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To the Editor:
Americans generally recognize the merits of service and sacrifice. We even pause, from time to time, to commend those who serve and sacrifice daily, especially the military, law enforcement and firefighters. But we have come to view these qualities as something someone else demonstrates, not as something that describes us. We provide a pat on the back, perhaps a parade, and offer a prayer of thanks that there are those willing to do what we will not. It was not always so.
In recent memory, service and sacrifice were essential elements of American character. Nearly every American was called upon to serve or sacrifice during World War II. Children were taught the merits of doing without today in order to reap benefits tomorrow. Now, Americans are characterized by our need for instant gratification, and this attitude has certainly been a major factor in our country’s current economic problems. Without self-discipline and self-denial, there can be no concept of service to others or sacrifice for the greater good.
Compounding the problem is the belief that a national leader asking the American people to sacrifice has become tantamount to admitting failure and is, therefore, viewed as nothing short of political suicide. Examples abound, but a recent one from former Congressman Newt Gingrich claims that “people don’t elect presidents who ask them to sacrifice. They elect presidents who solve problems so they don’t have to sacrifice.” Both we and our national leaders have been complicit in this deceit, which could not be further from the truth. A strong leader knows he can ask for sacrifice because he believes he can articulate the need and count on the people’s support. Likewise, a strong people understand they are part of the solution, and that their service and sacrifice will contribute to a stronger nation.
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No rabbit pulled from a hat will solve today’s many national challenges. Some form of sacrifice is going to be required of all of us. It would be appropriate if our leaders had the strength of character to ask Americans to become part of the solution. It would also be appropriate if Americans saw this as an opportunity to help their nation rather than as a failure of their national leadership. Here is our chance to embrace qualities once viewed as quintessentially “American” and again, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Ted Mouras
Hereford
first svian wrote on Nov 28, 2008 6:53 AM: