Happy Fourth of July! This year has been crazy, but we're surviving. It's left me thinking about agency and freedom and the role we play in it. So in honor of Independence Day, here are some quotes about liberty and agency from Captain America.
“I don't want to kill anyone. I don't like bullies; I don't care where they're from.”
This quote from the The First Avenger is one that reminds me that we have to fight for freedom. Nowadays those fights are often a war of words and opinions, but regardless of where those fights happen it's up to us to stand up for what's right.
“When I went under, the world was at war. I wake up, they say we won. They didn’t say what we lost.”
There have been no shortage of wars in the past couple centuries. In Avengers we're reminded that it comes at a cost. Our troops pay that cost every day. I am grateful for those that have given their lives in the fight to keep us free.
"The price of freedom is high, it always has been. And it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it."
Again Cap tells us about the price of freedom. In Winter Soldier he's fighting Hydra and asking people to stand up to them. Even when the world is telling you something wrong is right, we need to stand up to it.
“If we sign this, we surrender our right to choose. ... We may not be perfect but the safest hands are still our own.”
In Civil War, it's Iron Man vs. Captain America about the Sakovia Accords. Unlike in the movie, most of us are not fighting against legislation. But we need to take accountability for our actions, good or bad. If we give up that right to addiction or to someone else, we lose that freedom.
“I know you’re doing what you believe in, and that’s all any of us can do. That’s all any of us should. So no matter what, I promise you, if you need us, if you need me, I’ll be there.”
Most people are doing the best they know how. Cap knew he was at odds with Iron Man during Civil War, but he knew Tony was doing what he thought was right. Social media is full of arguments every day, but it helps if we give people the benefit of the doubt and remember they're doing the best they know how.
“You think I'm fighting for me? To save my own life? That's why you'll never win. I'm not fighting for me. I'm fighting for them… It's the very thing that makes us human.”
In Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Cap is fighting against Vision, who thinks he's doing it for himself, Cap reminds us that it's not about us; it's about making the world a better place for our loved ones, especially our children and the upcoming generation.
“[The Statue of Liberty will] still be there. But what she represents, the spirit of Lady Liberty, is found in its people.”
This bonus quote is not by Cap, but actually from Peggy Carter. It still fit the bill for this post as my wife and I were watching Agent Carter recently. Ironically, this quote was said to a Russian spy working for Leviathan. But like Peggy said, America and the liberties we hold dear, you can see it in the people. I will forever be grateful for the freedoms we have here and for the blessings it brings me and my family.
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