America has faced a multitude of external challenges throughout its existence as a nation-state. Today, the threat appears to be different – growing domestic political violence. The brutal murders of Republican activist Charlie Kirk in Utah and Democrat politician Melissa Hortman in Minnesota, along with her husband, provide worrying examples. There are, of course, many more. Reuters reports that there have been over 300 incidents of political violence in America since the 6th of January Insurrection. Should we be afraid?
We bled in foreign fields to crush the evils of fascism, dictatorship, and imperial ambition. Following WWII, we met a different kind of challenge, providing the necessary economic assistance to a shattered Europe in the form of the Marshall Plan. We later ensured Europe’s peace and security against the threat of communism by stationing thousands of U.S. service members along the borders of a then-divided Germany.
Our “containment policy” eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet Union due to the crushing weight of its own internal contradictions. Meeting and overcoming these challenges cost us in both lives and treasure. Still, we never flinched.
Tragically, we are politically polarized as never before. Therefore, I am concerned as never before. In my estimation, America is a remarkable country because of what we have always aspired to become as a nation. Those aspirations are well known to us and found in our country’s founding instruments: The U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. In all my travels, to date, more than 70 countries, I have never met anyone who fundamentally disagreed with the principles found therein.
These two keystone national documents tend to define us: not based on any one ethnicity, creed or political party, but by what we hope to become as a nation of free people. Our ideals are, in many cases, wholly humanistic and therefore sometimes perceived as universal.
Essentially, we endeavor as individuals and a nation, attempting to be better than we are. However, perfection is known to none. We are frail. We are subject to fits of prejudice and backsliding. We are often a disappointment to ourselves and others. But, there is nobility in making the attempt. America may be unusual for this reason: the continuing and seemingly never-ending historical struggle to live up to those aspirations — no matter how many times we fail, and we are currently failing badly.
Tragically, our historical national failures have been substantial: the original sin of slavery; the near genocide of the native population; too many wars – old and new – fought for the wrong reasons, et al. I fear that if we cease the exertions of striving to become better than the sum of our parts, we may lose our central purpose and perish.
The US Constitution begins with these three words: “We the people.” Those critically important words tend to define us. We have common goals as a people. We therefore share a common future. We will either rise or fall together. The more we work in concert toward the objective of defeating the menacing spread of political hatred, the better for the country as a whole.
Few Republicans are actual Fascists, and a distinct minority of Democrats are genuine Socialists. The on-going demonization of one by the other is not only ultimately self-defeating but simply wrong.
The armed forces of our nation can serve as an example to be emulated. The US military is composed of citizens representing all political beliefs: working together as one to defeat external threats to the country. We must guard against becoming a people who are small-minded and mean-spirited. Respect for differing opinions results in civil discourse without violence. Our Constitution demands this from us. Few know this better than those serving in uniform.
Charles Dickens begins his classic “A Tale of Two Cities” with the enigmatic phrase, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Hard times often require a determined focus on that which is best within us. Some may consider the here and now the worst of times.
But, this moment is also an opportunity to seek common cause as a people to continue the attempt to make manifest the lofty goals of our Founders. We need to take a reasoned step back from the yawning precipice of politically motivated violence. If not…
Pogo famously suggests a cautionary tale when the cartoon character observed, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” If true, I have reason to be afraid. So do you.
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*** Editor’s Note: If you liked this article, you’d definitely want to check out Bob’s latest book: Surviving the United Nations – A True Story of Violence, Corruption, Betrayal, and Redemption.
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