Summary: American politics is dominated by fear. As we start a new year, we can gain courage by looking at the good aspects of our past and the glimmers of good fortune that lie in our future. These moments are conjured by our myths from the dry pages of history — so that we remember who we are.
Morpheus speaking to the people of Zion
From The Matrix Reloaded
(2003).
Believe me when I say that we have a difficult time ahead of us.
But if we are to be prepared for it, we must first shed our fear of it.
I stand before you now, truthfully, unafraid.
Because I believe something you do not?
No!
I stand here because I remember.
I remember that I am here not because the path that lies before me,
but because of the path that lies behind me. …
Tonight, let us make them remember, THIS IS America AND WE ARE NOT AFRAID!
What I believe
Every New Year I review my core beliefs. It is easy to lose sight of these important things amidst the clatter of daily events.
We are a people with a great past.
The challenges ahead are no greater than those behind us.
The American people can surmount these challenges if we work together.
We will be what we wish to be, if we work to make it so.
Other inspirational posts as we start new years.
- Inspirational words for the New Year from JFK.
- For the New Year, let’s shed our fear of flying into the future — Reasons we need not fear the future.
- A New Year’s resolution for America.
Good news about America!
Here are some posts about good news. See others at Good news about America.
- A crisis at the beginning of the American experiment — Looking at the problems looming before us, it is easy to forget those of equal or greater danger that we have surmounted in the past.
- Is America’s decline inevitable? No. — Why be an American if you have no faith in the American people?
- Some words from a great man to give us a strong start for the New Year — By Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Rebuttals to the big list of reasons why America will fall.
Sources of inspirational for New Years day!
All societies replenish their strength and confidence by looking back to their beginnings. We can do so today by watching 1776
The play begins with the road to the declaration at a dead end and describes the Founders’ efforts to overcome what look like insurmountable obstacles. It ends on July 4, 1776. Much of the dialogue and song lyrics were from the letters and memoirs of participants of the Second Continental Congress (especially John and Abigail Adams’).
The songs are great. The singing and acting are superlative. It will give you an uplifting start for 2018!
I also recommend David McCullough’s book, 1776
Larry,
I concur with “What I believe”…We live in an amazing country. We have many problems, it is true. You are doing your part ‘to reignite the spirit of a nation grown cold.’ I will continue to try and do my small part as well. Being a good neighbor and citizen are highly underrated. Keep up the great work here at FM. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Proud to be an American,
Jim
One of the truly eloquent soliloquies in SF cinema, of which there aren’t too many.
The Man,
Sad but true. I’m a fan of these. The President’s speech in Independence Day is high on my list of favs. Also, Marshall Pentecost’s speech in Pacific Rim.
Of course, top of the list is Henry V’s speech before Agincourt (25 October 1415) — as written by Shakespeare, brilliantly acted by Kenneth Branagh.
Having seen 1776 at least 6 or 8 times, I can add that you forgot one defining characteristic of the movie: it’s very, very funny. And clever. And creative. Did I say “one” characteristic? I meant three.
Bear in mind, also, I normally cannot endure more than 10 minutes of a musical.
BTW, it is also quite bawdy in parts, especially if you listen carefully.
“I’ll stop at home just long enough to refresh the Mrs…..”
Oji,
Nicely said! I agree on all points.
Also, I too am not a fan of musicals. My wife forced me to go to “Cats.” It was a near-death experience; I almost died of boredom.