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Audio articles on Wilson County News made possible by Richardson Bros Chevrolet in Floresville.
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Retired Col. Charles H. (Hac)
Reding shares his wisdom and perspective. Reding, 90, is an avid reader of the Wilson County News.
He lives in San Antonio.
(Part I of III)
I had nothing to do with how and where I was brought into this world 90 years ago. I do believe that being born in the United States of America was a geographic blessing, as it is for all born here, regardless of race.
We lived in poverty with no running water until I was 10, no electricity until four years later, and no indoor plumbing until I was 16.
My parents had no formal education and accepted their lot in life after generations of the same lifestyle, but they were intelligent and ethical. They couldn’t help us financially, but supported us in other ways, allowing me to break out from another generation resigned to “just survive.”
Through some luck, many friends, a firm work ethic, and sound family values, I have had a wonderful and successful life. I’m comfortable financially and am proud of the way I have lived my life.
I have four wonderful kids who know they can make their own life through individual merits.
That is the real privilege that we, as Americans, enjoy. Anyone who doubts that has only to look around the world to be convinced there is no better nation for individual freedom and the opportunity to prove yourself.
How else can you explain why our citizens are not leaving, but our borders are deluged with people trying to get in?
A comparative analysis will not find a better way of life. People are willing to risk death to get here.
And if you accept that humankind has moved on from a tribal culture in order to achieve collective progress, some form of national government is essential. Although it is constantly a work in progress, America has the best form of government in the world.
If things had been perfect from the beginning though, we would not have needed a revolution that gave us the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. These aspirational documents were written by visionary men who worked to create a new form of government for the future.
For over 200 years we have aspired to make those documents meaningful for all Americans. Progress toward a perfect Union of States has perhaps been slower than some would like, and it may never be perfect, but progress has been steady and positive.
(To be continued next week).
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