First Round Excerpts From 1998-99 Essay Contest
The Role Of Personal Responsibility In Balancing
Individual Liberty And The Common Good
Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
1st
Molly McGlone
2nd Robert Fletcher
3rd Michelle
Hardin
Balance
"We as a nation have gone to great lengths to protect individuality, but we have
also taken steps to insure the community welfare. Our founding fathers' emphasis on
individual liberty does not mean that the protection of the community was overlooked. They
knew that we as individuals would be able to balance the two."
Amber Conroy, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"I believe that the government has the right to intervene in some of our affairs,
but only to a certain degree. Some issues the government needs to help regulate, but
others should be left up to the individual. The individual has to take personal
responsibility in balancing individual liberty and the common good."
David Cassini, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Personal responsibility needs to be balanced with government regulations."
Diana Ruiz, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Founding Fathers
"Did our founding fathers 'put greater emphasis on the protection of the community
over individual liberty'? No, they did not. Put simply, our constitution states that each
person has the right to pursue happiness until he reaches the point where he violates
someone else's right to do the same. The constitution says very little pertaining to the
protection and rights of the community as a whole. In fact, the only area where rights are
discussed is in the Bill of Rights, which insures the people's rights to freedom of
expression and freedom from tyrannical acts by the government. It was created to be quite
'skeletal' so that the states might fill in the areas where laws were needed as their
population called for them."
Robert T. Fletcher ,Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Our forefathers were looking toward communities to build a strong and prosperous
land rather than worrying about their rights to assemble. Now as we are quickly
approaching the turn of the century when we are facing very large problems, we should look
back to our forefathers and bring back the idea of community, where individuals contribute
to their communities to make them stronger. This makes the states stronger, which makes
our country a stronger unit. We need to depend more on each other than on the court
system."
Michelle Hardin, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"If the founding fathers had known about these problems when they wrote the
Constitution, they still would not have 'put greater emphasis on the protection of the
community over individual liberty' as Schoenbrun says. America would not be a free country
if they had taken away our rights before we abused them. Everyone deserves a first change.
It is our responsibility to respect that right."
Jennifer Lucas, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"The founding fathers put greater emphasis on the protection of personal liberties
rather than the community. They had to do it that way, because America was just a
baby."
David Cassini, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"As Schoenbrun points out, the founders of our nation 'put greater emphasis on the
protection of the community over individual liberty.' I maintain that not only is this
true, but it is an essential part of our heritage. Our Founding Fathers had just come away
from a tyrannous monarch who had stripped the colonists of their religious freedom. This
blatant disregard for community protection is one thing that would not overshadow the
forming of this nation. As a result, our nation was formed on the premise that the
greatest good for the greatest number is the highest priority. This very idea is why our
society needs to give up a tiny portion of our individual liberties. Perhaps achieving the
greatest good for the greatest number of our community is an idealistic goal. But think of
how great it would be if society and the government could just work together and strive
for this attainable goal. By sacrificing minimal personal freedom, we can achieve the type
of society that our Founding Fathers intended for us. Ironically, by simply giving up a
little freedom, we may become free."
Jonathan Frieden, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"If our founding fathers were present with us today and saw how corrupt and
immoral all societies have become, they would have realized how much protection the
communities do need. I believe they would have developed the government to be more
powerful and stricter."
Trisha Mary Taylor, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"If the founding fathers were here to see the puzzling world in which we live
today, there is no doubt in my mind that they would have put more emphasis on the welfare
of the community over individual liberty. There is absolutely no way that our forefathers
could have envisioned the technology that we have today. I know if they were here and
could see the world in 1998, they would be blown away with how complicated it actually is.
Our forefathers would probably rewrite the whole constitution if they realized what life
is like. If they knew of the kinds of guns our youth were packing to school, the degree
gambling has progressed, or the way our transportation has improved, they would be
astonished. Yes, the founding forefathers would put greater emphasis on the welfare of the
community."
Tom Bridge, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Our Framers of the Constitution protected the rights of both the individual and the community. If a new document were to be created today, it would most likely be similar, only more updated to pertain to modern issues."
Michael Mattila, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"As long as a person takes responsibility for his or her actions, that person
should have the personal liberty that accompanies that responsibility. That is what the
founding fathers had in mind when they created this great nation. They wanted people to
have the greatest amount of personal liberty possible while still protecting the welfare
of the community. I think that if the founding fathers had to do it all over again, they
would have done everything exactly the same."
Barry Anderson, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Freedom
"It is the responsibility of the government to protect both the wellbeing of the
community and individual liberty. I think if our founding fathers knew how complex and
interdependent our civilization would become, they would have written the constitution the
same way, emphasizing individual liberty. They understood, even then, the importance of
personal freedom. If we start taking little freedoms away from people, what will stop us
from taking away all freedom? Community needs to learn to work with government. When the
actions of one person begin to harm the community, something should be done to regulate
that specific behavior. If a persons's behavior is not harming anyone, however, the person
should be allowed the right to do as he/she pleases."
Adrienne Downey, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Our personal responsibility is to maintain the common good for everybody in
society. By keeping our self-destructive behavior to a minimum and respecting the lives of
others, we can maintain our freedom while keeping a healthy community. This is our
responsibility as American citizens, to maintain the freedom we fought so hard to
obtain."
Jennifer Lucas, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"I feel that the citizens of the United States of America should usually find
their own solutions to their own problems. We, the people, want to keep this the land of
the free."
Erik Michael Brown, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"How do we tell the difference between what should be regulated and what should
not be regulated? If a person chooses to do something, and it does not hurt others or
hinder the greatest good for the greatest number, then they should be free to make that
choice."
Jonathan Frieden, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"As Americans we are given the liberty of Freedom to choose. This is a freedom
that requires knowledge, understanding, and most of all responsibility."
Kassie Hoyt, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Gangs
"We need to remember that our forefathers wanted to protect individual rights.
Although we need to protect the community, we must be careful not to take away individual
freedom. Cities in California now prohibit known gangs from roaming the streets. Unless
they are violating any laws or being a threat to society, how can they be forced off the
streets? Gangs are usually associated with drugs, violence and desecration. Still, if they
have not violated any law, they should not be harassed."
David Cassini, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Guns
"The second amendment says we have the right to bear arms. While this is a right,
it is also a privilege. When our forefathers put this into the constitution, a gun was a
necessity for survival. I'm sure they never envisioned the time when children wouldn't be
safe going to school because of guns. In this situation I think they would have said that
the welfare of the community supersedes the rights of the individual."
Diana Ruiz, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Perhaps allowing firearms in school will deter kids from bringing them for a
'rush' or to disobey a law. Based on personal experience I can stat it is exciting to
disobey the law...of course you must get away with it."
Matt Hartman, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"The real answer does not lie with a ruling from the Supreme Court or each school
district. It lies with the irresponsible parents. Are the parents around the United States
going to take enough responsibility to keep their firearms away from children?"
Tom Bridge, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
"'All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I
learned in kindergarten,' says Robert Fulghum. When you think about it, he's right. We
learn the rules of life right in the beginning, that first year of school. 'Share
everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Don't take
things that aren't yours.' If everyone lived by this set of rules from kindergarten on up,
the world would be a perfect place.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect. Do you remember the little boy who always stole your
cookies? How about the girl who never shared the Lincoln Logs? The most important lesson I
ever learned in school is that the world is not fair. Because of this we have created our
government. The police, the courts, and our lawmakers are collectively the kindergarten
teacher of the adult world.
Just like that teacher of long ago, the government gives all of us unalienable rights and
the freedom to live autonomously, within certain boundaries. Back in grade school we were
allowed to have net things like cookies and milk, story time, and show-and-tell, but we
also had to clean up our crumbs, be quiet during the story, and keep our hands to
ourselves. We could do whatever we wanted, as long as we didn't bother someone else. That
same doctrine holds true in adult life as well. As citizens of the greatest democracy in
the world, we are given both individual liberty and the personal responsibility to
regulate that liberty for the preservation of the common good.
The United States is governed by a system that was established over 200 years ago. Many
things have changed since the Constitution was signed by the fathers of our country:
technology has taken the world by storm, the crime rate is phenomenal, and drug abuse is
rampant. Even fashion has, thankfully, broken new ground. Some people, Like Schoenbrun,
feel that America is unprepared for the perils of this new age. He feels that the
Constitution's framers might have 'put greater emphasis on the protection of the community
over individual liberty', had they seen the world today. I disagree. The framers created a
balanced system that allowed for complete freedom for all, yet also provided for the
protection of every citizen. They even left us the ability to modify this structure,
through laws and amendments, as if they knew that unidentified circumstances would
eventually occur. It is our responsibility to use the Constitution as it was intended to
be used: as a framework of government that is continually updated and revised in response
to the modern world, without changing the fundamental truths contained in the document.
To fully utilize the strengths of our government, every last one of us needs to be active
in it somehow. Being active is as easy as voting every November, or as complex as running
for President, and it is the most important duty we have as Americans. Schoenbrun says
that 'balancing individual rights and the welfare of the community should be left to the
police and the courts', but I do not fully agree with that statement. We, as United States
citizens, have a personal responsibility to help balance those factors. Often times we
excel at this responsibility, as is evident by several people I know in my hometown. My
youth group serves food at the homeless shelter regularly, my school is currently
collecting winter clothing for the needy, and my mom has adopted a family for Christmas.
We can be considerate of those around us, and in turn greatly influence the welfare of the
community. Of course, we will occasionally go astray--someone will color outside of the
lines--and then the police and courts should intervene for the benefit of society at
large. Many people fear government involvement in our personal lives, but I feel that
moderation in regulation is the key to balancing individual rights and the common good.
Consider the issue of gun control. One popular slogan for some political activists is:
'Guns don't kill people; people kill people'. This is true. The guns themselves are not to
blame for the injuries they inflict, and everyone does have the right to bear arms.
Everyone also has the liability to bear arms responsibly, however. Some people apparently
forget the latter part of this setup, and that is why we do need some form of gun control
in this country. We should regulate who can buy a gun, and also what type of gun they can
buy. This way the government is watching over us at all times, but we are bearing some of
the burden as well.
Some regulation, such as gun control, does have the potential to go too far. The Gun-Free
School Zones Act is an example of such regulation. I agree with the Supreme Court's ruling
against the act for a number of reasons. First of all, this act could possibly lead to a
type of police state in this country. I realize that the law is designed to increase the
safety of our citizens, but at what cost to our freedom? It simply does not affect enough
people to justify a federal law being passed. I think it could be more effectively
regulated at a local level. Secondly, would it really stop guns from reaching schools?
Maybe. If someone is desperate enough to carry a gun with them, however, whether for
protection or intent to kill, I sincerely doubt if a weak law like this one would hinder
in the least. Once again each individual has the ultimate responsibility for his/her own
actions. We must all exercise self-discipline.
All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten. Is it coming back to you yet? 'Say
you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush...' Sometimes
it is the simple things in life that are the hardest to master. Having the responsibility
to control yourself and look out for those around you at the same time is just one
example. It is not hard, however, and I know it can be done--because I learned all about
it in kindergarten. Just remember that the world doesn't really change when we grow up; it
only looks different because we're taller."
Molly McGlone, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Law
"It has been proven that a law does not prohibit a certain behavior, it just makes
a behavior punishable."
Kassie Hoyt, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Personal Responsibility
"As a kid I never wanted to wear a helmet when I rode my bike. I thought it always
made me look like a sissy. I felt I was living on the edge and in reality I was living on
the edge. I regret all of those days I walked out of my grandma's house with my helmet but
threw it behind the bushes making her think I wore my helmet. There were no laws or
regulations making me wear that helmet. Now I realize that I should have worn the helmet,
and the government should set restrictions on individuals wearing helmets."
Erik Michael Brown, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
The Problem
"Law abiding citizens want to have reassurance that the government will keep them
safe. But, will Americans give up freedom to have this reassurance?"
Tom Bridge, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
The Question
"Do government officials have the right to take away individual rights for the
common good of the community?"
Angie Neece, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Responsibility
"As a young girl in the seventh garde, I was told that because I was getting older
and acquiring more privileges, I was expected to become more responsible. I didn't know
what the word 'responsible' meant exactly, so I looked it up in our family's dictionary.
The dictionary explained to me that a responsible person is 'one who is able to make moral
or rational decisions on one's own and therefore answerable for one's behavior.' After
reading that definition I realized that responsibility was a lesson I had learned long
ago. I had already known that I am responsible for the choices I make and the
consequences, good or bad, that go along with them. Now that I am a little older, I have
begun to see responsibility on a broader level. I see that not only are we responsible for
ourselves, but we are also responsible for each other."
Adrienne Downey, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"If we are to keep our individual rights and liberties, then we must show the
government that we are capable of using our freedom in a responsible manner. With every
right and liberty comes personal responsibility to maintain the common good."
Jennifer Lucas, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"It is reasonable to assume that the government will be a part of our lives, but
it should not be given total control As Americans we are constantly demanding that our
individual freedoms be protected. In order to continue having rights, we must stop using
them as excuses to infringe upon the rights of others. As people of one of the greatest
nations, we need to think of others as well as ourselves. In doing so, we will be able to
keep our personal liberty while at the same time contributing to the common good."
Amber Conroy, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Responsibility comes with being a human being, no matter how young or old you
are. As you grow, your responsibility will change, and most likely become greater. Life is
filled with many choices, some great, some small. It is up to each member of the community
to make the responsible choice."
Erin Shavar, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Another part in balancing our lives is personal responsibility. Personal
responsibility is not something that can be taught in school. It is a value or a moral
that is instilled in us by our family or other people who have influenced our lives. Our
individual liberty is a direct reflection of our personal responsibility. For example, we
have the choice when we get into our car every time, whether or not we will speed or wear
our seatbelt. If we choose not to abide by these laws, our liberty is at stake (the right
to drive our automobile). We should be thankful that we live in a nation where we are able
to have the right of personal responsibility within our lies. That along with a limited
control of government, is close to the ideal society."
Todd Stegmiller, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Role of Government
"The government should not have to set laws to improve or correct our morals. It
is the responsibility of the people to teach and act out the proper morals. If we cannot
control ourselves and need the government to set laws governing moral issues such as
curfews, pregnancy and gun possession, then our individual liberties are useless."
Heather Luebbers, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Too many times in our society we are introduced to an odd occurrence which
challenges a law. The government should be allowed to regulate these occurrences.
Government regulations need to be focused to specify the needs of certain areas,
situations, groups, or individuals. A 'big brother' is exactly what we need."
Matt Hartman, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Government regulations are positive to some extent, but there are many choices
Americans should be free to make. Government should regulate the issues that harm the
common good; gun control, curfews, and gangs. Government should not regulate the choices
Americans should be free to make: seatbelt laws, helmet laws, and gambling. Government
should set limits on some things, but should not necessarily prohibit them: smoking and
teen pregnancy. If the government concentrated more on awareness rather than waiting until
it becomes a problem to prohibit it, the world would be an extremely better place to live.
The United States is thought of by other countries to be the land of opportunity and
freedom, but if the government keeps prohibiting our American choices, we will lose many
important opportunities and our freedom."
Susan Elizabeth Scott, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
"Although I feel that the government should control society, the common good is
ultimately dependent on personal responsibility. The first step to building a society that
is for the common good is the role that government plays in our life. There is a fine line
that the government has to follow in order to keep our lives balanced. The government has
to be like a father figure in our lives. He (the government) needs to be there when we are
endangering other people, or our safety is at stake. I do not feel, however, that complete
control of our lives should be placed in the hand of the police and courts. There are
certain matters where they should have jurisdiction, but I also do not want the police and
courts to control every aspect of my life.
Todd Stegmiller, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Smoking
"The government is benefiting off other people's weaknesses by taxing
tobacco."
Jennifer Lucas, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois