Many today treat the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution as little more than tickets that allow them to lay claim to their individual rights—and they are not ashamed to demand those rights from the highest rooftops. The notions of giving back and feeling a collective sense of responsibility are foreign. Misplaced pride and selfishness are the rule. One wonders how long our nation will continue to prosper when getting—and not giving—dominates our contemporary culture.
The time is now for us to flip the coin back—from the side of rights to the side of responsibility—if we are to fulfill our country’s greatest aspirations. Let’s encourage each other this Fourth of July to regain that sense of responsibility and duty to one another and to God, as was the case with Washington, Adams and others. Let’s talk about it at our weekend barbeques and family gatherings.
It is worthwhile to ponder the wise observations of Samuel Adams this 4th of July:
We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.
On this 232nd anniversary of our independence, let’s reaffirm our desire to be a “religious and moral people.”
That’s our ultimate responsibility.
Bill Bunkley is host of “Drive Time with Bill Bunkley” heard throughout West Central Florida weekday afternoons on AM 570 & 910 WTBN Tampa Bay and on the web at www.bayword.com. Bill is active in the state’s issues in Tallahassee and is the Legislative & Government Affairs Consultant to the Florida Baptist Convention. Contact Bill at wbunkley@salemtampa.com.