COLUMN: It is our turn to lead
One more school year is drawing to a close. Finals are just around the corner, and then, summer. Hopefully, we can remember the lessons learned in this school year and apply them in our lives.
As I have had the opportunity to study our government and the problems facing our nation, I have come to have a greater appreciation for the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. I am slowly coming to realize that they had a deep understanding of our world, government and human nature. I am also slowly coming to the realization that many of the present problems facing our nation can be found by studying, understanding and applying what they have taught.
We are very fortunate to live in this great nation. America and the freedom we enjoy did not come about by accident. Our nation is the result of the vision, dedication and sacrifice of those who laid its foundation. The freedom we have today came with a price. Freedom is not free. It requires a great deal of diligent effort to maintain. Once lost, it is very difficult to regain.
Today, just as in the days of the American revolution, there are those who would deprive us of our freedom. There are also those that would lull us into security, making us believe they will take care of us, if we will surrender our freedoms to them. We cannot allow ourselves to be overcome by their lies. We must be willing to rise up, defend our freedom and take care of ourselves and others.
When we look at the challenges facing our nation, we may feel we have reasons for fear. However, we cannot let fear overcome us. Each of us has the power to rise up, take a stand, and make a difference in the world around us. We each carry the seeds of greatness within us.
Our nation, as well as the world, is in need of dedicated leaders who will take a stand for truth, despite the consequences. Each of us can be a leader to those around us. Each of us has the power to influence others for good.
We all have the chance to create a greater, brighter future for ourselves and our posterity. This is a crucial time in our history. Much depends on us and our efforts. However, we have the capacity to create the future we desire. We can leave a legacy for those who will follow. We can keep the torch of freedom alive.
It is my hope that we can all have a greater appreciation for this nation and the principles upon which it was founded. The founders understood that they were laying the groundwork for a nation that would benefit their posterity, as well as all of mankind. It now falls upon us to make that vision a reality. It is up to us to hold that flame of freedom high for all to see. We owe this to our fathers and children, as well as our brothers and sisters throughout the world.
Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Comments can be sent to c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.edu. Good luck with finals, and have a great summer.