YOU AND I . . . AND THE FOURTH OF JULY, p.2

YOU AND I . . . AND THE FOURTH OF JULY, p.2

"Those wise old gents in powdered wigs- they started the commotion.
By setting down in black and white the new and wondrous notion,
That all men were created free, and equal was their station-
And on that simple truth they built a new and glorious nation!

Across the sea, in far off France, folks got that certain feelin.
And ‘twasn’t long before the heads of royalty were reeling.
The “Rights of Man” soon took its place beside our Decleration,
To guarantee equality in one more sovereign naiton.

As stream-lined ships and jet-run planes brought far-off countries nearer.
Our stake in someone else’s rights grew urgenter and clearer.
Two wars and the atomic bomb soon showed where we were headin’
Unless we joined with others to keep tyranny from spreadin’.

That’s why. In U.N. council halls, the folks of every nation
Have finally agreed upon a world-wide Declaration.
Providing basic human rights, in safety and in freedom,
For little people everywhere who certainly do need ‘em!

And now as countries big and small all give the U.N. backin’
It won’t be (unclear) for any guy who wants to start attackin’
The rights of folks to worship and speak as they’ve a mind to.
No matter what the race on creed or viewpoint they’re inclined to.

And we, union members, with labor’s proud tradition.
Can help make freedom everywhere a permanent condition
By strengthening the teamwork that has always got us places
With equal opportunity for all our creeds and races.

So here’s a toast to Jefferson- that never-doubting Thomas
Who gave us Independence Day and all the world new promise!"

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Arkansas State Press

1949-7-1