#TheFinal14 | State Of Our Union: Be Like Bobby

Today is my birthday.

But today also marks 50 years without a true American Icon. You see, everyone has their idols. Everyone has their shining city on the hill, their Augustus.

Mine is Bobby Kennedy.

Bobby Kennedy was such a light to the world. Born of privilege, he became aware of the problems that faced his day, and did his part to fix them. He fought for the poor, the disenfranchised, and the weak. He worked everyday to make sure that the American Dream could be enjoyed by everyone. And while he certainly was not perfect, he strived to be. And that counts for everything.

Bobby loved people. He saw them as special, and different, and all worthy of basic human dignities. He had empathy. He had conviction.

Everyday I strive to be like him. I too strive to love everyone, to spread compassion and kindness, to fight with vigor against men who try to belittle, disown, and embarrass. I too try my very best to make sure that one day his dream for this country will come true, even though right now in this day, it seems that we have lost ourselves along the way.

This country, the greatest country in the world, was built by people. And all people deserve respect and dignity and the knowing that someone will fight for them, when they can’t fight for themselves. Today we are still faced with African Americans fighting for equality, with women still trying to prove that they deserve equal pay, and the poor being left to their own, all while the rich get richer, and sit atop us like Gods on Olympus. And I cherish those fortunate souls that understand what civic responsibility is, and help those who need it.

My fellow Americans, as Bobby once said, this my final plead to you, here, on this blog. We have to be better. We have to ask why. Why football players kneel, why we riot, why our gay brothers and sisters feel small, and why our poor feel abandoned. These sentiments don’t just happen. And if you turn a blind eye, then you’re part of the problem. Empathy can rebuild a nation. And we need it now, before it’s too late.

Many of us think this place is invincible. That it can’t possible fall, that it can’t possibly falter. And that is foolish. We have to work everyday to maintain this place, and make it better. Make it what it should have always been. A place for all people, from all creeds, and backgrounds, and countries, and races. This is the United States of America. The greatest country in the world. But never grow complacent, and never take that for granted. Never take a single election for granted. Because greatness is fragile.

Again, Thank you Bobby. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry that we still haven’t completed your vision for the world. Maybe you were the only one who could do it. But like you, I believe in our future. I believe that you weren’t the only one. I believe there are more. Many many more. If I ever run for office, it will because of you, and for you. For your belief in a better day, and your fight to improve the lives of everyone you can.

I would owe that. We as a country owe you that.

EICHEL | @EichelGDavis

PS: Three. More. Talks.