People on the left often have problems being patriotic on the 4th of July, since they consider the nation whose birthday is celebrated to have been built on slavery, imperialism, and a predatory capitalism. But now conservatives, usually the big flag wavers on Independence Day, might also feel disillusioned with the USA.
We live in a country that seems to stand for license without freedom. We are ruled by trends instead of by law. We are radical individualists and, at the same time, conformists. We have a good constitution, but no one follows it much anymore, and our Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches all seem out of whack. To be sure, America should not be confused with its government, but even worse than our government and the source of its errors is our culture. Oblivious to our history and traditions, today’s culture seems shallow, materialistic, irrational, and immoral. America may have been a good idea back in 1776, but the reality is not measuring up. Or so we might think in 2015.
I think even those who think that way–or the way the Left thinks–should celebrate on July 4.
HT: Gene Veith
No comments:
Post a Comment