My Plan for Reconstruction - Essay Example

 My Plan For Reconstruction Friends, Americans and patriots, today we stand at an important juncture in the history of the United States of America, where an era of exploitation, abuse, bloodshed, and destruction has come to an end and the God Almighty has luckily bestowed on our beloved nation, a chance to rise from its ashes and to rebuild and resuscitate not only our economy and infrastructure but in fact the very essentials of the American life. I know that many of you who served on the opposite end during this war are imbued with the loss, sorrow and I must say an ever-gnawing sense of bitterness. I must emphatically convey to you that those who served on the side of victory are no less disturbed, regretful and shattered. Those who fought were Americans and those who lost were also Americans. Both the sides dedicated themselves to the cause they deeply believed in. Let us not indulge in a cost and benefit analysis of this conflict, for how could one amount a cost that is steeped in the blood of our fellow Americans, no matter on which side they fought. Let us try to forget the worst that led us to this war and remember the quintessential American sense of gumption, equality, and resilience that is a coveted essential for all the future attempts at reconstruction and reconciliation. Let us dare to once again be Americans in this moment of loss and sorrow. Racism My heart goes to our brothers from the South. It is not that they are less American. Who can deny the fact that their forefathers fought with courage, dedication, and sincerity in the War for Independence? They are not only an undeniable constituent of what we reverently remember as our Founding Fathers, but a significant chunk of the American Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution owe their origin to their timeless values and ethos. So let us once again remember the values of liberty and equality enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence, not because someone is telling us to do so, but because in the times marred by flux and turmoil, one ought to stick to something that is timeless and eternal. We as Americans always believe that all men are born equal irrespective of their color, ethnicity, and race. Much has got ravaged, but this sacrosanct belief has thankfully managed to survive. None of you will deny the fact that our black brothers, who just a few days ago were called slaves, played a pivotal role in building the American economy, heritage, and culture, with their blood, sweat and toil. Now once again our black brethren are looking towards you. They have gone nowhere. They are here to sweat with you in the immense reconstruction efforts that you need to undertake. All that they expect is the right to be treated as fellow human beings and a just and fair share commensurate with their contributions to the American way of life. Reconciliation with our black brethren is not only in consonance with our values, but also makes a sound economic and political sense. The Former Slaves All the efforts at reconstruction will be futile unless we do not extend our heartfelt apologies and regrets to our emancipated black brethren. I must say that none of us knows the meaning of freedom better than them. Freedom is not something that solely belongs to the domain of constructive philosophy. Freedom is actually the basic instinct of humanity. Nobody teaches to birds the meaning of freedom, yet even they do understand what it means to be free and liberated. Hence, they who had been denied freedom for generations on the basis of economic and commercial premises are the ones who deserve to be free now. I know that the injustice perpetrated against you was not only a social failure, but a bigger systemic flaw in the institutions brought into existence by such a society. The memories of the Dred Scott decision by the Supreme Court, which deprived a whole race residing in the US for generations, of the right to be called a citizen are still fresh in our minds. However, today I feel much relieved to convey that now you are not only free but also stand to be bona fide US citizens. I must say to them that tyranny, exploitation and a subhuman treatment spanning across decades do stifle the human ability to dream. So on this momentous eve, I extend to our black brethren the freedom of daring to dream. Of course, these dreams will need to be supported by ample persistence and perseverance and the opportunities to seek education and justice. I know they understand the fundamental meaning of freedom. Now what they need to learn is that how this freedom is formally exercised and enjoyed in the American political and socio-economic life. I evoke them to extend their hands and grasp their fair share in the American political and socio-economic life. Dream and everything will become possible! I predict that it will not be a miracle if one day, one of their sons and daughters becomes the President of the United States of America. Abolitionists Surprisingly, there were many amongst us who kept the flame of freedom and liberty lighted amidst the winds of greed and debauchery. I thank them and at the same time intend to remind them that our struggle is far from over. The vested interests that gave way to slavery, a thing that was totally and abominably contrary to what we believe in, are as potent today as they were at any other time. The abolitionists no doubt comprise of one of the most enlightened spirits in America. The nation will require their services for long times to come. Who can better become the voice of those that had been denied a voice than our fellow brothers and sisters who fought for the rights of the oppressed? Who can better serve as an agent of peace and reconciliation than those who carried the torch of freedom in these troubled times? Please continue to be there so that we may never forget. The worst is over and the best is yet to come. It is the time to get over the wounds of the past and to move on sans any malice, ill will, and hatred. Yes, it is much easier said than done. But, do we have any other option left before us? The America is once again on the move and it's good that we move along with it. Thank you and Good luck!! Read More