Somewhere in time, there reigned in our collective conscience at least a fundamental understanding of the ideals behind our American experiment, enough to enable the constant state of soul-searching that defines so much of our history. We live in an age where the principles of the American concept are being challenged from within. Worse is the evidence that they are no longer even understood. In the noise of the always-on Information Age, it has apparently become politically incorrect to revere these principles and ideals; as if the advancement or evolution of this nation depends on putting "old" things behind.
Has it always been so? Is it intentional, or inevitable? In the 90's, I began thinking seriously about the attitudes I held toward the American institution of government and how they differed from what I remember thinking in my youth. Since 9/11, I have continued to observe, with great scrutiny, as the brief flare of American identity dissolved into the most prepubescent display of political discourse I've ever seen - not just from the political classes, but from "average" citizens. And with the results of the recent election, a part of me fears that the grown-ups are gone and the adolescents have taken over. Why do I fear? Because I'm not convinced that the ruling political class - of either party - have any fundamental grounding in the American principle. And I am convinced that a vast amount of American citizenry have never emotionally left Jr. High. Contrast the taunting display against President Bush as he entered the dais just prior to the inauguration of President Obama, and the singing of the "Kiss Him Goodbye" theme as he left the Capitol on Marine One. Seven years ago, crowds would greet President Bush with chants of "USA! USA! USA!" Yesterday, President Obama was greeted by a million-strong crowd with "O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!" American pride exchanged for what appears to be a cult of personality.
What are these notions of honor, nobility, patriotism and principle? Are they doomed to a bygone and forgotten past, or do they still have voice? We the people ... have collective amnesia. There is a cure, but we have to take the medicine. And someone needs to administer it. But who?
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