![]() ![]() I am worried that many of my fellow Americans have now lost sight of that. Kennedy posed his famous challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.” Our country became great because every generation before us knew that liberty and duty go hand in hand. It’s right there in the closing line of the Declaration of Independence: “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Almost two centuries later, John F. Our country began with a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the collective good. From women’s suffrage to the civil-rights movement, our nonstop efforts at creating a more perfect union are underwritten by the men and women who were willing to give up everything for the United States. From the fields of Gettysburg to the beaches of Normandy, our country’s greatness is steeped in duty. ![]() From the men who left their families at home to fight for independence to the teenagers who shipped over to Europe and the Pacific to fight fascism, our history is defined by sacrifice. John Adams wrote that “it was the Duty of a good Citizen to sacrifice all to his Country.” Or, as the classic film Team America taught us: “Freedom isn’t free.”Įvery generation has heroes who have put the country ahead of themselves. I often think about how many Americans sacrificed to make this country great. It’s up to all of us to recognize that the great privilege we have of being Americans comes with the great responsibility to keep this country No. And even after all that, I’ll be paying down the debt I owe America for the rest of my life. That’s why I traveled to all 50 states as the chair of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports on my own dime, that’s why I accept every invitation to visit our troops, that’s why I’ve invested millions to create a nationwide after-school program, and that’s why I walked away from $30 million movie deals to serve as governor of California for no salary. I feel a responsibility to do everything I can to help this country remain great. I could just keep making more money, but that would be selfish. My success would have been impossible without the principles of the United States and the generosity of Americans. ![]() I often tell people not to call me self-made I prefer to call myself American-made. We need to think beyond our selfish interests. The Constitution aimed to “promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.” It’s right there in our founding document. I am not an academic, but I can tell you that selfishness and dereliction of duty did not make this country great. Instead of tweeting, we could think about what we owe to the patriots who came before us and those who will follow us. I can’t help but wonder how much better off we’d be if Americans took a step back from politics and spent a minute thinking about how lucky we are to call this country home. That’s when I realized we all need a civics lesson. ![]() They feel no duty to protect their fellow citizens. Many people told me that the Constitution gives them rights, but not responsibilities. But I’ve got thick skin stretched over my metal endoskeleton, so I knew I could take it.īut some of the responses really worried me. I anticipated being called a Nazi and a Communist. Honestly, rhinos are beautiful, powerful animals, so I take that as a compliment. I knew I’d be called a RINO, but that doesn’t bother me. But there is nothing that I’m more passionate about than keeping America great, and it’s the only subject that can make me lose my temper.ĭavid Frum: Vaccinated America has had enough I’ll admit, calling people schmucks and saying “Screw your freedom” was a little much, even if I stand by the sentiment. But if you exercise that freedom, you’re a schmuck-because you’re supposed to protect your fellow Americans. Some people are complaining, “Well, my freedom is being kind of disturbed here.” Well, I told them, “Screw your freedom.” You have the freedom to wear no mask. The only way you can prevent it is to get vaccinated, wear masks, and do social distancing. Earlier this week, I delivered a simple message: There is a virus here. ![]()
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