Trophy Please
The term "American Exceptionalism" dates back to the 19th century. The Marxists were perplexed by the fact that America was able to be so accomplished as an industrialized nation without a dictating government. Americans did not need a "dictator." They were driven by the virtue that hard work paid off. Somewhere, that key element --that exceptionalism is earned, has been lost. How is it with 101 million Americans on Food Stamps (approximately one-third of our population), that we should consider ourselves "exceptional"? |
| Source: Human Events |
Putin States the Obvious
In response to President Obama's address to the American people of September 10, 2013, regarding the situation in Syria, Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin wrote, "A Plea for Caution From Russia -- What Putin Has to Say to Americans About Syria,"? In his article, Putin makes valid points about America and its place in the world under current leadership of Obama. It is indeed a "plea for caution" as Russia and America are attempting to disarm Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad, of all chemical weapons. It is also a cautionary tale as Putin advises America to act with grace and not arrogance.The Exception
Clearly, our success has a nation had nothing to do with what is happening in Syria. Furthermore, Syria has nothing to do with "exceptionalism." Exceptionalism is more like the distance formula--distance=velocity x time. The point being that "to go the distance," you will need to invest the time. As Americans, we need to be willing to invest the time to protect the values that are behind what has made us great.
The American Constitution pertains to our own country, how it runs, and how it is defended. Syria is not attacking us. They are attacking each other. This time, Syria is allegedly using sarin nerve gas versus conventional weapons such as bullets and bombs. If we take away their chemical weapons, will they stop killing each other?
When is Killing Right?
It is ironic that Obama can taste the bombing of Syria yet strongly supports abortion. Isn't killing children KILLING whether they are born or unborn? Maybe it is just that the unborn can't see it coming. As Putin states, "No matter how targeted the strikes or how sophisticated the weapons, civilian casualties are inevitable, including the elderly and children, whom the strikes are meant to protect."Putin goes on to state, "...My working and personal relationship with President Obama is marked by growing trust. I appreciate this. I carefully studied his address to the nation on Tuesday. And I would rather disagree with a case he made on American exceptionalism, stating that the United States' policy is "what makes America different. It's what makes us exceptional". It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord's blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal."
