Do RIGHTS Trump RESPONSIBILITIES?

Cardenas
As the Denver Seminary leaders handed well-earned degrees to countless grads yesterday, with only one grad important to the Millers—son-in-law, Ricardo, who received a Master of Divinity. Congrats, Ricky!—my mind wandered.
 
But after a while, I picked up on a phrase employed repetitively:
 
“We now confer this degree upon you and with it all of the RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES … ”
 
Hearing these words, questions filled my mind: Have we lost the second “R” word? Do RIGHTS trump RESPONSIBILITIES?
 
For the privilege of living in the greatest country in the world, aren’t there some things I am RESPONSIBLE for?
 
You know, stuff like:

  • Pounding the pavement till I find work.
  • Providing for my family.
  • Adapting to the changing economy by learning new skills.
  • Modeling for my children a strong work ethic.
  • Taking ownership of my financial situation.
  • Fending off the entitlement/victim thinking narrative that the media, politicians, and special-interest groups push every day?
And this:
 
Accepting 100% PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY for my life rather than blaming my “family of origin,” employer, Wall Street, or the government?
 
Wouldn’t asking accountable questions (we call them “QBQs”) such as, “How can I contribute?” and “What can I do to be my best?” beat lousy questions like, “Why don’t I ever get a break?” and “When am I gonna get more free stuff?”
 
I do believe so … but that’s just my opinion. 🙂
 
What’s your opinion?
 
Any examples of the “R” word—RESPONSIBILITIES—come to your mind that you’d like to share here? Jump right in!
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