American Virtues - A Patriot's Journey
Since the early days of the republic, Americans have recognized Thomas Jefferson’s distinctive role in helping to shape the American national character. As Founder and statesman, Jefferson thought broadly about the virtues Americans would need to cultivate in order to preserve and perfect their experiment in republican self-government.
He and the Founders of our country understood the importance of good citizenship, and they understood what made someone a good citizen. To be a good citizen is to embody certain virtues, such as self-reliance, responsibility, honesty, charity, loyalty, and respect for the law.
These virtues are the strength of our nation and are necessary for our experiment in self-government. As President Bush has said, “When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it. When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.”
Modern times have tested these virtues — and the traditional notion of citizenship — but they are still there to be called upon every day. They enable us to meet tragic events in extraordinary times, and in ordinary times to take back responsibility for ourselves and for the problems in our communities: drugs, crime, a faltering education system, family breakdown, and a corrosive popular culture.
But tough circumstances provide opportunities to rise to the occasion. And that’s where I think we Americans shine. As John F. Kennedy said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” And somehow, despite political differences and difficult times, we always do. Oh, we may stray outside the lines in the pursuit, but our inherent desire to do what’s right always manages to keep us on course and moving forward.
It’s another reason I’m proud of America and our system, flaws and all, and why I’m optimistic about the future we’re building for our children and grandchildren. There are tough decisions to be made but I think, in the end, we’ll again proudly meet the challenge.
Don’t forget to check out the other Patriotic Journeyers… JimK, Scott, Larry, Drumwaster, and Cosmicbabe.
Doug
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Reader Comments (6)
Well said. We do face some tough times. I wish I could say I am as optimistic as you, but I am trying to be positive.
I do believe that we and our elected officials have gotten seriously out of sync, with Washington believing they can ignore our wishes "for the better good" or, at least, what they believe is the better good.
My parents, when I was young and questioned their decisions, used to tell me they "they were older and knew better." I am increasingly uncomfortable with my representatives telling me that today.
God bless America. I too sometimes wonder what our leaders are thinking, especially as concerns borders and culture. I pray they are listening to the majority of Americans who want the border and immigration controlled. But I do agree with you that, somehow with God's help, we won't erode the virtues of America.
A nice article with good points. Thomas Jefferson was a genius as were the other Founders. I am amazed by the tremendous insight they possessed in setting up our republic. I have to wonder, though, what he would think if he were alive today.
These are for sure tough times. We've managed to pull ourselves out of harm's way before, I hope we can do it again. I fear the pendulum mat have swung too far this time. But I will try to be positive as you are. God bless!
Our tough times right now are the proble of illegal immigration and what to do about 1. stopping it and 2. getting rid of the illegals already here. I hope we rise to the occasion on this.
I am proud of our system too. We have the greatest country in the world and even when things seem most difficult or trying, like our problems with illegal immigration we need to stay focused and communicate with our politicians what we want and demand that they do it. If we sit back and let them do as they please, they will make bad decisions and we will have to live with it. I am a proud American and am going to be more involved from now on.