The Democracy Project

 Being a citizen entails participation. There are those passive participants. They may not fully understand the scope of citizenship. Perhaps they lack the inspiration to comprehend Social Responsibility. In swearing allegiance, we affirm our citizenship. But, it doesn't stop there. Now we must become the Socially Responsible Citizen. I accept my participation in this experiment of Democracy here in America.The question is, do you?

Yesterday, I got to watch the excitement on the faces of over three hundred newly sworn-in citizens as they took their oath and pledged their allegiance to the United States. Afterwards, the Justices presiding the ceremony gave a speech applauding their new citizenship. Allusions were made to the Forefathers of the nation and the principles that they founded the country on, namely, Freedom. Also, the cultural diversity of America was highlighted as a "melting pot", being as the audience were from 69 different countries, the diversity of the audience was hailed as a prime example of America. Overall, the experience was very enlightening, as I got to witness first-hand the naturalization process that all new citizens must undergo.

My participation in the American Democracy Project civics group has opened and continues to open my views towards the democratic process. Whether it is attending a Naturalization ceremony, participating in the vote, registering others to vote, letting my congressman or congresswoman know how i feel on different issues, or even simply sharing my ideas on any given subject. I have learned that active participation is crucial. That active participation is not only crucial to the future success of democracy, it is also pivotal in the future success of the world. We must strive to become aware of the ways which we may affect the direction of the world. This is our Global, Social Responsibility as citizens. Not only are we citizens of this democratic experiment we call the United States, we are citizens of the world.

Pledge for peace, Pledge for change. Pledge for positive, peaceful change. Welcome change with open arms, for it is inevitable. Change is a constant motion. Whether it is for peace or whether it is for power. The change is coming. It could be this very hour. For we are the ones we have waited for. We have this Power. TO CHANGE. That is power. Will all accept this? We are the prosecutors persecuting the prosecution. The Resistance to this change is power. Standing People Power. Will you stand for those pledges which you have principled? Will you fall for those unprincipled pledges? A pledge is a pledge is a pledge, for justice or naught. "Ask not what your country can do for you, But, What can you do for your country." - JFK