With Liberty and Justice For All

I know someone who became an American citizen today. She took the oath in Oklahoma City amid a room full of folks from over 30 different countries. It was emotional, and she is ecstatic.

I also read today that the Irish rocker, Bono, received the Liberty Medal for his humanitarian work in Africa. His comments seemed poignant in light of this new friend's citizenship.

Calling America "my country," Bono said he's a fan of the United States despite its problems because of the country's contributions to the world.

"Your America is where Neil Armstrong takes a walk on the moon," Bono said. "Your America gave Europe the Marshall Plan. Your America gave the world the Peace Corps."

"America is not just a country, it's an idea, isn't it? It's a great and powerful idea," he said. "The idea that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Bono exhorted Americans to pledge to continue to help the world.

"America has so many great answers to offer," he said. "We can't fix all the world's problems, but the ones we can we must.

America is not a nation based on blood or soil. We are a nation based on an idea that justice is possible only when men and women are free.

Congratulations and God bless, Maha.