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Dear Reader,
Today in the USA, we celebrate our country’s Declaration of Independence from the British Crown and Empire. We wave flags and shoot off fireworks to honor the commitment of a group of honorable men to pursue a life of free choice in government and religion. As Gloria Steinem beautifully points out:
"There's no greater gift than thinking that you had some impact on the world, for the better."
Certainly, the members of that great Congress have had a lasting impact on the thirteen colonies and the lives of every U.S. citizen since that document’s signing.
The thought that follows, then, is this: What impact are we having on our country and world?
To explore this, I believe we must look more micro than macro—beginning not with the nation at large, but with ourselves. What responsibilities do we, the citizens of the United States, carry?
We might begin with this truth: freedom is not merely the right to speak or vote—it is the daily responsibility to protect, improve, and uplift our communities. Here are a few precepts that reflect the spirit of good citizenship:
1. Stay Informed and Thoughtful
To be a responsible citizen is to be an informed one. Seek truth by understanding the issues that affect our nation and our world. Engage in civil dialogue—even when it’s uncomfortable.
2. Participate in Civic Life
Voting is vital, but citizenship extends beyond the ballot box. It includes attending town halls, serving on juries, advocating for justice, and even running for office when called.
As Theodore Roosevelt said:
“The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight.”
3. Serve and Give Back
Whether through military service, volunteerism, or daily acts of kindness, serving others is at the heart of civic duty. In doing so, we strengthen the bonds of unity that make our nation more resilient.
4. Uphold the Law and Act with Integrity
A free society depends on respect for the law—not blind obedience, but thoughtful adherence, always coupled with the courage to call out injustice and work toward reform.
5. Protect the Vulnerable
Good citizens look beyond themselves to care for the least among us—the children, the elderly, the poor, the marginalized. Our compassion and advocacy matter.
6. Build Bridges, Not Walls
We are not only Americans; we are members of the global human family. Respect, cooperation, and peace-building across boundaries are noble civic responsibilities.
Citizenship, then, is not a label—it’s a lived commitment. Each of us holds a portion of our nation’s future in our hands. Our words, our votes, our values, and our kindness—all matter.
As Abraham Lincoln once said:
“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present... As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.”
Let us act—bravely, responsibly, and together.
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