American Exceptionalism- Hype or Reality?

As a first generation American who at great risk escaped an oppressive regime where freedom of expression was not encouraged, where elections were an illusion, where the opposition was vilified or worse, I have observed a gradual deterioration in the American populations’ appreciation for the benefits accrued to them by living in the US. American exceptionalism, for many years was admired, something to be emulated and a siren song for anyone who wished to be part of such a country, even if at great risk. That exceptionalism is in danger of evaporating. 2020 more so than any preceding year in recent memory, is a year where competing forces have conspired to test the resolve of this Country to not only adhere to the principles and collective actions that the rest of the world has admired for so many years, but to constructively build on those principles for future generations. We have a choice to once again serve as that shiny beacon of light or we can devolve into competing factions for power where the common good takes second place to power politics and where the democratic ideals will continue to erode.

I am reminded of a 19th century American Sociologist who was quoted as saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely. To some extent we are currently seeing this play out in the executive and legislative branches of government. When the will of the people ,expressed by their vote, is marginalized than we are not that different from an autocratic quest for power. The truth is that “Making America Great Again” should not be a campaign slogan. It should be a concerted efforts by all segments of our society to work toward the best outcome for all Americans together, irrespective of ideological leanings. As we closed on 2020 and began 2021, my sincere hope was that the divisiveness and acrimony currently at play will be but a time limited distraction and that all of us move forward into 2021 and beyond in a constructive manner. That hope is being severely tested. Rather than starting a new chapter in collaboration, if anything we have doubled down on conspiracies, legislation restricting voter access is a reality in numerous Republican led states, the "stop the steal" movement continues to be at the forefront of Republican efforts and gridlock continues in Washington DC. Neither side is willing to give an inch. A unpleasant example of just how far we, as a society are from healing partisan wounds, is the January 6th violent effort to stop the certification of the voters will and the subsequent attempts to characterize the mob violence as a enthusiastic effort on the part of tourism, as well as reconstructing reality despite our own real time observations.

As a free society we are at a cross roads. We can choose to allow our individual fervor in holding on to and broadcasting our beliefs, to blind us to facts and truth or we can return to the guiding democratic principles of inalienable rights to speak our minds without retribution. How we choose will either lead us down the path of reaffirming the founding principles of this Republic or send us on a path of intolerance and autocratic rule from which we, as a free society, will not recover. The legacy of our actions today, for better or worse, will determine the America our children and grandchildren will inherit.

Stand up for America, for your individual freedom, not for individual influence peddlers. Do that and America will be on its way to being great again and once again earn the respect, admiration of our global neighbors and allies and the moniker that truly makes us exceptional among free societies.

#myturnmyvoice #MakeAmericagreatagain #whatpricefreedom #Autocracy #Americanexceptionalism #theroadbesttraveled