I have to admit history was not my favorite subject back in high school. There were too many dates, strange names, exams and boring people for my personal tastes.
???But times change and so does the world we live in.
???I feel as though gaining senior status as an undergrad is like making a list and checking it twice. Last spring, while reviewing my DARS report for any missing general education requirements, I found an unwelcome surprise.
???That sneaky American Pluralism requirement reared its ugly head again, but this time procrastination meant no graduation. Glancing through the available courses I noticed U.S. History was being offered and decided to test my historical tolerance once again.
???So far, the class has been everything I never expected and more. I find myself more interested than ever before about the depth of our nation's history and exactly what it means for the present day.
???Recently we watched an episode of John Adams, the HBO miniseries, in order to provide us with a powerful and formidable historically accurate depiction of the times. One week later, I bought the entire series and since viewing all seven episodes of the show, my emotions have run wild about the birth of these United States.
???It was more than just the well-versed and well-acted history lesson that impressed me. The passion and drive that led to those forever memorable times in the late 18th century makes me realize how far this nation has come, what has changed and what's been sacrificed.
???Most of the trials and tribulations the U.S. is faced with in 2009 are the same our forefathers encountered over 225 years ago. Failing economy, poor foreign relations, war and a struggling central government still plague this country all these years later.
???What have we learned from our great progenitors? There are those that would argue the America we live in today is of an entirely different species than the one in 1776.
???I agree - the United States of America at the beginning was far better than the steadily declining empire of present.
???There was a greater sense of nationalism and a lack of fear in the eyes of our leaders during the Continental Congress. Surely they had their own agendas, I'm not denying that, but they certainly cared for the liberties and freedoms of Americans more than modern administrations.
???These harsh times we have fallen upon should be an awakening to those who are continually taking a passive approach. Many citizens love to complain about our nation's current situation, but then have no problem sitting back and waiting for someone else to step up to the challenge.
???It's time everyone starts taking a more active approach and contributing their fair share towards the future of this country. This is not a nation of a few; it's over 300 million strong.
???Stand up and be a George Washington or a Thomas Jefferson and help secure our posterity and fate by asking what it means to be American.
???Go back to History 101 and relearn why it is we even have a nation to call our own. Remember what our forefathers went through to protect our rights as natural born free men and women.
???What would they think of America today? I feel ashamed and afraid of what daddy would say, but when it comes to making a difference, it's now or never.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
