My Creed

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 a 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 guaranteed
existence 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;
enjoy the benefits of my creations
and to face the world boldly
and say, this I have done.

All this is what it means to be an
American.

By DEAN ALFANGE