The political and institutional tensions that our country is experiencing threaten the constitutional democratic state. Leaving this risk to the control of the political class reflects citizen complicity in the instability of the state, which can only be interpreted as a combination of political defeatism and civic indifference. Measuring the value of citizenship in democratic action requires an understanding of what it means to be a citizen.
A recent book by Richard Haass, entitled The Bill of Obligations, challenges us to assess our quality as citizens through the ten habits that make up the values and obligations of a good citizen. Let’s look briefly at these habits: 1, be informed; 2, to get involved in the affairs of the nation; 3, be open to compromise; 4, remain civilized; 5, reject violence; 6, rule value; 7, to promote the common good; 8, respect the service provided by the state; 9, support civic education classes and 10, always put the country first. Ten daily actions that become civic custom and that build an efficient and effective democracy through the actions of citizens dedicated to country and society.
Haass specifically calls attention: “The Bill of Rights is at the heart of our Constitution; however, our most difficult conflicts often stem from opposing views of what our rights should be. The lesson is clear: rights alone cannot provide the foundation for a functioning democracy and sustainable civic participation. The solution requires placing obligations on the same level as rights”. This fair balance between rights and obligations creates the necessary conditions for productive dialogues and democratic consensus, which only a civilized citizenry can achieve. The search for the common good cannot and must not be prevented by indifference, apathy and selfishness, much less by anger, divisions and violence.
Citizenship is a continuous learning process, it is an individual responsibility and a collective obligation. Haass places special emphasis on the necessary civic education at all levels of the education system, but extends this obligation to families, communities and their leaders: political parties, religious groups, the business sector, the media and journalists. Citizens who know and understand their role before the state can oppose misinformation, demand quality information based on truth and transparency; and provoke an exchange of opinions that encourage public debate, because democracy is a living experience of political citizenship.
Our commitment is clear: put the country first before a political party or person; Only if we think as a nation, we protect ourselves from polarization and civil conflicts, because the disintegration of society is the main threat to democracy and peace. “We have the government and country we deserve. However, building the country we need depends on us,” emphasizes Haass. (OR)
Source: Eluniverso
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
