The United States of America was established to realize a vision and effectuate an ideal anchored in the maxim that liberty produced by democratic citizenship is supported by a foundation of individual civic engagement. From the earliest days of this republic, presidents have encouraged citizens to concern themselves with the national interest. Unfortunately, however, notwithstanding many of our most influential public servants’ championing of this cause; too many Americans have declined such an undertaking. Full blame, however, cannot be placed on the shoulders of these individuals. Instead, it is incumbent upon us as a nation to engage in an effort to create a shared experience that begets opportunities to serve. Sadly, for too long, such an experience has been non-existent. Subsequently, a great crisis looms before us.
Those who engage in service; teachers, firefighters, and governmental employees to name only a few, should certainly be commended for their service. Yet, public acclaim is insufficient. These honorable men and women need help. Competent leadership is necessary at all levels of society, however a growing shortage of public servants has threatened the health of our most significant institutions. Fortunately, a framework to provide an equal opportunity for every American to serve has recently evolved in the form of the United States Public Service Academy.
The Public Service Academy will provide a free, rigorous, undergraduate education in exchange for five years of civil service. It will produce public servants of moral character and unquestioned leadership ability. The creation of the United States Public Service Academy will insure the idea that President Woodrow Wilson referred to as the most uplifting, will retain its rightful prominence in this great country: the idea of service to humanity.
Support for the Academy is perpetually increasing. In Congress, legislation is pending in both houses to create the Public Service Academy. From our state of New Jersey, U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12th), Robert Andrews (D-1st), and Steve Rothman (D-9th) have all agreed to co-sponsor the U.S. Public Service Academy Act in the House of Representatives. Additionally, prominent New Jersyans such as Mayor Douglas Palmer of Trenton and Professor Cornell West of Princeton University have endorsed the Academy. This is a tremendous start. However, we need your support. Join us in the effort to create the Public Service Academy by writing your congressmen and senators.
For more information about opportunities to help, please visit www.uspublicserviceacademy.org.
Do remember this idea should not factionalize us. It is not a democratic or republican idea, nor does it draw its strength from conservatives or liberals alone. The idea of the Public Service Academy is American.
Andrew Buher,
Robbinsville
Mr. Buher is New Jersey chairman United States Public Service Academy.

