Local Voices: American Exceptionalism

As the current political season heats up, I'm hearing more and more about the arguments for and against our belief in America's special place in the world.

It seems our President's need to apologize for our ability to become the most economically, politically and militarily powerful nation in history is surpassed only by the progressives' (read: liberals) need to tell him he's not gone far enough. They seem to feel we need a President/candidate who embraces world citizenry as much as the U.S. electorate. These enlightened folks seem to think our country is structurally flawed. I don't believe we have anything to apologize for!

As mentioned, economics, politics, and strength are what made and hold our place in the world. And all of these are founded on a belief in freedom and the sovereignty of the people. In 1831, Alexis De Tocqueville said (you probably read him in English 101) that the sovereignty of the people is appreciated, studied and applied to all the affairs of society only in America. We have been and continue to be the only place where success is measured by the man, not the circumstances.

I'm aware of recent research that would suggest that those who start out on the bottom rungs of society have a harder time achieving. What's new? Those conclusions don't mean we've failed. We just need to continue to work harder like we've always done to make sure the opportunities flow to all equally!

How about locally? We have an abundance of successful small businesses here in South County run by owners and employees that are determined to weather the current difficult economy. We have residents that remain dedicated to the idea that family plus faith plus schools are the ingredients that make for a thriving community. And those school systems, both public and parochial, work to draw in all facets of that community to create intelligent and contributing adults. There is a reason why so many of our children return to South County as adults to raise their own families.   

As part of the Mehlville Board of Education, I take pride in the fact that we continue to provide an excellent education for our youngsters while closely guarding the dollars spent.

Nationally and locally we are a country defined not by limits, but by freedom and personal sovereignty. As outlined in the Bill of Rights. As fought over in every war including Vietnam and Iraq.

I won't join those in our community who seem to focus on what we haven't accomplished. I'm proud of where we've been and where we're going. There's a reason why those words on the Statue of Liberty still speak to people throughout the world.