Of all the questions posed at the Presidential Debate last night, one shone above the rest. Emailed from a lady in her 70’s, she noted that since WWII, we as individuals have not been asked to sacrifice anything but the blood of our sons and daughters. As President, she asked, what would you require citizens to give up for the good of the Country.
Such an amazing question – sadly, the answers did not rise to the occasion. I can’t say I blame them. Who wants to be the candidate to say they will make Americans – of all people – sacrifice for the good of their – GASP! – neighbors!
Yet it may be the only answer worthy of breath …
With the economic crisis of today being compared to the great depression, I can’t help but wonder if we have character enough to rise above. We’ve lived a lifetime getting what we want, when we want it. But if you look back to those who walked this road before, the road to recovery required each person doing his or her part – everyone, not just the government. They didn’t charge more – they didn’t have that luxury. If they couldn’t afford it, they went without. They learned to share, to cut back where they could, to be ingenious at making a living. When it came time to ration, they rationed – and they did it for the good of the nation.
Do we have it in us to do the same? The question demands an answer not only from the future president, but you and me as well.
As a citizen of the United States of America, what are you willing to sacrifice for the good of our country?