JUSTICE CLARANCE THOMAS
The following is an excerpt from a lecture by Justice Thomas.
When John Kennedy said in his inaugural address, "Ask not what your country can do for you..ask what you can do for you country," we heard his words with ears that had been conditioned to recieve this message and hearts that did not resist it. We heard it surrounded by fellow citizens who had known lives of sacrifice and hardship from war, the Great Depression and segregation. All around us seemed to ingest and echo his sentiments and his words. Our country and our principles were more important than our individual wants, and by discharging our responsibilities as citizens, neighbors and students we would make our country better. It all made sense.
Today, we live in a far differant enviroment. My generation, the self indulgent
"me" generation, has had a profound effect on much around us. Rarely do we hear a message of sacrifice- unless its a justification for more taxation and transfers of wealth to others. Nor do we hear from leaders or politicians that there is something larger and more important than the government providing for all of our needs and wants...large and small. The message today seems more like: ask not what you can do for yourselves and your country, but what your country must do for you.
As we slip closer and closer to socialism, I worry that my Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren will have the freedoms and opportunities that I have enjoyed.
When John Kennedy said in his inaugural address, "Ask not what your country can do for you..ask what you can do for you country," we heard his words with ears that had been conditioned to recieve this message and hearts that did not resist it. We heard it surrounded by fellow citizens who had known lives of sacrifice and hardship from war, the Great Depression and segregation. All around us seemed to ingest and echo his sentiments and his words. Our country and our principles were more important than our individual wants, and by discharging our responsibilities as citizens, neighbors and students we would make our country better. It all made sense.
Today, we live in a far differant enviroment. My generation, the self indulgent
"me" generation, has had a profound effect on much around us. Rarely do we hear a message of sacrifice- unless its a justification for more taxation and transfers of wealth to others. Nor do we hear from leaders or politicians that there is something larger and more important than the government providing for all of our needs and wants...large and small. The message today seems more like: ask not what you can do for yourselves and your country, but what your country must do for you.
As we slip closer and closer to socialism, I worry that my Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren will have the freedoms and opportunities that I have enjoyed.
posted by Joe and Eileen at 9:01 AM
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