America Is Not Easy

Do you remember Michael Douglas’ line from the film, “The American President”?  “America is not easy.”  It was a marvelous message that recognized that while America has serious problems that require serious thought and response, Americans also have remarkable blessings  that include the rule of law, political and religious freedom, economic free enterprise, a representative democracy, and a system of public education.  


This is a hard time for many Americans.  Our economy has struggled.  Jobs and homes have been lost and while signs of improvement are present, many of our neighbors are coping with the stress and anxiety that accompanies the economic downturn. 


What our problems and difficulties tell us about our country is not that we are "evil" as our enemies proclaim, or that our government is intractable as many of us feel, but rather that  freedom "is not easy.”  Other forms of government – monarchies, theocracies, dictatorships and other forms of totalitarian governments, may make life simpler for citizens.  When you have fewer choices, there are fewer decisions to make.  


We have read that many older Chinese are now longing for the simpler days of Mao Tse Tung, lamenting the current government’s fascination with capitalism and the stresses and anxieties, and inequities in income and wealth that come with it.  Life under these governments may be simpler, and in this sense easier, but we know it is not better!


Whether you were born in America or immigrated here, you are part of an on-going, remarkable, social experience in human freedom.  Like us or not, many people around the world want the freedom that we enjoy; our way of life and standard of living; the economic opportunity that has always been an American hallmark; the rule of law that provides unparalleled protection and justice; freedom to live according to our political and religious beliefs; representation in government; an egalitarian social ethic; and, a system of public schools which provide all children with the means to determine their own destinies.  


As wonderful as America is, it "is not easy."  America is not an unlimited "bank account" from which we can make unlimited withdrawals.  America requires every citizen, every day, to sacrifice, invest, and make deposits to protect and preserve our freedoms, our way of life, and our nation. 


The men and women of our armed forces are the most obvious examples of citizens who are making the required sacrifices for America.  Our police, fire fighters, and medical personnel are making investments too.  Many  citizens, from all walks-of-life, are making daily deposits in our country.  
 
The French philosopher Voltaire observed that where you have one of something, you have tyranny; where you have two, you have war; but where there are many, you have freedom.  His observation about religion can be generalized to every facet of our diversity.  Where you have many political beliefs, you have freedom.   Where you have many ethnicities, you have freedom.  "Many" is characteristically American.  "Many" also makes life more complex, and it takes the sacrifice, investment, and deposits of all citizens to protect and preserve this remarkable cultural experience that we have in America.


In a significant way, public school educators also invest in the future of our country.  Every day we see America in our hallways and classrooms - children from families of diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, language, color, religion, political affiliation, social and economic standing, personality, and hopes and dreams.  America's public school educators have helped our nation face and remedy its historical challenges, and there is no doubt that they will help our nation define its future, protecting and preserving our American way of life.