Constitution Day at Fresno State was inspiring and sobering.
The panel–amazing! Juan Arambula, Justice Rosendo Pena, Esmeralda Soria, Lorenzo Rios, Ismail Ali. Gratitude, commitment, responsibility…all were key themes as they expressed their views about being an American citizen.
Jefferson said “I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome direction, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.”
Did you know only 1% of our citizens now serve in the military? Their commitment–defend against all enemies foreign and domestic. What is a domestic enemy? Apathy, greed, ignorance, single interests embodied in people who have forgotten the responsibilities of citizenship.
“The Constitution is the best hope for freedom for the individual and democracy as an approach to governance.”
The call to action–teach students the why and how of engaged citizenship. Be a role model.