Happy 250th anniversary to my readers! America is facing difficult challenges, many of which I have blogged about on these pages. However, today I put our nation’s troubles aside and celebrate what makes America so special. Following are some of the ways in which America is truly exceptional.
Liberty: In 1776, the world population was 750 million and not one of them enjoyed liberty as we understand it today. People lived under monarchies, empires, feudal systems, serfdom and bondage. America was the sole exception.
Founding Principles: America is the only nation founded on enlightenment ideas: natural rights emanating from God, consent of the governed, individual liberty and the rule of law. These ideals united Americans more than bonds of religion, nationality or tribe. Our motto, E Pluribus Unum, means one out of many.
First to Overthrow Colonial Rule: The shot fired at Lexington on July 29, 1775 was called the “shot heard around the world” for good reason.
Oldest Charter of Government: The Constitution created a durable system of separated powers, checks and balances and federalism that has endured far longer than that of any other country. Over 50% of all constitutions fail within 20 years.
Melting Pot: We are a nation of immigrants. America has absorbed tens of millions from every continent with high rates of assimilation and intermarriage. We don’t have a rigid class structure, Sharia courts or no-go zones. Never has any country been so welcoming to so many people from so many places for so long.
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.
The American Dream: We believe anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success through hard work. Anyone can own a home, start a business and go to college. There is no such thing as the German dream or the Chinese dream.
Self Correction and Moral Arc: America fought a bloody war largely to abolish slavery. We were among the first to dismantle legal segregation and expand rights to women, gays, seniors, Native Americans and even animals.
Sacrifices For Freedom: The USA has a special responsibility to shape world affairs, defend freedom and promote democracy. America has laid costly sacrifices on the altar of freedom – and in most cases without conquest, territory or resources. The only thing we ask for is a plot of land to bury our dead.
Frontier Spirit and Manifest Destiny: America’s open frontier shaped a uniquely self-reliant, innovative and mobile national character. It fostered a can-do attitude and the belief that any difficulty could be overcome.
Global Leadership: As the world’s only superpower after WWII, America established the post-war liberal international order including the Marshall Plan, NATO, Bretton Woods, United Nations and containment of Soviet communism. The US is the only nation that can project power globally via aircraft carriers, bases and alliances.
Even after 250 years, America continues to captivate and inspire people the world over; they dream, not only of coming to America, but of becoming Americans.
Economy and Innovation: America has 25% of the world’s GDP with only 4% of the population and 6% of the land mass. We have the most Nobel Prizes in science and economics by far. Virtually all innovations and transformative technologies originate in the US, including smart phones, computers, AI, fracking and internet.
Cultural Power: English is the global lingua franca due to America’s overwhelming influence. We are dominant in entertainment, movies, music, sports and consumer culture. American brands and cultural exports shape global tastes.
American Exceptionalism
The listing above contains 12 characteristics that make America exceptional. I cannot think of any other country that has even one of these badges of exceptionalism.
America is the only nation defined by an idea, one that continues to be noble, true and eternal. It captivates and inspires people the world over, who dream, not only of coming to America, but of becoming Americans. This land is our land, from California to the New York Island, from the redwood forests to the gulf stream waters, from purple mountain majesties above fruited plains to oceans white with foam.
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, may God continue to shed his grace on America, to stand beside her and guide her with a light from above. May God bless America – our truly exceptional home sweet home.
Note to Readers: MLLG is taking a summer break until after Labor Day. However, there likely will be some unplanned posts during the summer. Thanks for reading and stay tuned.