GOOD COMMUNITY HEALTH = OUR GOOD HEALTH

In 2026, we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America and the Declaration of Independence. Those who study early colonial history know, that public discourse (open public discussions and debates) is where we originally developed, refined, and compiled the fundamental principles of American Liberty that we enjoy today. The best of the best ideas that came out of thousands of townhall meetings across the Colonies is what made it into the Declaration and Constitution. Public Discourse is required for American Liberty, Individual Rights, and Good Government to flourish. Our liberty dies with the lack of it.

OPEN PUBLIC DIALOGUE on important issues of the day with the larger public community is required for stability and growth. Bad ideas need to be openly challenged, good ideas openly promoted. Consider it an immune defense system that must take place for the ultimate health and safety of the entire public community. It allows others to practice respect, tolerance, and gives all an opportunity to hear, learn, and grow. A Good Community takes effort. When times of trouble come - and it will come - your life will depend on the quality and strength of your community. No man is an island.

Similar to the concept of controlled immigration. Dedicated time and resources are required to absorb all new people into a community in teaching them how to be a good and productive citizen. An over amount of criminal, de-based, and un-American values (respect for others life, liberty, property) will corrode your community from within and have a direct personal, physical, and economic impact on your life and the lives of your family. 

Another factor to consider, as crime-ridden areas implode economically and socially, people will move away. Where will they move to? Yes, meet your new neighbor. Your new neighbor brings a lot of baggage with them including the views that led to their former local community imploding in the first place. Unless addressed and corrected, these ideas will take root, and spread.

At the core of these 'American' values we often talk about are the General Principles of Christianity: We are all created equal by God. We have the God-given Right to Life, Liberty, and Property - principles that come from the Bible. Do no steal, do not murder, do not desire/seek to take/lust after your neighbor's wife, property - the 10 Commandments. And just as Jesus (Y'shua) states in the Gospels, all the laws of God can be summarized into two points: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and Love Your Neighbor as Yourself (as you would want to be treated). This being the central purpose of the Bible: to show us the way to live in right relationship with God and our fellow man.

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (Congress) was also a history professor. He probably said it better than anyone: (paraphrasing) Every generation we receive two types of immigrants - those born to us, and those who migrate to the U.S.  Both need to learn what it means to be an American.

Those who work with prisons understand the mission of reforming the criminal before they return to the community. They also understand that many prisoners are learning how to be a civilized American for the first time. They never learned it growing up.

In conclusion, let us not bury our heads in the sand, ignore what may make us scared to understand or deal with, but engage boldly and bravely just like those who honorably serve in the military, in law enforcement, and public service - in order to maintain the peace and freedom for all Americans.

- Citizen Dave

www.CitizenDave.org/civilwar