Episode

Vital to Our National Security: Understanding Civics with former Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera and Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe

If Americans don't understand how their government works or their roles as citizens, it's impossible for them to function as an adult in a democracy. While it is very important for all citizens to know their rights, it is equally (if not more) important for citizens to understand and act upon their responsibilities as citizens. When Americans are dissatisfied with the state of affairs, we have important and legal recourses to hold elected officials accountable, change our laws, and insist on sound policies that benefit our society. People who do not understand these processes are at much greater risk of manipulation and even incitement to violence. In this episode, former Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Louis Caldera and former Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Sean O'Keefe join Joe Plenzler (USMC), Ellen Gustafson, and Jeremy Butler (USN) for a discussion on how increasing public understanding of civics just might be the thing to help strengthen our democracy and reduce political polarization.

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Vital to Our National Security: Understanding Civics with former Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera and Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe

If Americans don't understand how their government works or their roles as citizens, it's impossible for them to function as an adult in a democracy. While it is very important for all citizens to know their rights, it is equally (if not more) important for citizens to understand and act upon their responsibilities as citizens. When Americans are dissatisfied with the state of affairs, we have important and legal recourses to hold elected officials accountable, change our laws, and insist on sound policies that benefit our society. People who do not understand these processes are at much greater risk of manipulation and even incitement to violence.In this episode, former Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Louis Caldera and former Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Sean O'Keefe join Joe Plenzler (USMC), Ellen Gustafson, and Jeremy Butler (USN) for a discussion on how increasing public understanding of civics just might be the thing to help strengthen our democracy and reduce political polarization.

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A quick reference to our rights and responsibilities as American citizens

Rights

Freedom to express yourself.
Freedom to worship as you wish.
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
Right to vote in elections for public officials.
Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
Right to run for elected office.
Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Responsibilities

Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in your local community.
Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
Serve on a jury when called upon.
Defend the country if the need should arise.