Citizenship is Hard Work

I think the majority of Americans want our country to improve, grow a sustainable economy, get out of debt, and leave our homeland a better place for the next generation. There are many players on this journey toward an optimistic and enjoyable future, and every one of us has a part to play. We each need to figure out exactly what that part is and fulfill those duties.

A duty is an obligation, a commitment to something beyond yourself. A duty can be uncomfortable and difficult. It can require you to spend time on something for others when you would rather spend time on something for yourself.

I remember a time when I was graduating from my MBA program. I had spent five years going to school at night. I was looking forward to having my husband, closest friends, and children attend the graduation ceremony and then go out to lunch. My husband got a call that his parents needed him that same weekend. So, the choice was enjoyment or duty. Duty prevailed. I was disappointed but would always admire his ability to make the right choice.

America is a democracy. For a democracy to succeed, you need advanced citizenship, a duty to advance a purpose. That means we engage in discourse, ask questions, and do our part in the community to strengthen our common institutions — safety, schools, government, non-profits, and environment. It means that we align all our efforts, and everyone is part of the effort. It means we do not rely entirely on what the country will do for us, it means we also know what we need to do for our country.

Advanced citizenship is like other exercises, it takes time, rituals and routines. It takes energy. It may take sacrifices. It has also gotten harder to navigate. We need leaders to help us see the path, to give us time to make personal plans to navigate uncertain times, times of some financial strain, a hope about what that new future will hold. I want our leaders to give us talks like this one from Ronald Reagon about tariffs. Sure, the world could be different since he made his remarks, but they are straightforward and demystify a complex issue which is not part of our daily lives. When the going gets tough, leaders need to help us understand the journey. Advanced citizenship is the only way to build our democracy. Leaders need to help us be our best citizen selves.