Cost of Freedom -

Life is about perspective. To understand life, it requires acknowledgement of truths. At times these truths are uncomfortable but very necessary.

Do you think 1,300,000 is a large number? It may seem larger when you use it to show an amount for different things. Imagine if you had that many pennies or dimes. Now replace that with a large bill, let us say 1,300,000 $100 bills. Makes me excited to think about that much money. What if we used 1,300,000 to count something else? Something more valuable than money.

I want you to remember that number as a type of currency. In a few minutes, I will explain what these numbers represent and what we purchased with these.

What is the definition of a citizen? More importantly, what is the definition of a US citizen and the responsibilities that come with that title?

More and more people, specifically natural-born citizens, do not understand or know what is required of them. We have come complacent as a people and need to answer these three questions. What is a citizen? What are my rights as a U.S. citizen? What are my duties and responsibilities contained within?

What must you do to uphold your responsibilities as an American Citizen? Let us discuss these items in further detail. First, we need to define citizen.

Definition of citizen

The state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen.
The character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen: ex: an award for good citizenship.

2. Rights of a Citizen

Freedom to express yourself.
Freedom to worship as you wish.
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
Right to vote in elections for public officials.
Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
Right to run for elected office.
Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and a pursuit of happiness.”
Educate one’s self and continue to have an active role in America’s existence.

3. Responsibilities of a citizen

Serve on a jury when called upon
Defend the country if the need should arise
Pay income and other taxes
Respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws
Participate in the democratic process
Volunteer and participate in your community
Support and defend the constitution

Think about this, according to Charles Crimmons, George Wythe, and Thomas Jefferson constitutional literacy was the responsibility of every citizen and essential to a self-governing society. Without an informed citizenry to safeguard the rights and protections afforded by the Constitution, Wythe and Jefferson doubted the viability of America’s model of self-government.

Remember this number as it is extremely important but more importantly remember it will continue to grow and is something we should never forget. 1,300,000 – These numbers represent the cost of freedom as human casualties. The numbers are lost American lives from our military and combat operations they have participated in. This is the type of currency that is paid. So we may be free and enjoy our rights as U.S. Citizens. Although this type of payment is extreme, it is a reality. Those numbers are according to Military Factory.

Not everyone is made to be a soldier, police officer, or a fire official but there are many other things we, as citizens, can do. Paying Taxes is not enough!!! Excuses are a dime a dozen. Not having time to volunteer in your community is not a valid excuse. What about the soldiers, police officers, and firefighters? What about their time? Certain sacrifices are required to have freedoms and everyone needs to pitch in. Do more in your community. Be involved and take great care to what is happening in and around your neighborhood.

Everything has a price and the rights that we all share are no different. In this particular instance, a citizen is required to give certain things in return for protection and individual rights. You now know and understand the definition of citizen, the rights this title gives you, and finally the responsibilities you must fulfill to be a citizen of these United States.

Please do not take being a citizen lightly. You may have been unaware of any of this and that speaks volumes of our way of life. We are so distracted and at times we often forget the difficult path progress requires. Ignorance and complacency are no longer excuses. Stand up, step up and be an American or leave so a willing person may take you place. Millions of people around the world would love to live in this great nation and at times lose their life trying to get here. Freedom is not free. Please pay the appropriate cost.

If you fail to pay for anything else in life, do you get to keep it? Are you a thief if you have something that was acquired without payment ? Possessing things that people do not earn must end. We need to hold each other accountable and make sure all Americans are putting in their fair share. Let’s make each other better and push each other to be better. I think we all can agree that we love this country and our way of life for which it allows.