Your community counts on you

By: Rachel Corr

Posted: 2/3/10

Mediocrity does not settle well, because when it comes to everyday life, people want the best. The all-American dream usually includes a luxury car, a beautiful home, a great neighborhood and a well-paying job. This dream of smooth perfection does not account for failing public schools, corrupt municipal government or inadequate public services.

The tranquil dream of summer barbeques in the suburbs and of a happy marriage with two children and a dog does not tell of substance abuse or teenage pregnancy, vicious poverty or urban blight. Americans escape to a dream-world to hide behind a façade, avoiding the present and painful reality.

Justice, equality, freedom, happiness are just a few ideals the American people hold dear and expect to receive everyday. Yet, every American also knows that these fruitless words hold marginal accountability and transparency in real life.

Alabama the Beautiful is a disgrace to the great union where our patriotic hearts lie. Public school education fails miserably at the most precious task of preparing the future's leaders. Public safety is under funded as crime rates rise and correction facilities overboard. Many Alabama citizens admit a lack of confidence in the government of Montgomery, while the anti-progressive laws of Alabama's 1901 constitution hold the state from her true potential.

People are disconnected with their own situations, not understanding the important role in making their communities better places for everyone. For too long, Birmingham citizens have been escaping "over the mountain" without acknowledging that the city's current problems still exist.

Public responsibility is key to creating a better world, a safer community and a healthier environment. Stop hiding behind supercilious excuses. By living in America, Alabama, Birmingham, you have the obligation to make your American dream a reality. Stop abandoning. Start acting.

Challenge reality and make it better. Instead of ignoring homeless and hunger, offer your neighbors help and hope. Change what is unfit, and perfect that which needs your resources. Contribute to your community to improve your own life and those around you.

As President Obama eloquently reported in his first State of the Union, "We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit."

Whether it is a safe neighborhood, or a good public school system, offer your money, time or energy to those around you in need, because it benefits everyone. Only citizens have full accountability for their own lives; therefore, it is up to you to see that your community thrives. It is time to become a proud citizen of Birmingham.

Rachel Corr is a senior international relations major from
Franklin, Tenn. She can be reached at racorr@samford.edu.