To my beloved mother,
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyness…”
These words were eloquently carved into the massive doors of the Town Hall (the villagers here call it “The Jamy”). Below it was written: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
The minute I read those words on that door, I knew I had finally found where I belong. My suspicions were confirmed after I had a chance to attend the town meeting and meet some of the people who lived in the area. You would not believe all the different people who live here, working together for a common cause. I met a wealthy landowner and his wife who had a large house up north. They told me of their three little children – two girls and one boy, the oldest. They were out playing in the parks surrounding the Hall. Another man was a farmer who I was told grew the best corn you could find anywhere. I met a woman who was a nurse at the nearby town clinic. She said she lived on her own in a small cottage not too far from the Hall. I was surprised to hear that but she said her nearby neighbors help her out, always checking on her. It brought tears to my eyes to see the sense of community here. A young boy with large calloused hands and a greasy face chatted with an older looking tired black man. I was told that the black man worked as a helping hand on one of the farms and that the boy worked in one of the factories across the river.
When the town meeting began, I sat and listened as the men debated minor issues of the town. They discussed an increase in taxes, talked about building more roads, and asked for volunteers for the upcoming town festival. Even a few of the woman present participated in debate and voted on issues along with everyone else. I was told that all men of or above the age of 16 and woman of or above the age of 21 who have been residents of the town for at least 4 months are allowed to vote. It is quite miraculous, so many different peoples all working together to help each other build a better community! This, mother, is what freedom should look like. This is what our country is all about, what we fought so hard to achieve.
It seems like only yesterday that I left home in search of a better place. I knew that I could never gain what I wanted until I had done so. It has been a long journey, and I have travelled from one town to another, seeing every type of society from the socialist to the capitalist to the vehemently religious. All were oddly lacking in the one fundamental principle that had driven them to establishing that community in he first place: freedom… The cause that had once united us to fight in order to form this great country has now only left us divided. Yet it is in this one little town that I have finally found solice. It is called Jamy’na, named after its founders the Jamy’een. I am told that its meaning is derived from the ancient Arabic word “Jamy’ “ meaning “to bring together.” It is a name pefectly suited, and I can only hope that it can do the same for us. One day, mother, I will bring you to see this little town and I am sure you will fall in love with it as I have. Until then, I have enclosed a drawing of our little town for you to see for yourself a bit of what it is like.
As you can see, in the very heart of the town is the Jamy. All major town activities are done in this building, everything from the regular town meetings, to any religious activities or services, to court cases and solving small disputes. The parks surround the Jamy and provide for wide open spaces where kids can run and play while their parents socialize and attend the town meetings or religious services. Also nearby are the schools and the town clinic. The farmers live in the eastern and southern parts of town where they grow and sell their crops. Further off across the river are the factories where the raw materials are manufactured and goods are shipped back and forth. The wealthiest of folk live up north. Meanwhile in the northwest and the western parts of town are who we call the “urban-folk.” They are more industrialized and generally either work in a factory or run their own small businesses. As you can see, though, the town is a bit iscolated from any surrounding societies by woods – especially on the western side. This, however, brings us closer together and forces us to rely more fully on one another.
I have currently settled into a tiny house in the southwest and am learning to become a part of the society here. I will write as often as I am capable and will tell you everything. Alas, in this tiny little town of Jamy, freedom rings true – and its sound is music to my ears. I have only you to thank, mother, for all my successes. I send you my love and you are, of course, always in my prayers. Until I can write again, my best wishes. Signed, Your loving son Jacob.
