PAI has chosen as an overall theme for 2007 the topic of American citizenship. In keeping with this focus, we would like to present our thoughts and introduce a comprehensive study about this most critical aspect of our freedom.
Project Citizenship will include:
- A published work, The Citizenship Declaration, on citizenship currently being published as of August 2007.
- An online database, organizing all of our findings by topic.
- A conference in fall 2007 involving key national figures to discuss the impact of these ideas through today and tomorrow.
We at PAI are concerned that the modern sense of citizenship has become distorted. Historical events compounded with the contemporary perception of the American Experience as we know it have transformed our Fathers’ definition of citizenship from pride, responsibility, and duty into indifference, dependence, and an unwillingness to engage. We have chosen to forget the truths which we promised we never would: that our lives and very freedoms have been bought and paid for in the sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears of our heroes. We dare not dishonor their yesterdays or carelessly forfeit what they have earned by failing to actively engage in the American system they have preserved. Coupled with this obligation comes an inherent moral responsibility, birthed in the cradle of natural law, to wholeheartedly advance the virtues of freedom and liberty.
Thus we must continue to focus on these ideals on which we depend and for which we are lauded. We recognize that the greater rights and privileges we enjoy require similarly greater effort to preserve, protect, and defend. We eagerly embrace the importance of passing the gift of republican democracy and advanced citizenship to the next generation, just as it was once entrusted to us. We ever remind ourselves how precious our American citizenship is, and we further remind ourselves of the responsibility and duty we must continue to bear in maintaining and perfecting the social contract on which our democratic republic is founded.
"No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." Edmund Burke, 1729-1797
Individual Characteristics of a U.S. Citizen
- Embraces his guaranteed rights afforded under the tenets of natural law and American liberty.
- Upholds the values of America's founders and their concept of citizenship, particularly their civic duty to God, country, and community.
- Understands his additional privileges of residence in the United States and comprehends the distinction between rights and privileges.
- Seeks at all times to actively participate in his system of government and to responsibly assume his duties toward the function and success of his nation.
- Eagerly pursues knowledge and awareness of current affairs; actively promotes civil discourse and discussion regarding the state of his community and world.
- Recognizes the lessons of history and their significance both today and tomorrow.
- Watches and protects against both the subversion of his government and the loss of his personal freedoms.
- Realizes the necessity of occasional, temporary concessions of personal privileges in the interest of national security.
- Understands the general structure and process of the workings of his government.
- Strives to learn and adopt the customs and conventions of American civilization, including the English language.
- Takes great pride in the United States, its central role in the international community, and the advancement of freedom and democracy worldwide.
The Citizenship Declaration Includes
- Previous examples of other societies' citizenship responsibilities from past eras.
- Voting rights and responsibilities.
- Duties expected and required of American citizens.
- Importance of instilling citizenship values in America's young people.
The Citizenship Declaration has been finished and is currently being published. Coming soon will be instructions on how to order your own copy. For more info please send an Email to info@paxamerica.org.