Here at Hillsdale, we receive an education for mental development and career preparation. Yet we often forget that we are also educated as U.S. citizens and that, as citizens, are obliged to use our education to act for the betterment and support of our nation. Being a citizen is foremost about action. Intellectual knowledge is simply not enough.
We can start giving back by loving and serving our community at home, in other states, overseas — not just at Hillsdale. Technology continually expands our community. Let’s take advantage of that. Every day we spark intellectual discussions here at Hillsdale. Yet patriotism and respect for human life calls us to help the world as well as our immediate community. From small towns to Washington D.C., our everyday decisions influence people.
Our campus is replete with intellectualism and groups who better the world. We have political clubs, an annual 9/11 memorial service, and more. We must spread this beyond Hillsdale. Not just after graduation, but here and now.
There is no doubt that patriotism and intellectualism run rampant on this campus. Though some act on these political and philosophical discussions, there is more talk than action. You may say: Of course, that’s what college is for, preparing the mind to be in the world.
Did you forget how the Hillsdale boys volunteered for the Union Army in the Civil War? Those boys gave their lives to defend liberty, justice, and loved ones. They were your age. They were not content merely to learn and gain knowledge or even to love their country. They acted on their beliefs, which were founded on reason and love.
If they could give their lives, why can’t we give something back to our country? The prosperity and protection provided by our military men and women is essential to our liberty. We cannot wait four years to act on our education; we must act now.
For some, military service will be their action — fighting in the War on Terror. For others, it may be simply choosing to vote in November. Many people gave up because of political party bickering or distaste for the American political scene. Don’t give up on the U.S., even its politics. Politics in this republic is dependent on the people. Prove to the government and to other nations that our people care enough about liberty to defend it in whatever way possible.
The faculty, staff, and students need to emphasize in academics and social life the responsibility of voting and the need to reach out through activist groups. We need to communicate our ideas outside of Hillsdale. Professors and staff should encourage students to spread their ideas.
Maybe you don’t have time to join an activist group, but I bet the majority of you use Facebook and other social media at least once per day. Post about the need for prayer for the Iraqi crisis or any conflict to which you feel a close connection. Social media takes ideas and inspirations miles away from our Hillsdale world. Take advantage of that. Apply those philosophical discussions. What can you do today with what you’ve learned? The time for contemplation has passed. It’s time to act.
