written Sharon! You are a gift!

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Color My Soul's avatar

Thank you for this. I love this line: "It was immigrants, children, and laborers — people who had little to spare — who finally raised the funds so she could have a base to stand upon." Wow- profound!

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Clark Walker's avatar

The Statue of Liberty is still a prime example of the hope that we as Americans cling to in being the place where dreams can be fulfilled through steady work and fairness to our neighbors who live among us by giving a helping hand where needed to those who wish to rear their children in homes where there is no fear of want because we as a nation can will betterment for everyone when we work together to make it a better place for all. Does this sound "pollyannish"? Maybe so , but why not wish big and work for a better life for our neighbor and see what happens? Start small and let it grow from there.

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Amy's avatar

This was very interesting, I learned something today. I had no idea about the broken shackle(s) on her feet! These are the stories of history that we should lean on to carry us through. Perhaps this democracy thing was an experiment but perhaps not especially when we look at the sacrifices that have been made to give us what we have today.

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Allison's avatar

Beautifully said.

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Sharon Soltesz's avatar

I absolutely love this! I agree completely.

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Megan Pieper's avatar

I always think about those who come to this country legally or illegally are just looking for a better life for themselves and their families. They just want to put a roof over their head, food on the table, and feel safe. This idea that immigration is bad and that people should just live in their circumstances however how dire seems just wrong. I think most who would do the same to find a better life.

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Elisabeth Birker's avatar

Another beautiful and touching article, Sharon❣️ Thank you for these lovely tributes❣️ Beautifully written, informative, touching and thought provoking I find myself filling up with hope, that maybe, just maybe, your light 🕯️ can reach people and remind them that this was no trifle accomplishment, that liberty 🗽 is hard fought for but well worth every effort ❣️

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