Years ago, I had three children who were 10, 11 and 13 years old.
At that time I also had two older brothers who were fanatics about the American Civil War. They were always reading about it. They knew when it started, when it ended and all of the battles that took place in it. They knew the names of the major players. They knew how many people were killed and the timeline from beginning to end. They knew all of that stuff and they wanted to share their information and enthusiasm with others. In fact, they wanted to share it with my three children.
So, when my children were 10, 11 and 13 years old, my brothers invited them to make a trip to Gettysburg for a weekend. There was one prerequisite, however. Each one of them had to memorize and recite the Gettysburg Address. It didn’t take long for them to hop to it. They practice every night after they had eaten their supper and done their homework. With their young brains, it didn’t take long for them to learn it.
They had a great weekend and learned some hands-on information about one of the more-famous battles in a war that tore our nation apart. That war didn’t just crop up suddenly. There was a lot of unrest and difference of opinion leading up to it. It was a sad time for our nation, as it eventually led to brothers and neighbors killing one another.
As I look around and as I listen to news reports, I see the unrest and difference of opinion happening again. Politics is a touchy subject, even in families and among friends. The economic and social situation is volatile. What can be done? Is it too late?
Lately, my mind has been drawn to some of the words of the Gettysburg Address: “...this government of the people, by the people and for the people...”
It seems to me that, if the United States is a government “by the people,” a lot of people have been shirking their duty. There are millions of U.S. citizens who do not see the importance of voting--not just for President, but for members of Congress, local and state representatives and local school board.
Some people who vote think their job is done. I believe it is just beginning. Maybe, we should hold those public officials accountable for their service by attending meetings, writing letters and emails, and expressing our opinions. Maybe, we should inform ourselves about what our rights and responsibilities are as outlined in the U.S. and state constitutions. You could actually read the constitution, instead of listening to other people tell you what is transgressing it. You could attend the Biblical Constitution Class w/Rick Green at Living Word Church, 22 Victory Lane, New Wilmington at 6:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 4. It’s an eight-week series.
You could pray for our nation, in private and in public. The Faith, Family, Freedom Festival at Irons Mill Farmstead, 252 Greenfield Rd, New Wilmington is a great opportunity to celebrate unity, family bonds and freedom to worship. It will take place from 4-9 p.m. on Sept. 8.
I can understand people’s disillusionment and reluctance to vote, as they have heard reports of irregularities at election time in the past. I look at the situation from three aspects. 1. There are many organizations working to improve the integrity of the election process. 2. We are only responsible for what we do, not for what others do. If we fulfill our responsibility, our conscience is clear. 3. Since mail-in ballots are legal at this point in time, I suggest we fill one out and take it to our county courthouse voter registration office in hopes of eliminating one glitch that could take place on election day. And encourage others to do the same.
This could very well be our last best chance to preserve our freedom and, as the last paragraph of the Gettysburg Address states, “. . . that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Maybe, not getting involved is what got us to where we are today.
Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com
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