Profiles in Courage

Sharing Stories Do you have an amazing story to share? A personal experience of triumph over tragedy? Of using the transformative power of grief as a force for good, perhaps to fuel acts of courage and compassion? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us HERE We invite frank and heartfelt discussions about a wide range of sometimes difficult yet important topics of our time. If you would like to share your personal story or expertise, as a guest on a future episode of Shared Tears Podcast, please contact us HERE

Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty - Thomas Jefferson It was a 1787 journal entry written by James McHenry of Maryland, a Constitutional Convention delegate, that described an encounter between an inquiring unnamed “lady” and Dr. Benjamin Franklin. According to McHenry, Franklin, having left the Convention, was approached by a “lady” who kindly asked him: ‘Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He famously replied: “A republic, if you can keep it.” A powerful and sobering reminder of a need for vigilance. Democracy is a constantly evolving system of government that requires the active participation and vigilance of its citizens “to keep it.” Vigilance calls on us to speak out when witnessing acts of cruelty, injustice, corruption, or threats to the Constitution. It requires we stay informed, supporting candidates who pledge to uphold the constitution, to protect the separations of powers, as well as civil and human rights, and the rule of law. Together, we must remain vigilant and committed to efforts to keep Democracy alive for generations to come. "Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely" - former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt Please join me in embracing the principles and promise of our precious democracy, while honoring all who continue to fight against tyranny, fascism, and crimes against humanity wherever that may be. Let us stand united in support of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. It has been eight decades since allied forces joined to defeat Hitler Fascism and Nazism, as it marched across Europe. But eight decades is a long time, memories fade, and most who bore witness have passed away. Over time, it’s easy to become complacent, distracted, or worse, apathetic and suspicious of the historical record. Like many, I was raised in a household that celebrated and honored the principles of Democracy and our freedom and rights guaranteed under the Constitution. Yet, as I write this, our Democracy and the U.S. Constitution are in peril. These are dangerous and uncertain times. Democracy is not perfect. No government structure “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” can be. But the promise of democracy supports the idea that our future collective efforts can and will do better, be better, and choose better - it’s built in. It guarantees each of us, by our vote, a seat at the decison making table. Ever evolving, ever improving and ever moving forward towards a future that promotes and protects both Civil and Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and Justice and Liberty for All. I believe the promise of democracies around the world, give humanity the best chance of bringing a vision of a brighter future for everyone to fruition. So let us stand with all who strive to protect and uphold the Constitution and the gift of our Democracy by remaining vigilant, united, engaged and informed. Love and Blessings, Sandi