reservations

 It was 136 years ago today that the statue of Liberty was dedicated. The famous sonnet mounted to its' base is often quoted. You know what it says, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to be free" is the most famous and well-known line. The title of that sonnet? The new colossus. Emma Lazarus wrote that piece for an auction to raise funds to construct the pedestal. The new colossus is a reference to the colossus of Rhodes. She is comparing the intent of each when they were constructed. That is the beginning of the sonnet, the words we all know appear much later in the composition. It should be remembered that this was written for a competition, not as an official statement on behalf of the United States of America. It wasn't a carte blanche invitation! The full text follows:

   Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

What needs to be understood is there are requirements to be met before entering that door. Immigration laws had existed since 1790. "Mother of exiles" is her name. That stems from those that traveled to this land to escape religious persecution. Written in 1883 you have to remember that history was viewed differently then. In 1883 Emma and others were not "woke" and really did believe Columbus discovered America, Manifest destiny was a very popular ideology, the civil war had only ended eighteen years prior, and America was the "melting" pot. The key there was the belief that others, the wretched refuse of those teeming shores, were to assimilate to our nation, they were to become Americans! There were requirements to be met! Yes, the lamp is lighted to show you the door, but that door isn't wide open to just anyone!  

 That poem is a wonderful sentiment, eloquently expressed. Well, that's what poets and writers do after all. It's an ideal. Lady Liberty as she has come to be known become a national symbol. It was a long process getting the statue built and then funding the pedestal upon which she stands. Happy Birthday "Mother of Exiles" may she stand forever. It was truly a different time, a different sentiment, and a complete set of different sensibilities in 1883. Who was President? Chester A Arthur (R) In 1883 Life magazine is established, Buffalo Bill opens his wild west show, the navy builds its' first steel hulled ships, the Metropolitan Opera house opens, the United States unofficially establishes time zones and the Northern Pacific Railroad is completed with ex-president Grant driving the final spike. Lots happening. America is on the rise! Yes, the lamp is lighted there is no end in sight. Things have changed since then. The struggle today is to keep that lamp lighted! I'll keep the light on for you, but reservations are necessary!