Some have cheered and others have wept when they have passed her. Thousands have climbed to admire her at close range. They represent multitudes the world over who regard the Statue of Liberty that graces New York harbor as a symbol of freedom.
Extensive renovation has recently corrected defects and repaired the effects of weather and pollution on the statue. And this month, the all-new torch of a substantially renewed Miss Liberty will be lighted. One television program, "The Statue of Liberty" (directed by Ken Burns), reported on this and included comments by Governor Mario Cuomo of New York State. He said of the statue: "She makes me think, more than feel; makes me think how important it is to remain vigilant—especially now as a governor, where every day there are new temptations to forget that our strength is liberty. It can be very, very tempting to squash a little freedom here, to restrain a little bit there. So she makes me think."
Of course there are obvious ways that officials who decide legal issues can guard the precious liberties of their constituents. But what about John Q. Public? What can the average person do?
