Day 56

These guys are running across the country. They're in Missouri.

[runtheusa/Day56]: He gave us a friendly wave and it was clear that he wanted to chat. We ran to him, he asked what we were doing, and we explained. His name was Linley Lipper, and he explained that he too was a runner. He then asked where we were eating dinner and where we were staying. Our answer was and innocent, yet honest, We don't know. As genuine as anyone could be, Linley quickly replied, You guys are gonna have a huge Easter dinner with my family and stay at my house.

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The Room

There was this room. I don't remember how big it was. It seemed vast and full of many men: rugged men with dark faces and wiry hair and dark mustaches, men with fatigues and black leather boots, men with rifles checked at the door. They were talking among themselves.

My friends, I said.

The talking continued.

My friends, I repeated loudly. We are not perfect. We all make mistakes.

This got their attention.

In my country we have wrestled with hatred and persecution and injustice. We, who like to think of our country as the Land of the Free!

There were a few smiles and a distant chuckle from the back of the room.

But we have struggled mightily to overcome our past, to build on what we have learned, to profit from our mistakes, to move forward.

I took a drink of water from a glass on the podium in front of me.

Today you you have a similar opportunity. You have an chance to remake your country. But none of us can realistically claim that we can right all the wrongs of the past. We cannot. You cannot. But you can take charge of the present, of your future. You can decide to move forward.

I looked at the men in the room. Their faces were expressionless.

We are determined that our presence here will enable you to build a better nation.

They were still emotionless.

A nation based on faith...

Their faces lit up. They nodded and voiced agreement.

... A nation based on tolerance. A nation based on openness. A nation based on truth and justice.

They were quiet again. I was finished. When the lights came on, one of them walked up to me. He put his hand on my shoulder.

I think you do not understand us, he said. I think perhaps you should go home soon.

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