Mankind's greatest achievement was to discover that liberty is given by God, not by kings, and that people should run governments, not the other way around. The American concept of liberty is the value that unites us as Americans, and which is symbolized by the American flag. In the past few years, many people have told me that Americans do not understand or agree with those of us who want to protect the flag. Indeed, some people think that liberty means doing whatever you want while the government takes care of all your needs, rather than the government acting to preserve the opportunity for all Americans to take care of ourselves and to get ahead by virtue of our talents and hard work. Working to inform Americans that there is indeed a fundamental difference between liberty and license may be our most important challenge.
Freedom can only exist in a climate of solid values.
There has to be a common morality inspired and assisted by our individual religious views that will enable government to stop regulating our decisions and behavior. It is the only way to stop societal pollutants like road rage. And, there has to be an appreciation that these values are many times bigger than ourselves. You have probably heard about a soldier named Martin Treptow, who died in the first World War. Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.