Author: R. Alan Harrop, Ph.D.
This Independence Day represents the 240th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Historically, many countries founded on democratic principles did not survive this many years. If we want our country to survive for the benefit of our children and grandchildren, we have to recognize and deal with the problems that are a threat to our country’s existence. Abraham Lincoln once said that America would never be destroyed by external enemies but if we are destroyed it would be from within. That statement is increasing self-evident today as we see what is happening in many areas of our country, particular the cities run by extreme leftists, and our schools and universities.
The Founding Fathers were adamant that for America to succeed and endure, the citizens must manifest the values and beliefs essential to a republican form of government. They were referring to traditional Judeo-Christian values. Liberty and freedom were the essential goals of the American Revolution. Freedom, however, is a two-sided coin. True freedom only exists when citizens not only have the ability to succeed by their own efforts and just rewards, but importantly are also allowed to fail if they do not put forth the effort to succeed. America has long been viewed as the “Land of Opportunity,” not the land of government support and welfare. Sadly, many Americans no longer believe that people should be responsible for the just outcomes of their efforts, frugality, and work ethic.
The basic Marxist principle “From each according to his ability, to each according to their need” is the direct opposite of freedom and is increasing being ascribed to by some of our citizens. This has produced ideas such as participation trophies, reparations, guaranteed income for all, and student loan forgiveness. Human nature is not inherently industrious, quite the opposite in many cases. Who would not prefer to inherit a million dollars rather than being born into poverty and having to earn it? Marxism appeals to our flawed human nature, whereas democratic freedom requires citizens to take responsibility for themselves and not depend on others. Behavioral science is clear, if you want responsible hard-working citizens, clear examples of how to behave must be presented and a system of rewards for diligence and self-responsibility has to be in place. This must also include the freedom to fail when the effort is not made.
What is the woke left teaching? They tell children that they are inherently good and worthy of love and success, regardless of their behavior and effort. They even tell them that they can be any gender that they prefer. There are no limits to what they can do or deserve. Also, many of our schools and universities teach that if a person is not successful, especially if they are a member of some minority, then it is because they are a victim of oppression and unfairness, not because of their lack of effort. Victimization is the bedrock of Marxism and justifies hatred for the successful members of society, leading in many cases to revolution. Ironically, they demand free stuff and in so doing destroy the very system that created the goods and services they want.
So as we celebrate Independence Day, let us recommit ourselves to model and teach the essential values of freedom and personal responsibility and reward only those who practice these values. America is the greatest of countries because we have encouraged and rewarded people who are freedom loving, hand working and industrious. This must be continued if America is to exist as we know it. We must fight against the radical left that wants to destroy this country. You can see it in many places. It is time to renew our effort to save our country from the slide towards Marxism.
God Bless America!