The Wonder that is America

We live in interesting times. We see the America that seeks to reach its ideals criticized and denigrated by those who don’t know American history or its captivating ideals. We see elected representatives forget their constituents and their district-specific needs only to vote lock-step with party. We read of the corruption and incompetence of government, the politicization of our legal system, and the blatant disregard and disrespect of our nation’s laws. Most certainly, we live in interesting times.

Have they read the words?

Elected officials shout at us about constitutional rights, but have they ever read the United States Constitution, its Amendments, or the legal precedents that preserve them? Elected representatives trot out the Declaration of Independence when it suits their purpose, but have they ever read and understood the history of offense leading to its creation? Have they ever given a thought to the words of their oath to “defend and protect the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic?” Those words rise above self, party, or politics. But, have they given it a thought?

America fought wars throughout our history to preserve our way of life, secure freedom from tyranny for ourselves and others, and support those nations willing to fight and die with us for our common ideals. Old foes are now our allies and demonstrate the strength and wisdom of democracy. Other nations, left on the scrap of heap of history prove the failures of communism, socialism, and many other –isms that slaughtered millions and enslaved countless millions more. And yet, too many of our fellow citizens pour scorn and contempt on America.

Look around! The American dream is alive!

The wonder that is America lives in the imagination of youth striving to conceive and create a better America. America recognizes the hard work, perseverance, and devotion of those willing to make their dreams come true. Ask our entrepreneurs, our immigrants, and small business owners. The crush of those risking their lives to live the American dream is a testament to the life we take for granted.

Think of the few we are indebted to as a nation. Our military, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical professionals – volunteers all. They are the one we call on protect us when harm threatens our nation and families. When disaster strikes in the far reaches of the globe, America readily provides relief and assistance to those in need.

Unfortunately, the wonder of America is seemingly lost here at home. Somewhere along the way we became a nation of factions. Those factions embrace the political, religious, racial, and economic spectra. Too often, an individual’s belief becomes manifest as “Those not like me, who do not believe as I do, are my enemy.” How did we lose our ability to discuss, persuade, and disagree with courtesy and respect?

Expect more of our elected representatives.

It is time to demand better of our elected representatives. Hold them accountable to the needs of our nation and their districts. Demand they listen to their constituents, to do the right thing even if no one else has the courage of their convictions. Ensure they know that you have a voice and you recognize the leadership void that exists in our nation’s capital. Your strength, your authority rests in your vote. Cherish that right. There are many who fought and died for your right to vote. Don’t disappoint them.

Until recently, America was respected across the globe. America might have adversaries, economic competitors, and those nations that might wish us ill; but respect for America was steadfast. I do not believe that is the case today. We defeated terrorists in the far reaches of the world, but then abandoned an ally based on the clock. We worked tirelessly to bring peace to the Middle East and ensure the security of our most stalwart ally, Israel, the one true democracy in the region. We labored to foster cooperation among nations that were once foes, only to see our focus shift to provide economic, political, and military succor to a nation that exports terrorism and shouts “Death to America, the great Satan!”

It is time to stand up for what America stands for!

How have the wonder, the ideal, and the dream of America become lost along the way? It is true that America is not the global policeman. But the world looks to America to stand for human rights, freedom, and self-determination. In the past, the world could count on America to lead the way. Is that still the case?

I would ask of America – you and me, where are our nation’s leaders? Where are those willing to risk their lives, liberty, and sacred honor to come to the aid of our nation? There was a time, years past, that ordinary Americans did just that. From our Founding Fathers to the Greatest Generation, from Bunker Hill to Vietnam, and from Gettysburg to Fallujah there are those who answered the call and gave the full measure of devotion to America with their lives.

Have we become a nation of too many celebrities, influencers, and pundits willing to enjoy the freedoms and economic opportunities of America, but are unfit or unwilling to stand up for her against any enemy foreign or domestic? Our adversaries certainly hope that is the case.

Whereas, freedom loving peoples around the world pray America does not forget that genocide, human trafficking, and despotic regimes continue to thrive in the world today.

America remains the land of opportunity, a beacon of hope for millions willing to risk their lives to experience America. We, Americans, fail to see what they see. It may be because we take it for granted. Did we lose our understanding of the value of hard work, the recognition of service to others, and the importance of education.

It is time to remember that America is the shining star of hope and promise in the constellation of nations. It is a nation, a people, where hard work, imagination, and perseverance – in any field – create a wonderful life.

The ballot box – the power that cannot be denied.

America may be viewed as a great idea or a grand experiment. We might progress slowly, too slowly for some. But we do progress and we strive to correct our missteps and failings. Our Constitution is the living, breathing soul of America. We must demand better from our elected representatives. That is the power of the ballot box. It is a power that cannot be denied. It is a right that must be cherished and exercised. America provides each of us a life of opportunity, if we pursue it. America is built upon a foundation of equality and fair play, if we embrace it. America embodies the rights enshrined in our Constitution, if we respect it. That is the wonder of America.

©2021, Peter Goodyear, All rights reserved