Are you a “Let George do it” citizen? Americans seem to fall into two general categories of citizenship: – Those who sense their civic responsibilities and fulfill them. – And the more passive individuals who would rather leave the obligations to someone else. Interestingly though. just about everybody’s a “doer” when it comes to claiming the rights that go with citizenship. In the recent presidential election, nearly 47.5 percent of the citizens of voting age stayed home, content to let “George” do the voting. That seems an inadequate response to the trust the American system places on the citizenry. Thomas Jefferson alluded to that trust when he said: ”1 know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves…” What are the prime obligations of citizenship? Following is a partial, answer, and The Herald invites you to expand on the list: A good citizen owes a strong allegiance to the government and cherishes the rights, privileges and protection inherent in the constitution and the laws of the land – local, state, and federal. He or she fosters Americanism in its highest sense, encourages patriotism, pays a rightful share of the tax burden, and obeys the laws. A good citizen understands the basics of U.S. historymknows the principles and accomplishments that have made the nation great. nsupports the tenets expressed in basic American documents, especially the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. As citizens, we should set an example for youth; teach and practice integrity; develop a strong work ethic; inculcate within our families a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. That obligation might reflect itself in willingness to vote, run for public office if qualified, get involved in public issues, assist the handicapped and underprivileged, and do our part to make the community a better place in which to live. Thevcolonies and hence the founding fathers recognized God as the source of all fundamental rights. lt; therefore seems appropriate for the citizenry to reflect righteousness in local and national policy and in life’s relationships, and seek to prevent spiritual, moral and social decay. As an exercise in citizenship, The Herald suggests that wu add to the above thoughts and fill in the specifics. We’re confident you will agree you have plenty of room for active citizenship involvement…and no need for the “Let George do it” attitude so prevalent in our society,