This is an essay I wrote and posted at United Conservatives

Freedom and Responsibility

Author: Chris Smith - Publication: United Conservatives
Publication Date: 09/29/01 - Article Source:

Freedom and Unity are two themes that I have seen crop up repeatedly in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. As a nation, we are experiencing the latter in a more profound way than we have for decades. We have become more appreciative of the former as we have grown in awareness of just how stark the difference is between those who have it, and those who don't. That difference has given birth to a renewed interest in our national security, which in turn has brought forth a concern about security's impact on our freedoms.

Speaking on a macro scale, I believe that freedom of the variety nurtured in the United States of America is the natural domain and prerogative of a responsible people. Indeed, it is the hallmark of a responsible people. Freedom and irresponsibility cannot coexist. They are mutually exclusive. Freedom and responsibility, on the other hand, are the joined-at-the-hip expression of a living democracy. Freedom and responsibility are mutually inclusive. One cannot exist without the other.

Furthermore, there is a symbiotic relationship between the freedom and responsibility of the nation, and the freedom and responsibility of the individual. The national expressions of freedom and responsibility are not only an outgrowth of the individual expressions of the same, but in turn confer them upon the individual. So, what are the responsibilities of a free individual?

Vote. Vote with a vengeance. Vote as if your continuing freedoms actually depended upon it. They actually do.

Learn. Actually pay attention to what politicians are saying. More than that, pay attention to what they actually do. Read published opinions. Get a copy of the Constitution of the United States of America and learn what it says - and what it doesn't say. Study history, both our own and that of other nations. Pay particular attention to ancient history. There is no mistake made by man today that wasn't previously made a thousand years ago or more. Learn from that.

Write. Turn off the television for a little while and write down your thoughts about current events and the expectations you have for your leaders and elected representatives. Then, put the paper in an envelope, place a stamp on it, and address it to the person you think most needs to read it. Then walk down to the local mailbox and mail it. On the way, stop and talk to some of your neighbors. Find out what their concerns are. Is there something you didn't consider?

Meet. Gather in public places, which is your right, and pool your ideas and concerns with those of other people. Find out if others share your concerns. Find out if some of your concerns are needless. Gather a consensus and communicate it to your elected representatives.

Volunteer. Volunteer for the Red Cross or at a local hospital. Join a youth ministry and help guide young people. Join a Big Brother or Big Sister program. Mentor somebody at your work. Volunteer to read books at your children's schools. Coach a little league team. Your time is even more valuable than your money.

Live Right. Will Rogers said " Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." Be an example to those around you. Be there for those around you when they need you. Carry your own weight. If you do these things, then people will carry your weight for you when you are unable to.

Work Hard. Do a good job because it is the right thing to do. Riches may or may not accrue to your efforts, but the reward truly is in a job well done. The quality of your work says something about you as a person. Let it proclaim that you are dependable. In its own way, it makes us a stronger nation.

Be Wise. Understand that every one of your actions has a consequence. Make every effort to be sure that you understand what the potential consequences of your actions could be. Mark Twain said that it is much better to be thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and prove it. This mandate applies most strenuously to those who are in positions of leadership, and to those who report on foreign policy and military affairs. Your words could literally get somebody killed. Is a story actually worth a life?

Unity is a natural outgrowth of the exercise of these responsibilities.

Americans are blessed with freedoms that some have taken for granted for far too long. Some of us have forgotten that, over the years, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice that we may continue to enjoy them have paid for those freedoms in blood. We have a holy duty to keep those sacrifices sacred. As a result of the events of 9/11, the freedoms that we enjoy may be sorely tested. We can best protect our freedoms by exercising our responsibilities. But above all, we must live by one abiding principle - that rights are God-given, but man takes them away.

Chris Smith

Copyright © 2001 Chris Smith & United
Conservatives.com. All Rights Reserved.

Feel free to add your page to my free for all links page. It dosen't have to be political any site is welcome.

Or Back to the
NewsLetter

View or Post to My Links Page!