Editor,

Presidential candidate Donald Trump undeniably demonstrated an obtuse manner about him that has inconsiderate implications. But he woke us up to the importance of our citizenship.

Citizenship has become a “so what?” It’s time we recognized its importance, restored its value, and clarified its definition.

Our nation was founded on the wholesome American belief that all men — mankind — are created equal and endowed by their creator with the undeniable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Citizenship isn’t on that list. Nor are guarantees of success in the pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Citizenship is a specific endowment of nationhood.

Our founders followed that declaration with a Constitution which laid out how the new nation would define citizenship stating that it would be defended, aimed at justice, foster domestic tranquility, encourage general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

We now are that posterity.

We inherited our citizenship, and it is our job to defend and promote the constitutional continuum for our posterity.

Our Constitution was intentionally made amendable to be fine-tuned for changing circumstances. It’s time we took a look at the rules for citizenship, change what needs to be changed and enforce them. If we don’t we will lose our identity, the blessings of liberty, and our grand experiment with democracy will become dust in the wind … and we with it.

Al Williams

Oak Harbor