Few can argue the influence that the United States of America has had in the world’s economy, which may explain why some consider the US to be the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

At the risk of a little politic offense, I would like to remind us all of some of those fundamental truths that have become clouded and forgotten in the foray of political activism and correctness.

We (America) have never been the aggressor, but always a defender of those who seek democracy over tyranny. Our belief in freedom and the rights of others to choose, often restrains us in the time of decision and as a nation we tend to wait too long before we act. Ours is however, the only nation that has been victorious in war and never claimed any territory as a prize of conquest. Even after coming off conqueror, we have poured literally billions to revive those who have been our enemies. From our abundance we have given billions in aid to assist the poor throughout the world and have never asked for anything in return. Showing by example that our compassionate actions are nothing more than an expression of our common belief that all men are entitled to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Recent events have caused many to question the point and purpose of their existence, and it is to them particularly as well as the rest of us I am addressing today.

As we struggle with our suspicions and try to keep a proper perspective on time, life and its purposes, let us remember that throughout history there have been numerous times, that the “World was coming to an end”, from the “Beginning of Time” through “The Crusades” and throughout “The Great Depression” and now through “The World Wars”.

In my lifetime, we have lived through the “Bay of Pigs incident” with its rehearsal of air raid drills and the huddling in bomb shelters, the assignation and resignation of presidents and the Korean, Vietnam and Desert Storm/Middle East wars, the killings fields of Southeast Asia and the invasions of numerous countries by countless aggressors, extending their political influence, and the toppling of governments. Yet, we have seen miracles like the destruction of the Berlin wall and the seeming end of the cold war. We have been exposed to the wretchedness of massacres like Kent State and Tiananmen Square, and to cruelty and starvation all throughout the world. Each time one could hear prophets of doom declaring, “This is the End!”

The world as we know it, is subject to time complete with deadlines and missed opportunities. Not a day goes by that one is not reminded that life and opportunity are rapidly passing. Pick up a newspaper; listen to the radio or watch television. Everyday we are reminded of our mortality and just how short this life really is and Prophets of Doom continually declare the finality to this existence. War, famine, natural disasters, pestilence and the ever-increasing strife in the world add to our uncertainty, and even our well meaning religious leaders remind us of the impending doom and destruction of the world.

Times of crisis always create a sense of scarcity. The presumption that life and resources are limited with an accompanying fear that if we don’t fight for our share, we’ll never get it, and even if we do, it can be taken away from us.

The ever increasing rates of domestic violence, abuse and suicide give evidence that many are becoming discouraged with life as they face what appears to be a shallow and pointless existence. Those who espouse this belief learn to live to either protect themselves and to hoard all that they can, or withdraw into protective cocoons. Either way, economic stability often becomes nothing more than a delicate balance of “Scarcity.” But it is only one’s understanding of time that allows this the principal of scarcity to have effect.

We have learned by sad experience, even in this great land, that it is the nature of almost all men, as soon as they think that they get a little authority, they will immediately begin to perpetuate this illusion. Using fear, crisis and restrictive regulations, activists boldly solicit acceptance to costly plans and enslaving programs that are designed to demoralize and control, while giving power and prestige to those in authority. Fraud, deceit and waste, coupled with a lack of self-discipline and of a sense of responsibility, which accompany this myth, leaves many individuals trying to survive in the “delicate balancing act.”

In America, this great land of opportunity, no one is forced to remain unfulfilled because opportunity has been taken away or because the actions of others have seemingly placed barriers around it. No one has the ability to monopolize freedom or wealth. We may experience roadblocks that prevent us from engaging in specific activities, but there will always be numerous options available to us in our pursuit of Happiness.

Have you noticed how the unfortunate circumstances of life often leave in their wake a multitude of individuals, who blinded by the challenge of the moment, accept habitual roles of compliancy, skepticism and cynicism? Choosing to fear risk rather than embrace it. While adoption of these protective attitudes may sometimes appear to be an intelligent measure, author and motivator, Zig Ziglar reminds us of the inherit risk in everything we do. There is risk in getting on an airplane, as we have recently witnessed. Sometimes they come down faster than they go up and some don’t make it to their destination at all. Yes, there are risks in getting on an airplane, but there are eminently more risks to the airplane in not flying at all. Engineers tell us that the airplane will be affected by corrosive elements and rust out faster sitting on the ground, than it will flying in the heavens, and that is what it was made for.

Environmental activists remind us that there are risks in using our natural resources, and vivid memories of the Exxon Valdez, Chernobyl and others painfully remind us of those risks. The resources of this earth have allowed for the advancement of mankind. Implementing research that has increased production and provided technological advancements that have given us longer, fuller and more prosperous life spans. Yes, there are risks in using our natural and technological resources, but that is what they were made for.

No one is kept in poverty by a shortness in the supply of riches; there is more than enough for all. The visible supply is practically inexhaustible; and the invisible supply really is inexhaustible. No man, therefore, is poor because nature is poor, or because there is not enough to go around. Nature is an inexhaustible storehouse of riches; the supply will never run short. Have you ever noticed that when the supply of building material is exhausted, more is produced; when the soil has been exhausted so that crops will no longer grow upon it, effort is made to renew it. When all the gold and silver has been dug from the earth, man will still devise a way to find it, and if we could actually deplete all of our energy resources, man with his infinite intellect would find and develop an alternative source. Isn’t it interesting that while we waste natural resources by gluttonous consumption, we waste mankind’s talents and resources by not using them at all?

There are risks in everything we do, even in getting out of bed and going to work. The recent fall of the stock market reminds us that businesses fail and investments are lost. There are risks in leaving our homes, in starting businesses and in working to build a better community. Yes, there are risks in trying to pursue Happiness, but that is what man was made for.

We are a resilient and resourceful people. We can cooperate and work together in honoring the common beliefs that make our land so great, because in our abundance we are reminded that there is surely enough time, room and resources to allow us all the Right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

And if we do – then maybe this time we will get the dream right!

Because they were of one heart, and one mind, and dealt justly with each other; there were no poor among them.