The commentator and radio host Dennis Prager makes a fascinating case for the unique American philosophy that distinguishes our country from others. As it happens, he points out, the distinguishing values are engraved on our coins. To summarize:
"In God We Trust." This is the solid source we turn to for our ethics. It erases relatavism.
"Liberty". Not equality or even equality and liberty (France). Liberty is the fountain of our creativity as a nation. It gives genius a home and conscience a refuge.
"E Pluribus Unum," out of many, one. The new ideal of "diversity" seems to turn that phrase on its head: you start with unity, and create "many". Multi-culturalism celebrates the varieties of Americans and our loyalties, but all that does is make a positive out of the negative divisions that characterize many nations. It isn't hard to retreat to one's own kind. It's the norm in the world and in history. The Founders' vision, in contrast, was revolutionary; to provide opportunity to all once they signed onto the common American project.
It goes without saying that the Founders' vision is in danger today. So the next time you want to explain to someone what distinguishes our country from others, flip them a coin.
Leave a comment