I observed the Fourth of July 1984 holiday by visiting the birthplace and burial site of Carl Sandburg in Galesburg, Illinois. It was a moving and spiritually enriching experience.

Carl Sandburg was both a powerful voice for all the people of the U.S. and a genuine “Citizen of the World.” I have always admired him and I have read every word he ever wrote for publication.

While visiting Sandburg’s boyhood home I viewed a video of his life in which he was interviewed by a Chicago reporter. He was asked “What is the worst word in the English language?”

He answered without hesitation, “Exclusive.”

Sandburg deplored any separation of people because of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, ethnic background or economic condition. And so do I!

It was Sandburg who wrote:

There is only one man in the world

and his name is All Men.

There is only one woman in the world

and her name is All Women.

There is only one child in the world

and the child’s name is All Children.

There is only one Maker in the world

and His children cover the earth

and they are named All God’s Children.

Rev. Dr. Louis Gerhardt is a minister, counselor and author. His weekly column, Tough Minded Optimism, appears in the Hi-Desert Star, Desert Trail & Observation Post. He counsels those of all religions or no religion.

Contact Rev. Lou at 760-367-4627, 800-995-1620 or res19mxc@verizon.net.