“There is no liberty without virtue.” 

Through the lessons of an amazing teacher, and through the examples of the founding fathers and others who came before us, I know this to be true. But, why is virtue the most essential part of restoring liberty? Why does it matter so much? The anti-federalists argued the Constitution gave too much power to the government and, by looking at how we live today, they might’ve been right. However, the federalists countered with the fact that through a virtuous people, the Constitution would safe keep every single right we owned and maintain liberty. It would give all power to the people unless they gave the power away. They were also right. This is because a virtuous people will know when their liberty is being taken away and will do everything within their power to stop it. On the contrary, a unvirtuous people will either not realize their freedoms are being taken, or simply not care if they are. My challenge for you is to establish yourself as a virtuous person. Don’t sit idly thinking, “well, America was good while it lasted”. Do everything within your power to restore America to its former glory. Be honest, kind, humble, and helpful. Only through people with virtue like this can liberty be returned. George Washington said “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man”. Likewise, each of us should strive to achieve virtue because only then will we achieve liberty.