Saturday, November 8, 2008

My Birthday Wish!

Today is my birthday. And as such, I think I’m entitled to at least one wish. (And no, it's not to have some Marilyn want-to-be jump out of a cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to me, although it certainly makes an enticing picture, no?) My wish is not about cakes or parties or even presents. My wish is much more theoretical. And not just for myself either, but rather for everyone in the world. (A little ambitious, I realize.). But here it is: I wish that the momentous occasion that happened on Tuesday night would begin to defeat all the bigotry, prejudice, hate, discrimination, and inequality that’s hampered our country for so long. Instead of pointing fingers, or imposing our “liberal” or “conservative” beliefs on other people, I wish that we could all learn to embrace our differences (not just TOLERATE them) and evolve as both a country and a race. That is my wish. And though it still may take many more years of invoking the same wish on every birthday going forward, I’m confident that a more harmonious existence can be achieved within my lifetime. Let’s just hope I don’t have to wait until I’m a hundred and eighty to actually see it.

But that’s just me. What do you plan to wish for on your next birthday?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!

Matthew S. Urdan said...

Happy Birthday, Henson. That's a noble wish. It's unfortunate that on the same day Americans elected the first black president symbolizing that the dream of America as a Melting Pot had arrived and racial inequality had ended that Californians chose to ban gay marriage. At least with the rumblings of legal challenges to California's constitutional amdendment, there is reason to believe that this topic will be increasingly taking up more of the national dialog.

The days of not mere tolerance, but rather acceptance, are coming. Just in my own almost 44 years--my birthday is in just a few weeks, the United States has come a very long way.

Cheers!

Chat Blanc said...

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday! :D

Amy Lilley Designs said...

Happy Birthday Henson...my favorite Aunt as well... A VERY GOOD DAY..I pray for you, and all of us, that your heartfelt, soulful wish continues to unfold before our very eyes...from Dr. King, to the election on Tuesday, 40 years...be patient Henson, be patient.

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy birthday, Henson!

I admire your wish and will do my best to contribute to it...but it would be a lot easier to put on my Marilyn wig and jump out of a cake....

Hope your wish comes true...and a pinch to grow an inch.

Roxy

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Henson. My wish is for your wish to come true. God Bless!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Happy birthday, Henson!

I like your wish; let's go for it.

Unknown said...

Happy birthday! In the spirit of this past week's amazing election, I agree with your wish and hope that this is the start of bigger and better things to come.

peace,
mike
livelife365

Daisy said...

Oh, I missed your birthday! I hope it was an extra-special day, and I sure do hope your wish will come true.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! I do hope your wish comes true.
Karen C.

Henson Ray said...

rollerkaty--Thank you.

matt--I agree. The California loss was quite sad. But at least there are enough people angry enough about the situation, that hopefully something will change. And as for the Mormons using their money and influence to "rig" this election, I am glad to hear legal actions are being taken against them as well...because as a non-profit, they are not allowed to use their money to influence policy. So hopefully their tax exempt status will be taken away from them...just like they tried to take rights away from others.

chat blanc--Thank you. It was a great day.

amy--I am nothing if not patient. But I can still be antsy, can't I? And speaking of "Auntsy", please pass my birthday wishes on to your Aunt. I am always happy to share my birthday with others.

roxy--OW! That pinch hurt. I guess someone was trying to pinch more than an inch.

da old man--Thanks old man. I appreciate that.

susan--Thanks. Glad you're on board for change.

mike--I hope so, too, mike.

daisy--Thanks. Yes, it was a great day.

Grr, Midnight & Cocoa--Me too!!! Thanks for the birthday wishes.