What is an individuals duty to his government? Ask yourself what is your duty to the government? What does the government provide you? As you ask yourself these questions, consider the multitude of political figures that have embarked upon these duties and voiced their opinion in regards to a certain situation. It is our obligation to voice our concerns to the public in order to make changes and follow in the footsteps of leaders like Martian Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, and Patrick Henry.
The fight against segregation was a prolonged battle that affected the lives of millions. African Americans had determination to one day be viewed as equal individuals. Together they united as one to make a change. Audacious leaders such as Martian Luther King spoke out in front of a crowd of thousands of people to address the actions needed for change. King was the leading figure that give his people hope and perseverance to not stop believing for one day change will come. When this day arrives, he stated how they will come together and sing “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, free at last” (King). King fulfilled his obligations towards his people and spoke out against his governments to signify that those of the colored race should not be summoned to life a mistreated life, yet a life granting liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Lincoln). In President Lincoln speech “The Gettysburg Address,” he opened his speech by reminding his audience of the birth of a new nation granting all men equal. This speech was spoken during the time of the Civl War. Being engaged in a war with oneself, Lincoln considered the lives of devoted men who died on their homeland. The purpose for his speech was to remind the people that all men are equal, therefore what is the reasoning as to why we are fighting are fellow citizens. Lincoln assures his people which “under God, shall have anew birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln).
“Give me liberty, or give me death” (Henry) were the words chanted by Patrick Henry as he expressed his feelings regarding British rule over America. Henry felt he was obligated to help gain support from other political leaders to make America an independent nation. Henry had a strong sense of nationalism towards his homeland and therefore wanted to surrender his life due to the governing of a foreign leader. A nations government should rule its people by their own terms and not be guided by bystanders. An individual must respect their government however, people hold the right to express their opinions and concerns and similar to Patrick Henry.
The United States is a land that grants fundamental rights to everyone regarding of race, religion, and gender. The role of the government is to ensure these rights until the end of time and make decisions for the good of its people. Leaders like Martian Luther King, President Lincoln, and Patrick Henry coincide with the nations people and strived to make the world they lived in a just place for everyone. As you ask yourself again, what is you obligations towards the government? Is it voicing your opinion for all to hear? Reminding people that everyone was created equally? Or, addressing concerns with your government?
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