The phrase means a lot to us or we wouldn't use it so much. Ponder with me the deep meaning of traditional American values.
Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank spoke to our men's breakfast with those three words as his challenging subject. "My wife and I felt we should intentionally pass on to our children these life-enhancing values. They helped list and discuss them around the dinner table." (A great family project.)
As number 1, the Planks listed: A belief in the sanctity of life. Its foundation is in Exodus 20:13 (#6 in God's, rules for living). The Creator seems to put top value on human life. We may think we agree, assuming that "terrorists" don't. Quick, easy answers can fool us. Terrorist leaders believe in the value of life (their own) or they'd strap bombs to their own bodies to die with their "perceived" foes. Hypocrites. Fakes. Carefully avoiding what they teach others to do.
2. The Plank family listed as of great importance a monogamous family life, with husband and wife leading society's basic unit. Parents serve as both the educational and spiritual heads of the household.
3. Common decency. A whole chapter - or big book - could be written on this one. Let's use our imagination to expand and apply it. We've heard: "The most uncommon thing is common sense." Now substitute "decency" for "sense." Great. (Entertainers/athletes work hard to grab our attention - and $ -) Our "idols" compete in shocking us by their indecency. Who's left to teach decency except caring parents?
4. A good work ethic. The best work is rooted in the rich soil of personal responsibility and accountability, with proper respect for authority.
5. Our Judeo-Christian perspective on life was once the "order of the day." Belief in the reality and sovereignty of God was basic - with a balanced emphasis on, a) God's love, b) His righteousness, and c) His "Judgement Day."
6. Respect for authority. We rejected the "divine right" of kings, and chose the rule of law. Our rules for living - agreed upon by a majority - were to be obeyed and enforced by parents, and at all levels of society. Penalties for disobeying the law were to be meted out with no favoritism.
Just penalties were to fit the severity of the offense. And, the great "Justice delayed is justice denied" idea was introduced. (Think of the billions of dollars that one great idea would save us.)
7. God-centered education. If God equals "ultimate reality," then education (which must have a "center") rightfully revolved around that reality. Our "higher education" system was started by Christian groups. Most are still supported by their founders, though some, admittedly, seem to have "loose" connections now.
8. American society considered 1) the family, 2) civil government and institutions have held us together - and for longer already - than most civilizations in recorded history. (Think on this one and discuss it.)
9. A strong community sense, with more "givers" than "takers."
10. The social responsibility of No. 9 was intentionally taught/promoted.
11. Personal self-control. (a "biggie")
12. Personal accountability. Our strong belief in and commitment to numbers 8-12 helped make our nation truly great. Few excuses were accepted as "good enough." And, the rights of victims were at least equal to those of the violators.
Thanks, Mayor Plank, for your ideas and challenge. What if these 12 "values" do become America's No. 1 "word export?" Fortunately, some of our military personnel seem to work harder at it abroad than we citizens at home. We can change that.
