TDIH: Coolidge's Wisdom
“These do not come from the Government, but from the people themselves.”
On this day in 1923, Coolidge addresses the nation. His words reflect the classic American spirit, but are we failing to teach this attitude of self-reliance to younger generations?
His words are worth reading in full:
“This is not a suggestion that the Government should, or could, assume for the people the inevitable burdens of existence. There is no method by which we can either be relieved of the results of our own folly or be guaranteed a successful life. There is an inescapable personal responsibility for the development of character, of industry, of thrift, and of self-control. These do not come from the Government, but from the people themselves.”
Some food for thought today. What do you think?
The teaching of personal responsibility, moral character and patriotism falls on family first, schools second and society as a whole third. I believe in the last 60 years we have failed in all three categories. With both parents working most of the children are now being raised in day cares with many day care providers that are not emotionally involved in a life and up bringing of a child. Add that with many irresponsible adults having children that simply do not know of home life. Schools have failed in their responsibility for educating and disciplining of children. The policies instituted in many school systems in the last 60 years no longer allowing teachers to keep order in class or expel kids that are unruly. This is a disservice to kids who want to be in school and learn. The mass media that everyone has access to glamorizes and promotes bad behaviors and finally, our government and social system that rewards bad behaviors.
Coolidge was so right we are responsible for our behavior it’s always our choice to do what’s right or wrong ! Today I feel that our government wants to remove that responsibility and that’s wrong . Government never solved anything only created problems!