Fear is Fueling Backlash Against DEI
March 21, 2025
Living in a Democracy or an Autocracy
May 16, 2025We Can Determine What America Becomes
We must never forget that no matter what we are witnessing in our national politics, we can determine what America becomes in the future.
The principles, laws, and institutions that set America apart from the rest of the world are at risk of being permanently changed or replaced by ones that are less noble, less honorable, and less workable.
Where are the defenders of the Constitution and this nation’s values?
What is happening to the respect for and adherence to the rule of law?
What is happening to the basic freedom of the press?
This lethal usurpation of America’s laws and values, like cancer, is spreading. It is more important than ever that we remind ourselves that we can determine what America becomes in the months, years and decades ahead by our action or inaction.
Fundamentally, it seems our representative government is losing its way, which should be of the people, by the people and for the people. The voices and defenders of truth and honesty seem to be drowning in a sea of lies, distortions and arbitrary actions.
The values and laws that make America great are being ignored and turned upside down. To whom do we turn? Ourselves. We can determine what America becomes.
We Can Determine What America Becomes
(Photo by goodideas/iStock Images)
Some could argue that what is really taking place is that the sheet has been taken off America and the masquerade is being exposed for all the world to see. They would say there have always been two Americas masquerading as one, but both fighting for influence, fighting for dominance when it comes to politics, racial and gender equality, educational achievement, the environment, and economic stability.
Both Americas are being proudly represented under one flag, while tugging and being diametrically opposed forces — both claiming to be the right path toward greatness.
What does it all mean?
It means we can determine what American becomes if we examine the American values we identify with.
At a minimum, one could argue it means that those who claim to be citizens of one America are tolerant, embracing and believe in the values and qualities America has become known for: a defender and promoter of democracy, respecting the rule of law, individual rights, equality regardless of gender or skin color, improving the plight of humanity, protecting the environment. Citizens of this America honor and believe in the principles, rights and privileges outlined in and guaranteed by the Constitution.
If we are among those citizens, we can determine what American becomes.
Citizens of the other America believe the country belongs to only them. They are willing to deny, to forget, and to ignore the Native Americans who were here before their ancestors arrived, that this country was built on the backs of Black slaves and other immigrants who hailed from countries near and far in search of a better life.
Which America do you claim as yours? More importantly, which America do you prefer for your family?
We can determine what America becomes.
This is an excerpt of my commentary that appears in the Missouri Independent
Suggested Reading
