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The Price and the Promise of Citizenship.

January 20, 2009

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
Barack Obama

President Obama is counting on us. From his first big national speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention to his Presidential Inaugural Address, Mr. Obama has called on us repeatedly to rise to our better nature and to be active participants in renewing America. Tuesday’s Inaugural speech extended a direct appeal for us to do more for our country and each other.

Excerpts from the President’s Inaugural Address:

The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted _ for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things _ some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For as much as Government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends _ hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism _ these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility _ a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

It is clear. We all must do our part, in big ways and small, to help restore confidence in America and recharge a “can-do” spirit in Americans. How will you help Renew America? Will you consume less energy? Will you make the effort to know your neighbors or volunteer in a local school? Will you pledge to be an involved and responsible parent? Perhaps you’ll begin by taking the Citizen’s Oath. Let us know how you plan to help renew America. Leave a comment.

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