Yes, I agree. America is not perfect!
I try hard not to get political on my blog. But lately, I am really bothered by things I see happening in this great country, the country I love, and volunteered to defend. I see us heading down a road to a fork. And we can only go in one direction or the other. There is no compromise between Americanism and the radical Leftwing ideology that has been gaining strength in our country.
Let me begin by admitting that America is not perfect. Yes, America has problems. But I challenge you to show me another country without problems, or that has done so much good in so little time.
American is a country and thus is comprised of people. It is the human condition that people are not perfect. So yes, people make mistakes. Some people are ambitious, some are lazy, some are easy-going, some are intense, many are good, and unfortunately, some are evil. Any country made up of people will be flawed because people are flawed. But that has nothing to do with the idea of America, the grand experiment in individual freedom that we in serious danger of losing to the radical Leftists in this country.
However, the ideals behind Americanism are perfect.
Are you a Constitutionalist? An originalist? Do you believe that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land? That is great. However, that is not enough.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
This phrase from the Declaration Of Independence, written thirteen years earlier, is the soul of Americanism. It is the basis for two key elements that define Americanism: 1) Individual Freedom, and 2) Equal Treatment Under the Law.
This phrase in the Declaration of Independence is the foundation on which the U.S. Constitution stands. The two documents are codependent and inseparable. It is the belief that all mankind is created equal and that all mankind inherits from their creator the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that makes the U.S. Constitution the tremendous and timeless document that it is.
This is what defines Americanism. It is the belief in these fundamental principles that made our Founding Fathers, flawed humans though they were, great. It’s the fact that this country was founded on these principles that make this country a shining beacon on the hill, even though it is inhabited by flawed people who do sometimes make mistakes, occasionally even terrible ones.
It is these ideals that the flag represent, and to equate that flag to the flaws of a few human beings show a real lack of understanding. That is why I will always stand for the flag, I believe in those ideals even as I understand the flawed nature of the human condition.
Election 2016
One result of the 2016 election is that this division, this war, in American has been brought out into the open. The two sides have stepped out into the light. Most Americans believe in the principles this country was founded on; some don’t. Most Americans believe in individual freedom, while others want to create another “Marxist” nanny state. I guess they all feel that the uber-rich Left-wing elites will make room for them all in the “ruling class.” Of course, you’d have to pretty much be a moron to think that would ever actually happen.
What do you believe in?
It is time for those who believe in Americanism to step up. Those words from the Declaration of Independence are the soul of Americanism. The U.S. Constitution is the body. If you believe in the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, then you understand that the U.S. Constitution can never be a “living document” that changes with the times. That is because, my friends, those core beliefs that define Americanism, do not change with the times.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Which part of this phrase changes with the passing of years. Explain that to me. Defend that position. The only way you can do that is if you do not believe in Americanism.
How far do you go in defense of your country?
I had a friend say to me once, “But, you wouldn’t take up arms against your government, would you?”
My answer was, “I certainly would not want to. I certainly hope it would never come to that.” I hope that my government would never back me into that corner. However, it has happened before. And, history has shown us time and time again that the first step in instituting an authoritarian regime is to disarm the populace. Just ask Venesualans!
Sadly though, I see that possibility grow more real over time as the Left becomes more relentless in dismantling the fundamental structure of this great nation, and especially if Trump loses the 2020 election. For all Trump’s brashness, unfiltered statements, lack of perfected talking points, obsessive tweeting, and refusal to not punch back when attacked, it is clear he loves this country and Americanism. Trump doesn’t fight for this party or that party. He fights for the country he loves. He fights for Americans … all Americans. That is the core of America First. You don’t have to like him or his manner. But he is a fighter. And, at this moment in time, he is what America needs. Once the radical left is no longer a threat, we can go back to squabbling over minor details. ‘
Do you think for one minute that Putin doesn’t put Russia first, or Xi doesn’t put China first? Some of you “woke” people need to wake the hell up!
I am certainly not advocating violence. I hope and pray with all my heart and soul that more Americans will wake up, and it will not come to that. But I will not live under a Left-wing authoritarian dictatorship with its thought police, equal misery for all, the erasing of American history and culture, and total disregard for the rule of law. I will not live in a country where I have no freedom and cannot protect those I love from criminal elements. And, I also swore an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. That oath had no expiration date on it.
Historically, that is the reason for the Second Amendment. It was not about muskets or assault rifles, and it was not about hunting. To argue those points, you have to willfully ignore a ton of written and documented evidence to the contrary. No, it was to ensure another fundamental ideal stated in the Declaration of Independence.
“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
It is time for Americans who believe in Americanism, who believe that all men are created equal and have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to hold their noses if necessary and make sure that the radical Left does not gain power in the 2020 election. I predict that, if they do, we will see a heck of a lot more blood in our streets.
Again, I am not advocating violence. I am just stating what I see happening in the future if the radical Left gains more power in this country.
Or, maybe you want to live in a country where the police are defunded and the streets are patrolled by Antifa?
D.C. Gilbert 
Great article and you describe in detail about the soul of America and how came ups and downs in the problem of America.
Well as a European I’m hardly qualified to speak about US politics, But from the outside I can only see extremely poor leadership from a man who clearly has no clue how to govern a country, and institutional racism which is not being actively addressed. Interestingly, Darren, you do not address the main crisis of the day, which is the coronavirus. Whether a government is left or right, listening to the scientific advisors is, I would have thought, a priority for the leadership. This has not happened, resulting in the high death rates. Ultimately I think this will be the main issue in the coming election. I wish you health in these difficult times Darren.
Institutional racism is more a product of the media than reality.
Until the coronavirus hit, we had the best economy and lowest unemployment rates in about 7 decades (especially for minorities and women).
He got several bills through a divided Congress that neither Bush nor Obama could get passed including justice reform and healthcare choice for military.
While we got nothing but lies from China and the WHO, he stopped travel from China. First the Dems called him racist for doing it, then when it worked they said he didn’t do it soon enough. He created a task force of the top experts in the country to handle the coronavirus. He brought government and private companies together to restock PPE that had been depleted and not replaced under the Obama administration.
Deaths are down, hospitalizations are down in most areas, increased testing has certainly resulted in more reported cases, but that is to be expected. Most of the media’s news reports have by wildly inaccurate to say the least.
Denzil, I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but it sounds like CNN or MSNBC, both of which have zero credibility.
… zero credibility among Republicans! 🙂 Thanks for your viewpoint Darren. Very interesting to have a glimpse into the Ununited States of America!
Any time, Denzil! 😎 By the way, I’m not a Republican.
That will teach me to stop being presumptuous!
A lesson all of us could stand to learn! 🙂
Great post DC. It is clear that you take the current situation seriously and you express your opinions eloquently. I offer my in artfully expressed thoughts for consideration.
The principles on which America was founded should make it a shining beacon on the hill for the whole world. But until America fulfills its promise of equal opportunity and liberty and justice for all, those principles will ring hollow. American exceptionalism lies in its institutions and the founding principles that must apply to all Americans. One of the problems with the current POTUS is he doesn’t recognize that. He thinks he makes America great. And he has no interest in representing all of us. He tries to politicize the military, the courts, and the justice system. I have big disagreements with John Bolton on many subjects, but I agree with him that Trump presents a danger to our democracy and standing in the world and that few Republicans are willing to stand up to him. America isn’t great because of military power otherwise the Soviet Union was also great. America isn’t great because of economic power, otherwise China is also great. Let’s make America truly great by having the country finally live up to its high ideals not just pay lip service to them. In every war minorities have fought and died to preserve our democracy but haven’t been able to fully enjoy the benefits their sacrifice has bestowed on others. The only thing stopping us from making America truly great is us. We must first recognize there is much work to do to be truly great. Those who have not experienced the shortcomings may be unaware of their prevalence and systemic nature. Second, we must muster the will to address society’s inequities. Solving our problems isn’t hard and need not take generations. In the words of Phil Knight’s advertising agency: Just do it!
I appreciate your comment.
However, I disagree, President Trump views all Americans the same way, which is the epitome of inclusivity. It is when we try to pack people into boxes based on race, color, creed, or religion and pit them against each other, that we are being racist and perpetuating racism. We are all Americans. We are all born equal in the eyes of God, and we all have the same right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
Social inequities exist in all countries. And they are much worse in most. Hence the current illegal immigration issue.
However, I believe that experiencing the American dream has more to do with personal choices than any systemic racism. Currently, the most successful group in America are Asian-Americans. Is that because of their race or work ethic?
There are too many exceptions to your rule. Dr. Ben Carson, Barack Obama, Condoleezza Rice, Al Sharpton, Kanye West, Marco Rubio, Alan Keyes, Whoopee Goldberg, Don Lemon, Will Smith, Ayanna Pressley, Denzel Washington, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Geraldo Rivera, Maxine Waters, and so many others prove this point. And yes, even Ilhan Omar.
Omar was a Somalian Muslim refugee brought to this country, welcomed, fed, housed, and educated. What shining example of the American dream. She is now a US Congresswoman.
She was given every opportunity and made the most of it. But she has no gratitude. Instead, she attacks the very hands that gave her these opportunities. Is every single person she meets in her life going to love her. Of course not. But, that is the flawed human condition, not the fault of American ideals.
But then, that is the key, isn’t it? The pursuit of happiness. No entity can guarantee the success and satisfaction of everyone else. America’s promise is one of equal opportunity, not an identical result. There always exists that haunting little thing called personal responsibility.
Check the last paragraph. You need a correction. Otherwise this is a clearly reasoned and powerful arguement.
Thanks, correction made.
I do find it interesting that a few commentators take this post as an opportunity to bash President Trump with the same tired old Left-wing prescribed talking points. My article is not about President Trump; it is much bigger than that. And, it would apply no matter who was in office.
Perhaps you should run for office. Independent here, too.
Lol! Thought about it once or twice. But I grew up in the 70s. There might be too many skeletons in my closet!
Great article. What is sad is that the media here is extremely liberal. They’re not truthful about anything, yet everyone believes whatever they hear on “the news.” Propaganda worked for HItler and it’s working for our media here in the United States. Not good.
Yes. It is a bit scary … the amount of misinformation floating around out there that people take as fact.
I agree.