–A guest editorial by U.S. Army Chaplain Don Zapsic, Jr., (ret.)–
The question of what it means to be a U.S. citizen is a seldom-deliberated topic in the public square. Most Americans become citizens thru no choice or effort of their own. They are simply born into it via the geographic location of their birthplace. Each American is initially assigned a group identity based upon race and gender with a host of other descriptors to follow throughout the course of a lifetime. It is a tribal process designed to divide, conquer, and control large segments of society life for unpatriotic purposes. Relatively few are properly equipped to defend, preserve and promote the institution of citizenship in terms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Ironically, many politically-active Americans enjoy certain rights and privileges without promoting the very freedom that allows them to do so. Others simply fail to recognize the erosion of civil liberties in an age of distraction offering constant entertainment at the expense of lasting prosperity.
Freedom is a fairly relative concept depending upon what a person wants to do. Take Saudi Arabia for example. As a Muslim, I would have total freedom to practice my chosen religion. I am however a Christian and would be hard pressed to find one legal church in the Islamic kingdom. In case you’re wondering, there aren’t any. In a similar vein, exercising one’s right to be active in a political party is not always synonymous with promoting individual liberty. A “good” Democrat or Republican in this regard does not necessarily constitute being a constructive citizen. If adhering to, or promoting a certain political agenda that holds no regard for the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of others, then it is simply tyranny by another name. It is instructive to consider that pre-World War II Germany voted away their freedom under the umbrella of a democratically-held election in favor of Adolph Hitler.
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Addressing the question of what it means to responsibly exercise the rights of citizenship in America exposes a pale sense of freedom among the culturally elite. So what if a baker doesn’t want to put a plastic figure of two grooms or two brides on top of a wedding cake? A constitutionally-informed citizenry doesn’t need a member of the legislative, judicial, or executive branch of government to contradict what common sense and human decency clearly dictate. This is more the fare of the disenfranchised trying to backdoor a cultural agenda on an otherwise-disposed majority. It isn’t really about tolerance and sensitivity at all. It is simply a case of following the money trail to the hand that rocks the cradle of an ever-expanding government all too-often unduly influenced by the highest bidder.
How one views his or her role in a decreasingly free society has a direct bearing on how well Americans will be represented by our elected and un-elected officials in the near and long-term future. It is not enough to merely vote in officeholders. American citizens collectively and at times individually must take action within their spheres of influence regardless of outcome. The mere act of exercising the duties of citizenship expands American know-how and strengthens resolve when better outcomes are to be had. Noble efforts may be clumsy at first, but with time and effort will further cultivate intentionality and skillful engagement. As a retired combat veteran, I am not as concerned with the known enemy across the water as the disengaged citizenry on the home front. I just wish that there was as much passion for contemplating what it means to be a U.S. citizen as there is regarding “who” is entitled to become one.