I came across this on a wooden plaque as I was going through some old boxes of my father’s collections.  I find it to be full of words by which to live, that are incredibly relevant today:

I Am An American

Lloyd E Smith

These duties I share with my fellow citizens:

It is my duty to obey my country’s laws.

It is my duty to vote, so my government may truly represent the will of the people.

It is my duty to keep informed as to the honesty and ability of candidates for public office.

It is my duty, by my vote and my influence, to correct injustice.

It is my duty to pay such taxes as have been devised by representatives elected by me, to defray the cost of government.

It is my duty to serve on juries when called on.

It may sometimes become my duty to hold a public office for which I am suited, so my government may function efficiently.

It is my duty to defend my country, if need should arise.

It is my duty to abide by the will of the majority, to stand behind my government, so my nation may be unified in times of crisis.

These rights and privileges are mine:

I may think as I please.

I may speak or write as I please, so long as I do not interfere with the rights of others.

I have the right to vote.  By my vote I choose the public officers who are really my servants.

I have the right to choose my work, to seek any job for which my experience and ability have fitted me.

I have the right to try to improve my lot through various means.

I have the right to a prompt trial by jury, if I should be accused of a crime.

I may seek justice in the courts where I have equal rights with others.

I have the privilege of sharing in the benefits of many of the natural resources of my country.

I may educate my children in free schools.

I have the right to worship as I think best.

I have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Amen, brother.

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