Honor, courage, and commitment; these are three simple words that have all but been forgotten. How sad. When I joined the Marine Corps, as not much more than a child, I had no idea what they meant. Sure I guess I could define any one of them but in a practical sense they had little meaning. The USMC calls them their core values, but think what kind of world we would live in if we all adopted them as our own core values.
Honor is defined as purity of conduct; incorruptibility. Imagine if you would the difference in the world if this were and intrical part of our politicians' character. Wow! No more scandals as with South Carolina's governor Sanford infidelity. No more lies! This is a quality that was an important part of a person's life as little as two generations ago. If you had no honor you had no respect, no friends, no social standing. What happened to that? It is such a small thing to do what is right not just for you but also for those around you.
Courage is defined as mental or moral strength. This is another long forgotten trait that used to be so well regarded. Courage is not just running into burning buildings or trying to save the lives of people in peril as we saw from so many on Sept 11, 2001. It is doing the right thing despite what the consequences may be. The right thing may not be the popular thing to do but right is right. People today have their feet so stuck in the mud that they have forgotten what it feels like to stand on a moral high ground.
Commitment is defined as an act of committing to an act or trust. What does this mean? If you say you are going to do something, do it. It sounds like such an easy concept. If I say I will do something and then don't do it, regardless of the reason behind it, it makes me a liar. Honesty has almost become obsolete. It is so rare that you find someone that tells the truth, that you can't believe anything from anyone anymore. Even as a husband I am expected to tell little lies to my wife to avoid hurting her feelings. "Does this dress make me look fat?" Sometimes the answer is yes it does. Is it really so bad to tell her the truth? Even these small lies take a toll. It is no wonder divorce is so commonplace now days.
So what is the point of all this? I hope this makes you think for just a moment. These old school' ideas can change the world. I guess all I am asking is that you set an example of these core values for your children, neighbors, and your friends. What have you got to lose? They may not like everything about you but they will respect the real you, not just the perceived you.
Steven is a self proclaimed right wing Christian extremist. He is a former Marine and currently work in the laboratory of a cancer research and treatment facility. He is the father of two little girls and is referred to as genius by his wife (mostly as a sarcastic term of endearment!)
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