Roots

I was recently tracing my genealogy and considering its significance, if any. My wife’s genealogy is full of Lords and Ladies. Mine not so much, but it does have this. My ancestor, Asahel Cooley, was a minuteman who fought in the battle of Lexington and Concord.

Interesting that a descendant of the ancient regime would wed a descendant of the regime which overthrew it. Interesting, as well, that I am related to my wife as seventh cousin twice removed.

My wife’s family has roots that go back to early Scottish history. Mine go back to early Irish history. Somehow these roots merged in early American history. My line came to America in the early 17th century. Hers arrived in the mid 18th century. Both were either direct participants in or patriots of the American Revolutionary War.

Both of our ancestors fought in or materially supported, at great personal risk, our American revolution. This revolution established a new system of government - of the people, by the people and for the people.

It seems almost insignificant to equate anything we might endeavor to accomplish to what our forefathers accomplished. They risked everything to bequeath to their generations liberty. We can’t even seem to get involved in our school boards.

I, of late, have unfortunately been faced with a decision, which may entail risk, to challenge the system where those we elect or hire to enforce the law subvert the law. As is always the case, it is much easier to do nothing than to engage and, by engaging, risk much.

Here is where the lessons of our roots come to bear. Our ancestors risked everything. What are we risking? What effort will we expense to ensure the integrity of our systems? What will our descendants say of us?

This is what I hope they will say. Although tired, they picked up the banner. Although beaten, they struggled on. Although discouraged, they held out hope. Although outnumbered, they refused to quit, although discounted, they demanded to be heard. This is what my roots, my ancestors, say to me.