President Message
Liberty and Justice for All
In today’s America, division and discord seem to punctuate nearly every social experience. We now live in an age that will forever be marked by the widening gaps in understanding between our neighbors, colleagues, and families, the increasing rich-poor gap, and a deepening separation in how we consider social and moral issues. Finding focus and clarity during these trying times requires us to step back instead of leaning in. We can glean some wisdom today from two enduring historical symbols that have guided our society through American tumult and strife.
Consider Lady Justice. Her origins are ancient; she was known to the Greeks as Dike and, to the Romans, as Justitia. These two figures were the embodiment of moral order, fairness, and impartiality under the law:
- Her blindfold signifies unbiased judgment;
- The scale she holds symbolize the fair and impartial weighing of evidence and law;
- And her sword represents the authoritative strength necessary to uphold justice.
Her shield offers a compelling symbol of protection. The shield represents Justice’s essential role as a defender—of individual rights, community welfare, and the collective good against injustice and abuse of power. Justice actively safeguards the bedrock principles of dignity, equality, and human rights.
Yet, beyond these familiar symbols, the oft-overlooked imagery at Lady Justice’s feet depicts a clear picture of hope that America will emerge from today’s darkness:
- Standing atop a serpent, Lady Justice triumphs over deceit, corruption, and evil.
- Broken chains signify liberation from tyranny – justice includes the promise of freedom.
- A book or scroll represents the rule of law as providing a stable and consistent foundation for the Great American Experiment.
Rising from a small island in the middle of a harbor and facing out to sea, stands another iconic American symbol: the Statue of Liberty. While Lady Justice plants her feet firmly upon our bedrock American principles, Lady Liberty gives us a deliberate expression of forward motion: broken shackles lay at her feet to symbolize America’s enduring and ongoing struggle for racial equality while her right foot is raised in mid-step. Having broken free from slavery, she beckons to everyone—from everywhere—with a welcome invitation to those who yearn for freedom and justice.
As Dave Eggers, author of Her Left Foot, explains, “…the American experiment isn't one that is static. It's not like we have finished ourselves; it's not like the United States of America is done, and we have settled exactly who we are forever. We are an ongoing experiment in democracy and in welcome: in welcoming the oppressed, welcoming the needy, welcoming people that want a better opportunity. And the fact that she is on the move, I think, is perfectly symbolic of that. She's not standing still.”
These two women—Lady Justice and Lady Liberty—are both strong and resilient. Each has grown stronger through struggle. And while they may appear a bit weary in today’s climate, we can rest assured that they are ready, willing, and able to rise up and continue moving us towards a more perfect union. These women embody two complementary and utterly fundamental American ideals:
- Justice provides steadfast balance and equal protection,
- Liberty propels us towards equal opportunity and freedoms for all.
As credit union leaders, we are uniquely positioned to embody these dual principles. Just as stability and progress must coexist in balance for society to flourish, the same is true for our credit unions. Our responsibility to our members extends far beyond mere financial stewardship; we propel our members towards opportunity and freedom. When we model fairness and balance and equality for our communities, we act as magnets that bend communities towards liberty and justice. Our credit unions are already deeply rooted in the impartial justice symbolized by Lady Justice, and the optimism and hope inspired by Lady Liberty. When we choose to water those roots, we grow our ability to serve and support our communities amid challenges both foreign and domestic.
The season of American Independence begins with Juneteenth and Independence Day. Let us take a moment to acknowledge and draw inspiration from our American struggle. Let us also take comfort in the hope that this American experiment will succeed. With these two women in our corner, it is a safe bet.
As Always,
Bruce
