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.”