Volume 1, Number 6 - Winter 1962
Students Discuss America And Its Freedom
Three of the winning essays in the annual contest sponsored by the Branson Business and Professional Women's Club are printed in this issue. Essays of the other winners will appear in the Spring and Summer Quarterlies.
MARGOT CAMPBELL
Branson High School
How to Preserve Americas Freedom
By Margot Campbell
Through the years people have been wondering how to preserve their freedom. This aged question can be answered simply-by having faith in our country.
A respect for our leaders and representatives is also an important thing. Although it seems simple, which it really is, there are still many steps which lead to respect for our country and our leaders. And in any case, respect must be followed by action.
There are times in the past, and I'm sure there are to be times in the future when the United States faces critical situations. Americans must be willing to support the country in every stand it may take, and must stand behind every move the President of the United States may take.
Of course the military services of our country are always standing by to protect us, but the morale of the people is also important. If people panic and repeatedly announce the destruction of the world, if they proclaim that fate has finally caught up with the world and all is doomed, then there is no faith in our country or in our government
The time to start preserving our faith, thus preserving our government, is now--not later. Surprisingly enough, there are many ways in which this can be done. Indirectly participating in your local government is a way of supporting your national government-by expressing ideas, discussing current events, and setting up worthwhile and beneficial laws.
Ideas can be spread easily, and Americans are always looking for new ideas and new answers to old questions. Certainly the State Representatives who hold office listen optimistically to the ideas from small towns and cities. Surely these ideas may have an influence on their judgment in certain matters. All this goes to show that without expressing our opinions naturally they are neglected, and therefore we are neglecting our duty as citizens.
In conclusion, I feel that the faith of the people, the respect they have for their leaders, and the length they will go to express ideas determine if the United States, as a people, is to preserve its freedom.
RITA BOWLIN
Branson Elementary School
What America Means to Me
By Rita Bowlin
America represents the land of the free and the home of the brave. Because of that fact, it means that I live in a free country where we may worship as we please and are able to express ourselves without fear.
I am happy to be an American in many ways. I have the privilege of attending free schools where I may get a good education by going to high school and college. I am able to go to Sunday School and Church and to worship in the church of my choice.
America provides an opportunity for all people to work and earn an honest living. We may own our own homes without fear of them being taken away from us by the government.
I know that America will protect me and other citizens from harm as far as it is possible.
Our government has provided playgrounds in national parks for all children to play and have some sort of recreation. Without this opportunity, many children would have no place to play, only in the streets.
America has always been good to our neighbors and to our friends across the ocean and have aided them in many ways. No other country could do more.
America stands for equality of rights regardless of race, color, and creed, and that to me stands for one of the greatest concerns for the future of Ameica, and I feel sure as the years come and go she will remain the greatest country ever.
It is such a grand feeling when I close my eyes at night to know I will awaken to see the sun that shines on the same America, the Beautiful.
A nation with no regard for its past will have little future worth remembering.-Blake Clark.
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JOHN JUSTUS
Branson High School
How to Preserve Americas Freedom
By John Justus
America is a land of many freedoms. Most of these were given to us because of cultural heritage. Because of this, most Americans do not know what hardships were faced and conquered to win these freedoms or what calamities threatened to take away these freedoms.
Many times you have heard of books on communism and its evils, but you probably did not read them because you were sure you knew all about communism. What was the club called you joined back in June. "Freedom Hunters"? How do you know it is not backed by communists? Most people who join communist backed clubs do not know it, but books are a good way of learning these things. Since most people do not know about communism, lectures can be heard about it.
Everyone can preserve America's freedoms by learning a few simple things about communism. Of course, you have to use a little energy and spend a little time learning about it.
Many people serve in the Armed Forces to help preserve our freedoms. Armed Forces are an incomplete means in themselves, though. Just serving does not make you better voiced on what communism does.
If you want to preserve America's freedom, you must be informed, back your political leaders whether they are in your party or not, serve in your choice of the military honorably, and try to follow the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule, and you will have done your part in preserving America's freedoms.
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