Vista Maria’s Post

I wanted to wish all of my professional peers a happy American Independence Day, and to remind everyone how lucky we are that our forefathers had the insights to lay the groundwork for where we are today. Nothing is perfect, and trials where freedom is, will strengthen. As professionsals, we begin each fiscal year with a new set of goals. Back in 1787, our forefathers did the same, and laid these out in what became the preamble of our Constitution. Essentially, the “objectives” of our governments foundation. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.". Take it to heart. Take it to work. Take it to sleep. These are critical objectives that we must strive to drive with passion in our work and home lives. Don’t tread on these objectives. Happy Independence Day!

Juneteenth commemorates the day that all enslaved people in the United States were freed and is a day for reflection, inspiration and education. Learn more about #Juneteenth, its significance in our country’s past and its importance in creating a unified and inclusive future: https://okt.to/wcy3Dl

⌛️”TIME MATTERS”⏱️ @3:30 father with Alzheimer’s tells his daughter C.J. Cregg that “time matters.” https://lnkd.in/gGGJ3hVF (4:40) Sorkin comment to follow. I ran out of space so didn’t have room for bottom line: we the people, repealed prohibition and think we should amend presidential term limits to require supermajority after LCM of 12 years. LCM = Lowest Common Multiple. 2-, 4- & 6-year terms (House, President, Senate) all fit into 12 years. We the people should be able to keep our crook/“crook” in Congress if we want (if we’re cynical like Mark Twain). The supermajority balances the power of the incumbency. I just don’t want a bunch of rookies running my government, aircraft, schools, OR, etc. Just imagine that your brain surgeon can only have 8 years max of surgical experience! Our foreign policy ping pongs all over the place on a good day! (RMN & Shah). It’s confusing to allies, potential allies, and I identify it as a contributing factor our current 🇺🇦. The 🇺🇸ship of state is monolithic. It does not turn on a dime. A decade is not very long. My post was intended to be a reflection on what we’re personally doing to Make our time matter. Yet it morphed into my soapbox on fighting discrimination against longtimers. Incumbents aren’t automatically the enemy. Let’s root out stultified thinking, but not people just because of longevity. Shifting gears again: studying WW II. The soldiers who defended freedom often endured some awful and truly grisly experiences some that I don’t want to even describe. Eg. some soldiers realized that only flamethrower was going to work. So he resigned himself to learning how to literally fry his fellow humans. Obviously, no fun for those on receiving end either. BTW, while an Almighty would understand, how do you explain this to grandchildren? As a result of those guys running such heroic interference we enjoy opportunities many do not. Is what we are doing honoring their sacrifice? [rhetorical question…but you can share if you so wish.] CTA: Sorkin reportedly has writing workshops at his home for Syracuse students, which I am not. How do I seek admittance?

🇺🇸Celebrating our Freedom as Americans🇺🇸 As we celebrate the 4th of July, it's a time to reflect on the incredible freedoms that we often take for granted but that truly set our country apart. These freedoms not only make our lives better but also empower us to innovate, grow, and lead in ways that are unparalleled around the world. Here are some of the key freedoms we enjoy: 🔵 Freedom of Speech: The ability to express our thoughts and ideas openly. 🔵 Freedom of Opportunity: The chance to pursue our dreams and achieve our goals. 🔵 Freedom of Innovation: The liberty to create and drive progress in every field. 🔵 Freedom of Choice: The power to make decisions that shape our lives and communities. These freedoms are the foundation of our success and the reason we can look forward to a bright future. Let's take a moment to appreciate and celebrate these liberties, and commit to preserving them for future generations. What freedoms are you most grateful for this Independence Day? Wishing everyone a safe and joyful 4th of July! Let's celebrate our freedoms and the endless possibilities they bring. 🇺🇸 #4thOfJuly #IndependenceDay #Freedom #Innovation #Opportunity #Gratitude

Happy Independence Day! 🎉 As we celebrate the 4th of July, let's reflect on the true meaning of independence and the principles that our nation was built upon. It's not just about freedom from external control but also the liberty to pursue dreams, express ideas, and create a better future for all. To keep America strong, let's commit to: - Embracing Diversity: Our strength lies in our diversity, fostering innovation and understanding by valuing different perspectives. - Supporting Our Communities: Small acts of kindness and community support can make a big difference. Let's volunteer, support local businesses, and help those in need. - Promoting Education: Knowledge empowers us. Let's invest in education and lifelong learning to build a more informed and capable society. - Advocating for Justice: Stand up for what's right. Promote equality, fight against injustice, and ensure everyone's rights are protected. - Sustaining Our Environment: Protecting our planet is crucial for future generations. Embrace sustainable practices and advocate for policies that safeguard our environment. Together, let's uphold the values that define our nation and work towards a brighter, more inclusive future. Happy Independence Day, and let's continue to strive for a stronger America! #IndependenceDay #FourthOfJuly #StrongerTogether #AmericanValues

As We Rise: If you are like me, you probably had never heard about Juneteenth until it was declared a federal holiday in 2021. On this day in 1865, general orders 3 was issued by Major General Gordon Granger in the city of Galveston. This not only formally informed the residents of the emancipation proclamation but perhaps more importantly the presence of the union troops, led by General Granger, enforced it as well. Ultimately with the ratification of the 13th and 14th amendments there appeared to be a horizon of a new dawn. While the celebration of Juneteenth has been full of symbolisms with possible roots in the cultures of distant lands, this day offers a time for reflection and engagement. All this also noting the resilience of those that have trod this path before us. These attributes (reflection, engagement and resilience) are necessary for growth. As we look to understand and commemorate the past, it is vital that we explore the opportunities of the present to fulfill the potential of our shared future. If you would like to know more about Juneteenth I enjoin you to explore the links below: https://lnkd.in/d5pmzcgA https://lnkd.in/dMNxHCKm https://lnkd.in/dKU8XRWk https://lnkd.in/dM8FV3gz https://lnkd.in/d7E-2RQq

In 1948, amidst the devastation of war, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged as a beacon of hope, declaring the inherent rights of every individual. Today, we celebrate this landmark document and rededicate ourselves to its transformative vision. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Declaration remains more relevant than ever. From tackling climate change to advancing social justice, its principles offer a road map for building a world where freedom, equality, and dignity are realities for all. Join us as we pledge to uphold the Universal Declaration and move forward, united in our commitment to human rights.

Last month, Emma Bathke visited three 4th-grade classes at Goetheschule Bönen, NRW as part of the Meet US program. She told the students about her upbringing in Fredericksburg, Virginia, showing many photos about her personal life and what a high school is like. After that, the students asked many, many question about life in the U.S. 🙌 Meet US is aProgram of the Embassy and Consulates of the United States of America in Germany, supported by Fulbright Germany "What is the American Dream?" "What does a typical school day in the U.S. look like?" "How does the U.S. election system work?" These are some typical questions that young Germans often have about the United States of America. The Meet US program is designed to help clarify the picture by bringing Americans – U.S. citizens from all backgrounds of life residing in Germany, as well as U.S. embassy/consulate staff – together with secondary school students in Germany to engage them in a dialogue about everyday life in the United States. The goal is to give youth in Germany a better understanding of the U.S. and to break down stereotypes. #meetus #fulbrightgermany

An article on the origins and significance of Juneteenth, a celebration of the U.S. beginning to right a horrible wrong. Reading challenging materials is vital to preparation for the test and life. #LibertyAndJusticeForAll #TestPrep #SmithsonianSunday https://lnkd.in/ebnj7xDy

Today we observe Juneteenth National Independence Day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. It is a time to celebrate liberation and acknowledge the ongoing work towards equity. In honor of Juneteenth we have closed our office to encourage time for reflection, remembrance, and learning. Explore more about Juneteenth and its significance: https://lnkd.in/gqvPZFF