Apathy & Ignorance     by Rod Miller Apathetic citizens neglect civic responsibility -- to their own peril. They simply take the good life for granted and make excuses for their unwillingness to perform the duties of citizenship ... like INFORMED voting. A society achieves long term success when informed, individual citizen members communicate their ideas to government: They heed the lessons of history and fight to preserve successful historic values. They examine issues closely and impartially. They become informed voters and reject the 'what's in it for me' mentality and vote in every election for the common good. They vote for what they perceive is best for the whole of society. They recall the Founding Father's admonishment to "promote the general welfare" as opposed to the increasingly popular "PROVIDE the general welfare". They remember that promises of politicians are geared to saying what is necessary to get elected -- the main goal of every politician. They understand that the power-hungry thrive on empty promises and read 'between the lines' to seek the truth. George Bernard Shaw once said, "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul." The shadow of ignorance lengthens as apathy increases. History repeatedly shows that ignorance leads to the loss of rights and freedoms. "There are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by the gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpation." - James Madison Can there be any doubt our forefathers knew their history? Over two hundred and thirty years ago they labored to protect us from the dangers of too much government. Those brilliant young men gave us the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Unparalleled freedom for individuals became reality...and our birthright! It is our collective duty to honor those who have gone before us and preserve the blessings of liberty for those who follow. We can do that with intelligent informed voting -- in every election! Apparently the truths in the Declaration of Independence aren't so self-evident according to Ben Feller of the Associated Press. Recently, advanced-placement students were asked to name some inalienable rights. Silence. Given the hint, "Among these are life"......the response, "Death?" one student said . So much for liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Recent articles and studies reveal a severe lack of knowledge about American History and Civics. About one third of fourth, eighth and 12th grade students do not show a basic understanding of civics. The same was true for fourth and eighth graders in U.S. History in 2001: high school seniors performed worse with nearly SIX in TEN below "Basic" meaning they lack even partial mastery of fundamental ideas*. "The challenge for teachers is .... to keep students from becoming alarmingly disengaged."** There is a gap in the education system in the United States. Future generations are demonstrating that a continuing deepening of ignorance and apathy is in process. This must stop! Forty percent of America's citizens voted in their 2000 national election whereas Canada turned out 74% in theirs. A vital part of freedom is voting. Underlying that spirit is a basic understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Knowledge of the U.S. Constitution walks hand in hand with the American Free Enterprise Economic System. According to Christine Dugas of USA Today, middle class families can no longer afford to live on two incomes.*** Just a generation ago, a middle class family lived on the income of a single breadwinner. Now, housing, health care, college savings and growing debt loads threatening the American 'way of life'. Personal bankruptcy is at an all time high with some 92% of 1.6 Million filers deemed 'middle class'. Basic economics and family values seem ignored in our daily lives. Ultimately, the 'something for nothing' mentality, 'instant gratification, and the selfish 'taking care of number one' can lead to no good ending. Once again: A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. - George Bernard Shaw The obvious conclusion is that a general malaise grips the citizenry. Personal research reveals a disdain for politics and government. There is frustration and a sense of helplessness about losing control over our lives. Some even say they don't care anymore. "A nation of well informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins." - Benjamin Franklin Fear of government is a reality In America and growing and for good reason. Largely in response to fighting the War on Terror, seemingly innocent 'rights' are disappearing at a faster pace than ever before yielding to legislation intended to 'protect' us. "There are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by the gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpation." - James Madison Much of the enforcement reality seems to be 'politically correct' when it needs to be focused on the 'bad guys'. Today's reality is akin to the teacher who punishes the entire class rather than putting forth the effort to find the perpetrator. Americans need to revisit American History so the prevailing image of every citizen qualifying for Jay Leno's Jaywalking interviews is in reality untrue. The duties of citizenship need to become more a part of our lives. If you think education is expensive, try ignorance. - Derek Bok This Foundation seeks to educate all citizens about their duties and to accept their Civic Responsibilities. Contact 'centers of influence'. Centers of Influence are those who help formulate public opinion such as Matt Drudge, Rush Limbaugh, politicians, network talk shows, newspapers and magazines and TV. Famous quotations from earlier times have echoed throughout America. These capsules of historical experience tell us about the commitment it took to win our rights and freedoms -- and what must ensue to maintain freedom. The essays on this site chronicle the wisdom handed down through the years. As in any business the product or service must be sold first. Our advertising and marketing choice is a highly visible patriotic motorcoach. Moving throughout America, it will serve as a symbol of freedom to children. A motorcoach is a new experience for most kids... much like the memorable first ride on a train or merry-go-round. It can become an icon! The Foundation has done sufficient 'test marketing' to justify our programs. We believe that an impressive star-spangled motorcoach is one way to call attention to this web site. Our messages about the history of freedom and prosperity is necessary, especially for the youth of America! We propose to visit schools, libraries and organizations throughout America to promote American History. The Spirit of Freedom is the courage it takes to fear no evil. * National Education Association, 1998, 2001 **Ben Feller of The Associated Press, Article of July 3, 2003 ***Christine Dugas, USATODAY, September 15, 2003