My purpose in posting this introduction (the post above) is threefold:
First, I want to solicit the help of other Freepers in hashing out what is this thing called "citizenship;" to have their input in regard to both the introduction and the sections yet to be developed. I was never good at long papers and books. My attention span is lacking. This Bowe Bergdahl incident has me steamed.
Second, I hope to see subsequent replies point us to sources, both written and spoken, that address the subject succinctly and with eloquence.
Thirdly, and most importantly, I would hope to see any and all who read these things to take them to heart and consider for themselves how important it is to understand and appreciate what we have in the way of civil governance in the United States, if we can keep it. It will not be kept if it is not taught and taught well.
If anyone would care to collaborate with me in drafting a final document for wider distribution, I would be delighted. The subject touches on many things I have yet to be taught.
As always, I wish all Freepers the best and count it a privilege to be in a forum that bats around the weighty matters of freedom with wild abandon, pride, prejudice, and a zot here and there. -FC
Your name Festus?
We might check into local schools to see how much, if at all, they promote and defend citizenship and its true meaning. I don’t remember ever being sat down and told except in the most mundane of forms, what this is all about.
BUMP!
We have a fundamental problem when people do not understand the responsibilities that accompany the freedoms they enjoy (e.g. lack of education).
We have another problem with people who hold beliefs in a religion or culture that supersede the obligations of citizenship (e.g. barbarians).
A third problem we have is with those who do not understand the meaning the word oath (e.g. many politicians).
"Many, if not most, who read these words, were born in the United State of America."
Is this a typo? I would think that those born here who are not made to take the oath have less understanding than those who consciously make a change in their allegiance by immigrating.
Back in the early 60’s I earned BSA Citizenship in the Community and Citizenship in the Nation.
The requirements may give some ideas. Reqs. changed about 2005 and Citizenship in the World was added. (Probably messed things up.)
I would look for the 1952 version.
And I will google around some. If I were do dig in one of my archival ‘areas’ I might find my BSA Manual with them???