"The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens," by Richard
Haass, is a guide to citizenship that argues for a renewed focus on
civic duty and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of informed,
active, and civil participation in American democracy.
Here's a breakdown of the key ideas:
The Need for a Revised Citizenship:
Haass
argues that the current state of American democracy requires a
re-envisioning of what it means to be a citizen, moving beyond a
rights-based perspective to a more obligation-based one.
The Ten Habits of Good Citizens:
The book outlines ten habits that Haass believes are essential for a healthy democracy:
Be Informed: Citizens must stay informed about issues and events.
Get Involved: Active participation in the democratic process is crucial.
Stay Open to Compromise: Civility and the ability to compromise are essential for productive dialogue.
Remain Civil: Respectful discourse and the rejection of violence are vital.
Reject Violence: Rejecting violence and upholding the rule of law are fundamental.
Value Norms: Respect for established norms and institutions is crucial.
Promote the Common Good: Prioritizing the well-being of the community over individual interests.
Respect Government Service: Recognizing the importance of government service and those who serve.
Support the Teaching of Civics: Ensuring that future generations are educated about their civic duties.
Put Country First: Prioritizing national interests and unity
East Baton Rouge Parish Library has the movie and discussion guides to habits.
https://ebrpl.libguides.com/c.
