The Handbook for Americans July 4th certainly is the most patriotic of our national holidays. American Flags, parades on Main Street and bursting fireworks provide a spirit of pride and celebration. It is also a time to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of American citizens. There is always room for our voices to be heard, and perhaps now more than ever, we need to join hands in taking the lead. Hatherleigh Press recently released “The Handbook for Americans” to provide every citizen with an important reference for understanding their country and their rights to participate in shaping its future. “The Handbook for Americans” calls for United States’ citizens to participate fully and without delay and offers 11 ways you can play an active role in building what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called “a greater, a more stable and a more tolerant America.” • Vote. By participating in elections at the local, state and national level, we make our opinions heard. Understand the issues. Learn as much as you can about the candidates. Vote responsibly.
• Use your time meaningfully and wisely. Help out at the local school or nursing home. Organize a neighborhood cleanup. Let’s all do what we can to support each other.
• Stay informed. Read newspapers, magazines, blogs. Talk to your friends, co-workers and neighbors. Go online and read current bills before Congress. An educated American is an empowered citizen.
• Reread our founding documents. The principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and the Bill of Rights are timeless and essential. This country’s founders envisioned a future we are living out today - and we can turn to these documents whenever our democratic institutions and expectations are challenged and need to be reinvigorated.
• Exercise your right to free speech. When we articulately and intelligently state our opinions, popular or not, we truly live up to the hopes and dreams of the Founding Fathers. Freedom of speech is an extraordinary right. • Support American businesses. When we buy products labeled “Made in USA,” we are supporting our economy and creating jobs for our fellow citizens. • Support Americans in need. The Gulf oil disaster, flash floods - whatever the cause may be - our neighbors need us. Help your fellow Americans. Donate your time, services or money to those less fortunate than you.
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• Look to the past for perspective. Our nation’s history is rich with moments when strength and resilience transcended hardship and adversity. Look to the lives of our great leaders, Presidents and citizens for inspiration.
• Teach the next generation. Like anything else, enlightened patriotism comes from education, not ignorance. Teach the children about the special rights and responsibilities we share as Americans, and how they can exercise those rights. • Enjoy and protect America’s natural resources. Conserve, recycle or help clean up a river or plant a tree. Our democracy deserves a home as beautiful as its ideals. • Above all else: Bet on Good. Believe in America. Believe that together we can forge a better future and better ways of doing things. Believe it, and then do it.
July 2010