September 17 is "Citizenship Day." It's not a day that looms large on anyone's calendar. In fact I don't remember ever celebrating it with fireworks or a moment of silence while facing Washington, D.C.
It's a controversial subject in some quarters. I remember taking a civics class when in the 7th grade. I learned about various forms of government at the different levels from my city to townships, counties, etc. The era of my grade school years was only ten years following World War II, so citizenship was taken seriously.
But times have changed as our government has grown and liberties have become restricted. Now there are a record number of people leaving us each year, voluntarily surrendering their citizenship and moving to different parts of the world.
What once seemed like the best place on earth has now become intolerable for a few.
The 50 year war on drugs in America changed the culture of our cities. Our jails are filled with people whose only crime is drug related. Our city police forces are no longer trusted, no longer respected, and that leads to more arrests. It's a death spiral.
Many of us look up to men like Abraham Lincoln and women like Eleanor Roosevelt, who were honest and who tried to help people. We respect certain school teachers we've encountered during our education. These people inspire others to make our country better.
I must admit disappointment about our government diplomat and politician's constant reference to "our interests" when talking about conditions in the world. I think this is a gross misstatement and should never be used. Our interests and liberty must remain synonymous. If we promote liberty to the world, we will look less arrogant and more generous. America wasn't founded to become an empire with "interests." It was founded to be a refuge where all could experience life to its fullest.
Our "interests" must always remain in the interests of liberty. This nation was formed in order that its citizens would have it, and it's the main fabric of our culture that has led to such greatness. This embracing of liberty has nurtured energy and self-sacrifice. Men and women willing to do with less that they might invest their time, talents and resources in order to pursue their dreams to provide more. People with an idea channeling their lives toward a specific objective resulting in new products and processes to help themselves and the world.
And now we find ourselves, many of us, disenfranchised. Left out in the cold. Feeling like we have no chance. The social safety net provides physical needs, but fails to nurture the heart.
A new generation is upon us whose hope is faded, whose hope was never ignited with the zeal of our forefathers.
So, Citizenship Day will come and go like so many before it. Unnoticed, without recognition.
But certain citizens continue to place themselves at risk. Law enforcement and military ranks are filled with men and women who understand citizenship. People willing to sacrifice their lives for the principles of liberty, and for them I will celebrate this day.
By Gerald E Greene
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