I do not choose to be a common man,
it is my right to be uncommon, if I can
I seek opportunity, not security.
I do not wish to be a kept citizen,
humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk,
to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.
I prefer the challenges of life to the guarantee existence,
the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence,
nor my dignity for a handout.
I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid,
to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefits of my creations,
and to face the world bodly an say,
"this I have done."
All this is what it means to be an American."
"Anonymous"

A new Poem we just received
written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa.

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