Ask not what your country can do for you, Ask what you can do for your country?
In President John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address, he provided what is quite possibly one of his most famous quotes:
"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what can you do for your country."
This was followed up by,
"My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
Exactly 44 years after Kennedy's Inaugural address, it might be worthwhile to revisit the implications of this statement. Can it be said that it is quite the liberal glorification that we are often led to believe that it is? Perhaps not.
How might one, for example, define country? It is at once a motherland, a nation with its own government, a national population, a rural land, and/or a territory possessing its own language, people, and culture... among other things.
A general question arises in this context:
What makes us good citizens? It is hard to answer that question because every person can think about different definition of a good citizen. Many can call themselves good citizens just because they work, pay taxes and obey law. But is it enough? Not for everyone. Good citizens do not serve their own interest but rather understand that their deeds affect the world around them. They serve their families, friends and others in need without prejudice and selfishness. They care about the condition of their community, country and the world. For me actions of a good citizen include protection of the country, education and community service.All citizens should in same ways help to protect the country they are living in. Be ready at any moment to gave up their lives to protect the land where their ancestors lived and where future generations will come into being.But it does not have to be a military protection, but also protection from violence, robbery and other types of crime. Be ready to help the police to stop criminals, and create save environment for young people.Education is
"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what can you do for your country."
This was followed up by,
"My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
Exactly 44 years after Kennedy's Inaugural address, it might be worthwhile to revisit the implications of this statement. Can it be said that it is quite the liberal glorification that we are often led to believe that it is? Perhaps not.
How might one, for example, define country? It is at once a motherland, a nation with its own government, a national population, a rural land, and/or a territory possessing its own language, people, and culture... among other things.
A general question arises in this context:
What makes us good citizens? It is hard to answer that question because every person can think about different definition of a good citizen. Many can call themselves good citizens just because they work, pay taxes and obey law. But is it enough? Not for everyone. Good citizens do not serve their own interest but rather understand that their deeds affect the world around them. They serve their families, friends and others in need without prejudice and selfishness. They care about the condition of their community, country and the world. For me actions of a good citizen include protection of the country, education and community service.All citizens should in same ways help to protect the country they are living in. Be ready at any moment to gave up their lives to protect the land where their ancestors lived and where future generations will come into being.But it does not have to be a military protection, but also protection from violence, robbery and other types of crime. Be ready to help the police to stop criminals, and create save environment for young people.Education is