Why is the Gettysburg Address still so important to our life today?
The themes and values of the Gettysberg Address, namely freedom and democracy, transcend time. It is always worth remembering the ideals upon which your nation is founded. The emphasis Lincoln places on democracy in his final triplet, “government of the people, by the people, for the people” continues to speak to citizens, serving as a constant reminder that we all have a part to play in ensuring our nation remains democratic, and we have been given a voice which we should use for the betterment of the county. The government should always act in the interests of its people – and when it does not, it is time for a change. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone in Washington every thinks about the history of this country anymore unless one of their speechwriters adds a line to a speech somewhere. When you read the Gettysburg Address today, can you really picture any of the candidates giving a speech like that?
