by Mekelle Tenney
Looking back on 2015 I think it’s safe to say that America has some areas of improvement. The year was marked with riots in Ferguson and Baltimore, the redefining of marriage, terrorist attacks, and the awarding of “the woman of the year” to a man. Yes, it is safe to say America has room for improvement. Most Americans will agree that America is in need of some change. What most American’s do not realize is that change doesn’t come from the government, change comes from the people. All of the great things that happened in America happened because of the people. They were dedicated, passionate, and willing to do what was necessary. That same dedication and passion in required of the American people in 2016. If you are willing to make the effort try setting some of these personal goals to help our nation get back on track.
Vote
The time it takes to vote will vary depending on location. For some people voting will take around 15 minutes. For others it could take up to 2 hours. Surprisingly thousands of Americans will not vote in the upcoming elections because they do not have the time. If Americans cannot invest 2 hours of their time for their freedom then it is safe to say we no longer deserve to be free. Ideally we would invest a little more time than what it takes to go to the local polling center to vote. Hopefully American’s will take the time to become informed on the issues and candidates. Yes, it will take time but participating in the democratic process is one of the most effective methods of change. So make the goal to become informed about the upcoming elections both locally and nationally.
Read
Shortly after getting married my husband and I started our personal library. We began acquiring books, mainly from thrift stores. Our library has slowly grown to the point that we almost don’t have room for it in our small apartment. The other day we were visiting with friends and one asked “what are you going to do with all those books?” Clearly America needs to become reacquainted with reading. Reading encourages thinking, exploring thought, ideas, and questioning. A free people have to be able to think for themselves. It is no coincidence that books are one of the first things dictators destroy.
Learn History
Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. When you are picking the next book you want to read consider making it a history book. History is a great glimpse into the future. It is also a great way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for our freedom.
Invest in your family
The strength of any society is in its families. A parent’s influence on their children is irreplaceable. Children learn valuable lessons from their parents. America’s future depends on its parents. Dad, Mom, your job is to teach your kids about being honest, responsible, trustworthy, hardworking, dependable, kind, compassionate. Your kid’s character depends on the time you invest in them.
America’s problems cannot be pinned on any one issue. However many of them can be resolved if the American people are willing to take responsibility for their freedom. These four goals are simple, but they are a start. The change in America has start with ourselves and our families. Change from anywhere else would only be detrimental to our freedom.