An uncommon man (or woman)

I heard this quote on Dave Ramsey's show tonight and had to share it.
This was written in 1952 by a man named Dean Alfange, born in 1899. Alfange was a World War I veteran, a pro-Zionist (in 1943 he appeared before the House of Representatives and addressed them on the rescue of the Jewish people in Europe), and was the American Labor Party candidate for governor of New York.
He was also one of the founders of the Liberal Party of New York.
Strange how things change.

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.

I seek opportunity—not security. I do not
wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and
dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk;
to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I
prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed
existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale
calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor
my dignity for a handout. I will never cower
before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and
unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the
benefit of my creations and to face the world
boldly and say, "This I have done with my own
hand, I am a man. I am an American.”