In today’s society it is our values that shape both government policies and individual decisions. Although our government is guided by laws, policies, and regulations it is our person values that are reflected in the government. The cooperation between these two forces determines the direction of a nation and the quality of life for its citizens. This article explores how are person values influences the way we vote. I have chosen this significant historical phrase "In God We Trust," to discuss and highlight the relationship between the role of government and individual values.

It is the principles of individual values that are at the center of our democratic society. It's these values that guide our voting decisions. When a politcal candidate campaigns, they strive to convey their personal values to the the electorate. They are hoping that their personal values resonate with their constituents. It is the responsibility of we the people to measure the candidates values and decide if we agree with them. This process is crucial because the values we prioritize will ultimately shape the policies and laws that govern us.

I am listing some of my favorite influential figures in order to show a basis from where I am writing. These influential figures have helped me develop some of my values. Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Sowell, Clarence Thomas, Charlie Kirk, Bernice Young and others are among them. Their work has made a positive lasting mark on me. Their contributions to our society have helped shape America and highlight the importance of individual values in the collective conscience of a society. All of the people I look up to are conservatives. The values they hold are values that I can agree with. I understand that many people today might disagree with their conservative values. People with a more liberal approach to governing society would most likely promote the teachings of an influential figure like W.E.B. DuBois. DuBois accomplished many good works and had good intentions. He was highly influential. However, DuBois believed that capitalism is the primary cause of racism. His approach to governing a society is more aligned with socialism. DuBois was an impressive and influential figure in his own right, but as I had mentioned above, in order to govern a society, “we the people” must evaluate and decide which values we believe in.

It is my belief that one of the most significant phrases that reflects our nation's values is the phrase, "In God We Trust." This phrase, which appears on United States currency, first appeared on coins around 1864 (Civil war era) and then later on paper money in 1957 (The Cold War era). The decision to include this phrase on currency was not arbitrary. The phrase, "In God We Trust", is a statement reflecting our nation's values. Especially during the tumultuous period of the Cold War. Prior to the phrase, "In God We Trust" there was the original motto suggested by committee on July 4, 1776, was "E Pluribus Unum," meaning, "Out of many, one." This phrase emphasized unity among the thirteen colonies. I love the phrase and its sentiment, to unite the 13 colonies. It was the perfect phrase for a young nation. I suppose it would also be appropriate today to unite the 50 states.

During the Cold War, under President Eisenhower's administration the "In God We Trust" phase was officially adopted as the national new motto and placed on all U.S. currency. The Cold War was mostly a fight between the United States and USSR regarding an ARMS race. There was much more to the Cold War, but looking back I see the Cold War as instrumental in exasperating the differences between a Constitutional Republic (The USA) and a Communist government (USSR/Russia). I believe that the decision to place "In God We Trust" on all US currency was influenced by the belief that many communists are atheists. The phrase, “In God We Trust” served as a reminder to the world that the United States is a God fearing nation. President Eisenhower, a devout Christian, used this phrase to reiterate that fact. I see the United States Christian values as a kind of victory over an atheistic society. Some may argue that it was not, but I believe that during this time of ideological conflict, it was a calculated maneuver.

The relationship between political beliefs and religious affiliation is another area where values play a crucial role. Questions such as "What percentage of conservatives are Christian?" and "What percentage of liberals are Christian?" highlight the intersection of political and religious values. While the answers to these questions may vary, the underlying significance lies in understanding why these affiliations matter.

Religious values often influence political beliefs and vice versa. For many individuals, their faith provides a moral framework that guides their decisions on issues such as social justice, economic policies, and individual rights. Conversely, political beliefs can shape one's interpretation of religious teachings and practices. The relationship between religion and politics underscores the complexity of values in shaping individual and the collective decisions of a nation.

In conclusion, values are the cornerstone of individual decision-making. Our personal values guide our voting decisions. Our voting decisions influence the policies and the laws that govern us. The combination of our values and way we vote will shape our understanding of politics and religious affiliations. As we navigate the complexities of modern society, it is essential to recognize the importance of values in shaping our collective future. As a society it is important that we recognize that individuals are responsible for themselves and that individuals should be held accountable for their own actions and behaviors. We as individuals can choose how we love one another, how we are or are not charitable, courteous, and kind. If an individual chooses not to have good societal values that choice will reflect only on that individual. As far as a government goes: the government is not responsible for individuals actions and behavoirs. The government is responsible for ensuring the rights of its citizens. Again the government is not responsible for the individual's values. Some people expect the government to be accountable for individuals. That is ludicrous. Putting the onus of values on the individual themselves instead of the government will help to make individuals, as I said earlier, "accountable". It was President Eisenhower who said, “You can’t legislate morality”. We must all work on ourselves, holding ourselves to a higher standard of values promoting unity, justice, and compassion. The better that we are able to do that, the more harmoniously we will live as a society. If as a society we are able to place the emphasis were it belongs, that will allow for the government to focus on protecting our individual rights. Those rights guaranteed to us, the American citizen, by our constitution. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Government Role, Individual Values