At another presidential beginning, on January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address included these two sentences (emphasis mine):
[...] the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. [...] And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.
It’s amazing to me that these basic ideas should be matters of great debate at this very moment, almost 50 years later. And it should be pointed out that, since Kennedy slashed tax rates for the highest earners, his idea of “what you can do for your country” did not include paying high tax rates. He cut the tax rates. Even for the highest earners.
So what does it mean to ask what you can do for your country?
You improve your country most by using your money to start companies, to invest in companies, to hire employees, to buy a product or pay for a service so that others can earn an income. You raise decent children and join clubs and donate time and money to charities you admire. You honor heroes and join the military or the “first responder” groups or you teach someone to read, or to play a sport, or you care for the sick or open a shelter or volunteer at one. You help your neighbors and keep a friendly eye on the safety of your neighborhood. You take pride in doing your job or making your product. You make friends and laugh and sing and walk in the park and leave out birdfeeders.
You improve your country most by taking your “piece” of America and turning it into a garden.
Trackposted to Leaning Straight Up, third world county, Democrat=Socialist, The World According to Carl, and Colorado Sports Desk, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
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