The world we live in today as Americans is one filled with apathy, laziness, and utter complacency. It is troubling that such a patriotic nation filled with so much fervor at its inception can evolve into such a troubled society, one that fosters so little civic virtue or national pride. How have we degenerated to such a low state?
It's because of our complete disregard for the founding principles of our nation. Such principles include civic duty, education about government, and a moral compass. Without such principles, it is inevitable that our great nation will succumb to the eventual demise shared by all other great empires in history.
In the infancy of our nation, we were reminded of the tyrannical rule of England, so we didn’t take our freedom for granted. Rather we held it so dear that it was, along with faith and family, a part of our innermost convictions and priorities. The inspirational writings of men like John Locke and the patriotic speeches of men like Patrick Henry resounded in the hearts of all Americans of that era. It was a time of spirited reformation that brought together a small group of states that would change that way the world was governed and the way people would live for the rest of time.
We don’t have men like John Locke or Patrick Henry today. Rather, we are so removed from the energetic era of independence and inspirational thinking that we have not even the most superficial convictions about serving our country. In the early and mid 20th century we still had a sense of unity and a felt obligation of civic duty for our nation. This is mainly because of World Wars One and Two. These epic struggles served to bring our country together as a cohesive unit for one cause: to defeat a despot and restore justice and peace to the world. Our nation has not seen such a war since, and has not had the urgent need to come together for a single cause since. It is a wonderful blessing that we haven’t had a terrible war like WWII in the past half century; however, it shouldn’t take an event such as that to bring us together as a nation and give us a sense of civic duty.
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Article comments
1 - Jon Sobel
A nice call to arms. Now we just need some specifics. My one disagreement, and it's a big one, is with your assumption that religion is required for a strong moral compass. That's clearly not true - look here for a few links on that subject.
2 - diana hartman
Jon, the specific I would offer is raising civilian children in an environment similar to that of the military child; an environment that exists whether the parent assists or not. These children are raised within the structure of America's foundations whereas civilian children are raised aside from it. The military child's status as an American, their civic understanding, and their freedom is checked (confirmed, not confiscated) every time they show their ID card to enter a military installation (which is also often their home) and whenever they attend a military family function, their parent's promotion, and ultimately their parent's retirement ceremony. Within these contexts the hopes and dreams of a once-budding nation are repeated and answer the question, "For what will I ever need these history classes?"
John, I agree with Jon that a moral compass and civic responsibility being had only through religious involvement is not true. Mine is a military â€" and atheist â€" family. Ours is not as uncommon as many would suppose and is instead living proof that morality and love of country comes from within.
3 - Christine
Interesting insights, John, nice job!
4 - Dr Dreadful
John, while I applaud your efforts to get your compatriots to take their citizenship more seriously, your argument falls down on its central premise.
The majority of people in any society, including this one, has never been politically active. This notion you have of the American Revolution as some massive popular movement is very far from the truth - as is your assertion that English rule was 'tyrannical'.
It was an elite handful of people such as Franklin, Payne, Henry and the like who engineered the rebellion, and they did so largely for political ends. Any majority public opinion in favour of the break with London was slim at best. Most ordinary colonists had little interest in politics - their overriding concern in life was making a living.
You also forget that whole swathes of the population - both in 18th century America and in ancient Athens - were excluded entirely from the political process.
Your desire for your fellow Americans to become more engaged is admirable, but it ain't going to happen. Alas, 'twas ever thus!