Democracy Discussion
The idea of a democracy (more precisely a representative republic) has affected my family for generations. My father’s father was a factory worker during World War II and was almost drafted but because he had two children he was permitted to stay and work in a factory 16 hours per day to support the war effort. He had always told my dad that even though he did not go off to war, he felt that he was making a contribution to keeping us free by working so hard to provide tanks and supplies to our troops.
My dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968, during the Vietnam conflict. He served aboard the U.S.S. Whitehall in the Pacific during the Vietnam War. My dad has always instilled in us a sense of appreciation for the rights we have as citizens in America and the times when we must make sacrifices in order to keep those rights. According to my dad, “America is the only place on the face of the earth that still provides ample opportunity for people to make their dreams a reality.” I believe this is true, that while not perfect, our country is still the land of opportunity. Why else would so many people from other countries want to come here? I believe that this is true because our system of government and our constitution provides the rights and the justice system that make people prosper. We must always, at minimum, vote and take an active role in letting our voices be heard by our senators and congressmen in order to preserve these rights.