As one who studied American history I feel sad to hear of a lack of knowledge or indifference of many citizens regarding our rights and responsibilities. As a youth in a country school I learned how wise and dedicated founders came up with the great principles that brought freedom and opportunities to future generations and help to other nations.
Beginning in a one room, one teacher school, I learned valuable lessons on freedom that made me appreciate the great work of our founders. However, the sad truth is that near the end of World War II direction of our school systems were removed from local and state control and placed in the hands of unseen bureaucrats in Washington. Our youth began to receive inadequate education and became less prepared as citizens to know and pass on the principles defenders of freedom need. Hearing a recent contender for the presidency stumble over some simple facts about our national roots made me think that a lack of proper or sufficient education can lead to poor or incomplete leadership today.
“[I]t is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own.” ~ Benjamin Franklin.
From our Constitution the freedom and rights of the individual citizen shine forth with hope for all. “[I]t is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own.” –Benjamin Franklin. He knew people in oppressed countries gained hope from the freedom won by our founders. Parents and schools have the responsibility to insure our youth receive a sound education on both freedom and responsibilities of citizens.
“Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families.” –Benjamin Rush, letter to His Fellow Countrymen: On Patriotism, 1773. When World War II broke out and the whole world seemed in danger of being overcome, the American people came together in patriotism and sacrificial service to help free people in far off countries. A miracle of production and human efforts transformed our nation into the greatest power on earth and at the same time provided food and materials to allied nations around the world.
Today an avowed socialist is running for president and is head to head with Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate, who also has developed some ideas on how to transform the United States. The Republicans have more candidates competing for office, with Trump, a rich businessman, leading the polls, with a recent surge coming from Cruz. Knowing their principles on governing America might help us decide who is best suited for president. Also, potential voters eyeing these candidates may have different views on what a patriot believes in.
“Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families.” ~ Benjamin Rush
My first five grades in a one room school gave basic education on what patriotism involved and the principles embodied in the Constitution and laws. As World War II was raging at the time most Americans were strongly patriotic and gave great support in treasure, goods and manpower to freeing people from oppression in far corners of the world. An example of rescuing people from oppression after WW II was when President Ronald Reagan in a speech at the Berlin Wall told the leader of the USSR to “Tear down this wall” and in this case, without open war, the USSR collapsed and millions of Europeans became free. A people who know the principles of freedom and unite in faith and effort can make wrongs right, defend freedom and pass the torch of freedom to others.
