The Skies Ahead, 2
the forces of democracy and truth, to the lofty idealism of the founding fathers and noteworthy presidents of our great nation... or if you as an individual are prone to see Mount Rushmore as an offensive reminder of the ignominious defeat and loss suffered at the hands of silver-tongued oppressors, it amounts to much the same thing, unless you as a viewer on either side take the time to revisit your own personal understanding in the light of the opposing points of view. We are not required to believe in any way but how we believe, or to think or behave in any way other than being true to what we are. Yet it behooves us all to open our minds to the simple humanity that is to be found even among those we disagree with. Only then will we progress beyond the endlessly repeating cycle of abuse and retribution, incrimination and recrimination, for both ourselves and others.
It is for this reason that there are no clear answers presented here, only information and perspectives which hopefully can lead to a greater exploration of our own thoughts. If nothing else, let us look within to find our own convictions based upon the facts presented here. Intelligent disagreement and debate is to be embraced, for only through discussion and dialogue between those of dissenting opinions and voices will we come together to that degree we are able. Whether or not our personal convictions or interpretations of Mount Rushmore have changed, let us at least be willing to agree to disagree, and to do that intelligently by knowing the facts of what we are disagreeing about. Only then can we begin to put the past behind us in a meaningful way that neither glorifies nor dismisses, and join to look together to the skies ahead.
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