To be patriot, one must be wellinformed
Are you an American-loving patriot? Our country needs all of us to be patriots. In order to do our duty as citizen patriots we must first of all be well-informed. We’re fortunate that this is not a difficult task now because we have multiple sources readily available both electronic information and newspapers.
Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Ronald Reagan all expressed the dangers of an un-informed citizenry. Ronald Reagan: “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility if every American to be informed.”
In addition to listening and reading, we must keep in mind, as parents know, that there are at least two sides to every issue. We must be open to other information that is not part of our favorite and usual sources. We cannot rely on one source as evidenced by the foreign corruption of the internet and social media. Having open-minded discussions will also help us see various points of view.
Being well-informed means knowing and understanding and enjoying our rights with wisdom and an analytical mind. Thomas Jefferson warned us to not be lazy citizens because “lethargy [is] the forerunner of death to the public liberty.” Being well-informed does take effort. He also admonished us to watch and be constantly vigilant to keep our government to its original principles and philosophies as presented in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution with its Bill of Rights. When was the last time you read these documents?
So we patriots don’t have a choice. Our first duty is to be well-informed; we must study, analyze information, and test for truth. As we become well-informed we will be anxious and ready to meet our duties and obligations as citizens as enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
Kudos to the students, teachers, and parents of Stoneman High School who are actively and successfully applying the principles and rights of patriotic Americans. They are well-informed on the issues and articulate as they demonstrate civic responsibility. These are truly inspiring patriots.
SUE URIBE
Yuma