Good Bye America. I hardly knew you.
by: Jamal Thompson
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Word Count: 881
What is it that makes America exceptional? Why do Americans enjoy a quality of life so superior to other countries? Why is it that even Americans living in poverty enjoy a quality of life superior to many middle class Europeans? Are Americans genetically different than the rest of the world? Is there a reason that one of the youngest countries in existence enjoys a way of life superior to civilizations in existence for thousands of years?
What makes America exceptional is the freedom we enjoy. It is freedom that unleashes human ingenuity, creation and innovation. In America we have the freedom to pursue our definition of happiness without government intrusion. We have the freedom to succeed or fail on your own merits in pursuit of goals we deem worthy of pursuit. The human spirit yearns for and thrives on freedom. Freedom spurs the human spirit to levels of motivation and achievement unattainable through any other means. All of us have experienced the feeling of excitement and drive that accompanies an idea we feel is achievable. Conversely, we have all experienced the feeling of having our hopes dashed before we can take the first step in realizing our dreams.
The basis for our freedom is the US Constitution, the most magnificent document in American history. Its genius is not found in ceaseless mandates for never ending attempts at social experimentation with the hope of one day creating a heaven on earth amenable to all its inhabitants. The US Constitution’s genius is found in the limitations it places on government to interfere with man’s pursuit of his own happiness as he chooses to define it. Man was finally free to author the course of his own life; to be the master of his own destiny; to mold his life according to his own dictates rather than to conform his life to the wishes of some far removed governing authority.
With the election of Barack Obama that exceptionalism no longer exists because for the first time in our nation”s history we are electing an individual who laments the limitations placed on government by the Constitution to interfere with the individual. The very principles that have made this country the envy of the world and a beacon for those seeking exile from oppressive, brutal regimes are the object of his scorn. I’m not making this up. In 2001 he gave an interview to PBS Radio in Chicago where he complained that The Constitution lists all the things you can’t do to a person but is silent about what government can do to a person. THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT OF THE CONSTITUTION! That is why it was written. C.S. Lewis put it this way, “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”
In many ways this can be considered my obituary to American idealism. The America our Founding Fathers fought for and risked their lives for no longer exists. Sure it retains the same flag and occupies the same parcel of land on the globe as it did at its founding but it no longer embodies the ideals that made her exceptional because the American voters have decided to give up their liberty rather than be exposed to the inconveniences associated with preserving it. The country known around the world for its pioneer spirit thinks it better for each individual to work until May in support of a welfare state with cradle to grave entitlements rather than be inconvenienced with a level of freedom inspiring enough to make a young country the envy of the world.
Though the flag will still bear the stars and stripes, the ideals behind it have long since given way to resemble those of any other socialist European county. Our founding ideals have been watered down now to the point where they are indistinguishable from those of any other developed country. What is left to celebrate on July 4th? What meaning does it have? Aside from our accents, how are we any different now for having won our independence? Are the well wishes of other countries worth our own identity? What good is it to win the respect of other countries when the only way to do it is to cease being who we are?
If I am to find anything good in this election it is that I live in a country where a black man can be elected President of the United States but I am mortified that Barack Obama is that man.
Am I proud to be an American? I used to be because before this election I used to know what being an American was. Now before I can answer that, someone would have to tell me what makes America any different from Great Britain, France, Germany, etc.
About the Author
Jamal Thompson is a financial advisor in Valencia, CA.
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Comments
Right on Jamal. A Black man elected President is a monumental testament to the social growth of this nation. Exit poles showed that more people voted for Obama on race alone than those who voted against him on race alone. It seems racism has taken on a new face and it ain't white. But I rejoice that an African American now sets in the White House and I too wish it was a more trustworthy and loyal African American.
Let it be noted that the stronghold of liberal progressives are in the coastal cities of the Atlantic and Pacific along with those large cities around the Great Lakes. If you move out of the larger Cities into the country side nearly always brings you into the Conservative world. The heartland if you will. Now this countries economy is doomed, throwing this worthless money at it is only delaying the inevitable. When we have a total melt down in jobs and availability of food and other necessities. You will see a mass exodus from these liberal cities out into the heartland demanding food. I for one will be clinging to my Bible and my Gun cause they ain't get either one nor any food I raise for me and mine...
Somebody seems racist? Its time for a change and Obama is doing just that. If we still had Bush our economic crisis would just grow.
No Racist to it.. What I earn and grow is mine.. Obama sells the idea to non productive idiots that what is mine is theirs.. Let them try to come and take it..
Oh ya, that ole Liberal Racist card is worn out.. Try something else..