What have you done for America today? This is one of the most important questions to ask ourselves as citizens in this great country. Are you standing passively by on the sidelines or do you want to get involved on a daily basis to become a concerned citizen? Here is a list of thought-starter questions to prompt such necessary actions.
Thought-Starter Questions
Have you mentored one or more young people regarding the uniqueness and history of America? Such mentoring is an ongoing opportunity to help the younger generations make informed decisions regarding the future of America.
Have you started reading books about America’s Founding so that you are well informed about this most significant time in our nation’s history? All of us must be able to challenge and counter the revisionist history of America set forth in “The 1619 Project” initiated by The New York Times.
Have you gotten involved at the local level of politics, in your city, county, or state? Too often, we let other people take a leadership role when their motives, agendas, and decisions are suspect, to say the least. Good governance requires men and women of integrity, common sense, and ethical behavior to become leaders at all levels of our community and society. Magical thinking will not get the job done.
Have you written down on a single sheet of paper what America means to you and why you love this country? I encourage everyone to do this, so that you translate your abstract thoughts about America into concrete written statements.
Have you written a letter to your senators and representatives to express your thoughts and concerns about what is happening in Washington, D.C.? Such an action cannot be a single arrow that we shoot. This activity must be done on a periodic basis to be effective. And even more, effective action is to request a meeting with your senators and representatives to share your thoughts with them in person.
Have you stood up for America today and defended her against the nonsensical memes that arise in our national discourse and are given credence without evidence or proof? These memes—white privilege, systemic racism, hate speech, for example—need to be challenged as the falsehoods they are.
Becoming an involved and active citizen in America is a lot of work but it is our responsibility as citizens to do so. We have many challenges ahead of us. Are you up for the challenge? I certainly am.
Links
External: https://fee.org/
Footnote
*I borrowed this question (and revised it slightly) from The Freeman, the magazine published by the Foundation for Economic Education