Of Legends & Men: Lessons In Rebuilding Our Nation
by Kristen Christian, Speaker & Consultant, Founder Bank Transfer Day
There are moments throughout history that have defined our nation. We’re all familiar with the story of Paul Revere. The story is so much a part of our heritage that one simple phrase brings to mind the echoing thunder of horse hoofs on cobblestone as a lone man races through town after town during the dead of night crying out, “The British are coming!” History often favors legends over actual men. It remembers grand speeches while forgetting silent deeds. The tales of yesterday’s heroes become larger than life, but what makes them so different from you or me? The truth is a hero is an ordinary person thrust into an unordinary situation who chooses to cast aside fear and refuses to back away from what’s right simply because it’s difficult. In fact, the true story is often more amazing than the legend. Although Paul Revere didn’t actually call out to the homes he passed, a remarkable thing did happen that night. As he raced from Charlestown to Arlington faced with the grim reality that his countrymen, his brethren were in danger, along the way some 50 riders joined him in his mission to ensure that no American was left vulnerable to attack.
These are the principles upon which a revolution was born and our nation was founded. More than 200 years later, we have once again banded together to inform one another and defend the communities we’ve worked hard to build. Who could’ve dreamt that a simple Facebook event would have so much of an impact? In addition to inspiring numerous movements across the world, Bank Transfer Day has contributed to at least six million American consumers changing the way they bank over the past year.
Kristen Christian – Bank Transfer Day 1st Anniversary
I think that’s an incredible testament to the desires of our general population. The hardworking and determined men and women who stand under our nation’s flag have illustrated through direct action precisely what changes they wish to see. Americans know it’s time to cooperate if we hope to rebuild what we’ve nearly lost. The question that remains is: Are our representatives listening? It’s been more than six months since Senate promised a vote on S. 2231, the Small Business Lending Enhancement Act. On the anniversary of Bank Transfer Day, which happens to fall on the day before our national election, I’m honored to speak for the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louisiana Credit Union League, to share a clear message for those seeking election tomorrow:
Americans need critical thought and true bi-partisanship if we hope to put the United States back on a path toward economic recovery. It’s imperative that we create jobs at no cost. A logical step toward that goal is to raise the arbitrary member business lending cap and allow credit unions to continue offering responsible loans with low interest rates to small business owners. Small business owners are the backbone of job creation in America. In fact, over the past 15 years, these men and women have been responsible for 67% of job growth. Just as Americans have changed the way we bank en masse, we must now elect representatives who will uphold the principles our nation was built upon. No amount of campaign contributions will guarantee a public office; only our votes can do that. A candidate who wishes to serve the good American people must value communities over corporations. There’s no denying the significant damage our economy and society have suffered, but it is repairable if we work together. The tasks that lay ahead are truly monumental, but I’m confident that credit unions offer an opportunity that will lead our great nation down a path toward economic recovery. As the world is engulfed in a war against despair, cooperatives offer us a fighting chance. Beyond the reasonable fees and responsible loans, the people helping people mission at its core inspires each member to pay forward the honesty and mutual respect paid to them. Financial cooperatives embody the principles that bore our revolution and founded the free world. S 2231 and HR 1418 aren’t the handout corporate banks would have us believe, but an opportunity for Americans to do what we’ve always done best: roll up our sleeves and work together toward a greater end.
