I grew up in ranch style homes, and in a very patriotic family. Dad was the most patriotic American I ever knew. Dad just about had the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution internalized, and valued the fundamental meaning of the American Republic. He regularly exercised his right and duty to vote and write his congressmen, and other political leaders. Dad was almost an isolationist in his political views, seeing America through the eyes of the Founding Fathers, and believing, as did most of early Americans of the Republic, that America should go it alone in the world, an individual nation following the protestant ethic of self sufficiency, rugged individualism, and determination, like the individuals that made the land. Their viewpoint was a nation unto itself, not entangled in other nations’ affairs. Along this train of thought, Dad was a fan of the actor, John Wayne, who also was a strict patriotic American in dad’s day, and shared the isolationist views of the early Americans. In recent years, Dad saw the fundamental American Republican values decaying, and was very concerned about that, and even wrote articles, gave talks, and prayed daily on this theme. He protested against the rampant decay in moral values, the growing lack of courtesy in society. I too have noticed the lack of courtesy today compared to when I was a younger man.
Dad, who served in World War 2, was a businessman during the era of the Cold War, in which fear of communists was rampant. Bomb alerts were practiced in schools and office centers. News was filled with the communists-under-the- bed threats. Even, the word communism, was an evil word not said in the home in just any manner of speaking. There were attacks and threats towards America on all sides.
I cannot say I agree with the entire worldview of my dad or my mom, although, much I do agree with. I see that dad was a great forecaster of history. As for mom, she has always been very steadfast is believing in the genuine good of American society, and the innate goodness of people. Although, not as critical about issues like dad, mom formed much of her worldview from being with dad.
Dad knew the Wall separating free Europe from communist Europe would go down, years before it actually did. He know we would be fighting in the middle east for years, and that it would turn out to be an unpopular war. He saw that the emergence of globalism would change our concept of citizenship and neighborliness, since globalism by its very nature is an attack on the the local community, reducing the importance on local issues, needs, affairs, since in a globalist mindset, the world is supposed to be a uniform, collective servant to the interests of one global community sucking in all the local communities in its influence, and conforming all interests to one united whole. Dad saw the wide attraction of this ideology among so many people, not really concerned or aware of why America was formed, how it was formed, and what separated America from the rest of the world. It amazes me the correctness of dad’s forecasts, even if I do or do not personally agree with them or his ideology. He saw that Globalism has brought us to the era spoken of in the Communist Manifesto, which would make Marx happy.
Dad was a thinker, and for that I am deeply grateful to have had him as a father. Although we had long arguments about world affairs, I deeply cherished the moments of discussing, and learning from dad.
Dad has since passed on, but I see more and more, the ills in society that concerned and irritated my father. He was particularly concern that Americans are losing a sense of patriotism, and instead are selling themselves to foreign and global interests. This is so true. If you take the time to read the Communist Manifesto, almost everything that Marx foresaw, and knew would happen, is happening. Depending on one’s worldview, this could be scary. The America of today, is more regulated, more socialistic, and more collective than ever. People work harder, and religion has been taken over by corporations which now serve for many, as churches and temples, with money, the Jesus of the day. Think about it, 30 years ago, people worked less, had more time for family, picnics, cooking in the backyard grill. I know, I was around then. I grew up in the era of ranch style homes, big spacious yards, neighbors visiting neighbors, helping neighbors, eating together. Marx wanted the masses to work harder as this would usher in his next level towards communism. He wanted our thoughts to be pulled away from issues to entertainment, and other amusements so that a new system can be ushered in without our awareness. How many of us actually have time to barbecue in the backyard like they did in the ranch style home era days of the 50s, 60s, and 70’s. We are so busy, that we can’t even take time to vote, or attend town meetings.
What I see, as the way for Americans to maintain their heritage of individuality, and creativity, is by connecting to the online internet community. Blogging, participating in the Web 2.0 experience, connecting with other users, is a way to speak for ourselves as individuals, and to continue forth the ideals for which we stand, believe and defend. The internet, has done so much good in bringing cultures, and viewpoints together, without the horrors of blood being shed, and free from the ever increasing encroachment of the government tentacles. Perhaps the internet is the last frontier. We don’t seem to be making much progress in space.
Let us read over the early founding documents of America, and protect our going forward in this still wide open horizon of the online world.
I now list seven characteristics of a good American citizen that I learned from my dad.
Good American Citizenship requires:
1. A familiarity in the founding documents that made America a nation it had become. In any organization or group, we belong too, we should be familiar with the origins, the meaning of it all, and some familiarity with the founding documents.
2. The practice of common courtesy. Courtesy includes respect for each other, kindness towards each other, and recognition of each other as individuals with a special niche to fill in the world. It may take the form of helping someone cross the street, helping to clean up the community, helping our neighbors without though of payment in return, smiling and saying a kind word to people we come in contact with, and not being rude in traffic.
3. Paying attention to the news in whatever format: internet, newspaper, radio, television, and freely discussing news issues with others.
4. Going to the polls to vote, but prior to that, spending some time researching the issues, and the candidates so the vote we make is logical to our way of thinking.
5. Participating in assembly and collective events: town meetings, local governmental meetings, neighborhood associations, uniting with others over issues of concern, such as environmental, taxes, community development, housing, etc.
6. Openly discussing politics and current events, particularly local events with neighbors, friends and colleagues. There use to be much more open discussion. Today, I have noticed the shift of discussion more in other areas not related to the community, or common welfare. In a Republic, everyone’s voice is important, not just the majority voice, such as in a democracy. Dad explained the difference, and the founding fathers prefered the term “republic” over the term “democracy.”
7. Doing as much for yourself, and not depending on others or government for what you are able to do for yourself. In otherword, doing your share, working as a team, fulfilling your part, doing your deeds. Good citizenship promotes independence, education, self-sufficience, going it alone, but in a community, and having a community support if necessary. As citizens, we need to be alert to opportunities of providing assistance. Citizenship is about how to be good neighbors. American history if filled with stories of good neighbors.
Kenneth Fach, in Tallahassee, Florida 850-339-5753 Blog: KennethFach.wordpress.com
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