American politics from the beginning has been a series of alliances of peoples who agree on more issues than they disagree; or they have a common enemy (like King George). In colonial times there were differing views of what a new country should look like. Some wanted absolute Democracy, others wanted a Democratic Republic. The founders of our nation asked for, and received divine wisdom in developing the Constitution that gave the new nation a Democratic Republic.
Freedom v. Liberty
Again, the difference between the more rural colonials and the urban colonials was their perceptions of freedom. The urbanites saw autonomy more as relief from fiscal oppression, the rural colonials saw the need for a lack of interference by the crown in their daily lives. Both agreed the other had viable concerns worth fighting for- still each had their own motivation for their dedication to independence. Our understanding is the urbanites who wanted less fiscal interference commonly used the term “Freedom” while those focused on privacy were more inclined to use the term “Liberty”. American history logs turmoil between the two perceptions: slavery, suffrage, equality in the law; yet the two factions have held the common bond of patriotism- with the exception of the Civil War which was fought over State Rights (not slavery).
The idea that America is the city shining on a hill to the masses of the world has been the common bond that provides the nation its strength. The Euro-minded call this arrogance; and yet these same anti-patriots are the first to assert their rights when challenged. Literally hiding behind the very principles they seek to dismantle or make exclusionary to their cause. The term that comes to mind for this paradigm is “resentful-dependence” and reminds us of the wayward adolescent that hates the parent that provides their every need. In short- the paradigm wreaks of “spoiled brat”. The practice is destryoing America’s foundation as she struggles to stand proud.
Patriotism, the idea that America may not be perfect, but it’s the best form of government there is has always drawn the two factions together. Those who embrace freedom, and those who enjoy liberty agree: America is worth defending. The two perceptions are the opposite sides of the same coin.
Today these two factions have a common enemy: the Marxism of the Obama Administration and the Democrat Party. With their practices of racism, bigotry, the open symbiotic relationship with Marxist, the refusal to protect Americans, the American border, and the assault on the economy that’s lead to a text-book Depression: all important issues to rally around. All original issues that forced loyal subjects of the Crown to fight for their Independence from it.
The answer is to return to a place where we acknowledge that fellow-conservatives have valid concerns- and that saving our nations fiscal and national security are the issues at hand. If we want our children and grandchildren to have the same freedoms we’ve enjoyed; if we want them to inherit a nation that’s the envy of the world: then the answer is to pull together as Americans to fight this enemy-domestic.
In 1776 the enemy was a king who wanted to force servanthood on a people who had, by necessity; become proud, self-sufficient and adamant. Today, those same qualities demand that the fight be fought against those who are only proud of their country when they get what they want- when they intentionally harm what has made it great. The reader must ask himself if he’s willing to let someone else fight for them or if they are willing to sacrifice their time and comfort to preserve this country while it still looks like America instead of Europe.
Let’s shake on it. . .
