We have a fundamental problem when people do not understand the responsibilities that accompany the freedoms they enjoy (e.g. lack of education).
We have another problem with people who hold beliefs in a religion or culture that supersede the obligations of citizenship (e.g. barbarians).
A third problem we have is with those who do not understand the meaning the word oath (e.g. many politicians).
"Many, if not most, who read these words, were born in the United State of America."
Is this a typo? I would think that those born here who are not made to take the oath have less understanding than those who consciously make a change in their allegiance by immigrating.
Yes, that is a typo. I’ve since edited home document to say “States.” Thank you!
I totally agree that those of us who were born here tend to be less cognizant of our privileges and responsibilities as citizens; that those who seek citizenship legally and are granted the same hold those things in higher esteem.
I would like to respond further that you have laid out some fine notions in your own right, especially as concerns politicians taking oaths.
Our age is not receptive to notions of truth, honor, integrity, and the like. There have been modifications and exceptions to the Oath of Citizenship so that a citizen who might object to the concept of “God” might still be able to vow allegiance in good conscience (!?).
The philosophical and theological implications of citizenship have been discussed in tomes. When dealing with liars and relativists, oaths are as meaningful as a Monet on display in a public sewer.