I do not choose to be a common person
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 the 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
the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia
I will not trade my 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
to enjoy the benefit of my creations
and to face the world boldly
and say:
“This, with God’s help, I have done.”
