Moral Action

"Doing the right things starts with knowing the right things." The "right things" can be defined differently for each individual. This can go further to encompass what a whole culture considers to be the "right thing". Morals vary from person to person, but there are common grounds. Virtually every culture in the world views murder as morally wrong. This comes down to an individual consensus that killing is wrong. Why then, are there murders all over the world every day? When is it ok to go against your moral judgement and take action that could be interpreted as the "wrong" thing? This does not just apply to murder. This can be any individual choice that is in opposition to that person's personal beliefs. One would tend to believe that this would require some strong reasoning. This reasoning would vary of course, but there would have to be some strong base whether it be ethical, emotional, or logical. The steps that an individual takes to create their idea of what is right and wrong can be a life long journey. The big question is what you decide to do with these morals. Morals are virtually meaningless until someone acts on them.
As an American kid, I was taught with my peers that America is the supreme power of the world. Social studies in school teach us about a glorified country that has led the world for almost a century. We are subconsciously taught to become "good Americans". Military service is advocated n almost every high school across the country. JROTC is in most public high schools. Along with that, recruiting officers can be seen traveling from school to school. Should everyone serve for their country? Many believe that this is essential to become a good American. There was a time in American history when people were prosecuted for their refusal to join their fellow Americans in arms. These were the Quakers. Their non-violent ideals made them turn the other cheek away from way they believed was morally wrong. So who was Right? Those that stood up for their country or those that held there religious beliefs close? If they both acted on what they truly believed to be morally right, than they both did the right thing. Each side will look at the other differently, but when it comes down to it the conscience of both are at ease. With this being said, its evident that doing the right thing is, among other things, simply a point of view.
I am the millennial generation. I am just one of the 95 million that echo the baby boomers. The Generation We video made me open my eyes to the huge issues that have been left behind by the generations before me. My generation is inheriting a country that is going in the wrong direction as a result of the bad choices made by those in power now. Our country is declining not because of outside influences, but because of the problems that have arose and been ignored inside. Sitting on the sidelines watching my country go into decline is morally wrong to me. The right thing is to make an effort in aiding my country's revival. Now that I've defined what the right thing is, the next step is answering the call to action that has been sent. At the moment, all I can do is wait for the first chance I have to excersize my inalienable right of voting. Voting is the best way for the majority to get out what they want to say. The millennial generation is in the best position to prove this point in a way that it has never been affirmed before. Once everyone in my generation has the power of a vote, we will be the biggest demographic of voters. We can literally determine the national elections. This is the best way for the masses to affect the direction of the country, but I'm aiming for something more. There is a limited number of people that make the laws for our country. They are the 535 men and women elected into Congress. 100 of these make up the Senate leaving 435 in the House of Representatives. To me, serving in one of these seats is the most supreme way to do good for my country. These are the elite in the American system of government. To me its not the military action that changes the world, its the legislative moves that our country takes. A seat in Congress is the "Right" thing to do for the progress of my country and generation.