In our minds and hearts, most Republicans go straight to Reagan’s description of the shining city on the hill when we hear the term “American exceptionalism.” We see America as the solution to the world’s most intractable challenges. While we understand that we are not perfect, we see America as the nation that gives the most, works the hardest, and fights the fights that need to be fought to protect free people everywhere.
Sure, we used to be. We used work the hardest, give the most, and fight the fights that need to be fought. But somewhere along the line, we started to work a little lazier, give a little less, and fight the fights that we WANT to fight. We migrated from protectorate to bully. Obama could have said to the Europeans: “We may be a young country, but we are a great country. We are not perfect. We make mistakes. But a whole lot of good has happened at the hands of generous and brave Americans over the last eight years. We have saved countless lives on the continent of Africa from senseless deaths by fighting AIDS and malaria. Despite ongoing challenges, a vibrant democracy is growing in Iraq. Women and girls have returned to school in Afghanistan. America has prevented further attacks at home and abroad. Yes, we face challenges. Our economy is in crisis, and America will do her part, but you must do yours. The threat of terrorism is dire. The fight in Afghanistan is at a crucial juncture. We need you to send troops to fight alongside our brave men and women. It is the only way to ensure that we will all be safe and free.” Yes, this is all true. But that doesn't give us the right to sit back and gloat. If nothing else, we must strengthen our resolve and continue to better ourselves. And who made America the "safety police" and gave us the right to say you (other countries, specifically allies) must fight to keep others safe and free. This is exactly the magnanimity and arrogance for which Obama is apologizing. Maybe next time America will have acted more appropriately for an "American Exceptionalism" speech. On Thu, Apr 9, 2009 at 5:28 PM, Joel Brauer <[email protected]> wrote: > Because someone needs to! > > Joel Brauer > > Only you can decide to be happy! The rest of life is in the details... > > > > On Thu, Apr 9, 2009 at 6:34 AM, Jarrad Reiner <[email protected]> wrote: > >> >> >> http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-04-08/why-is-obama-apologizing-for-america/full/ >> >> >> Jarrad >> >> >> > > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Politically Opinionated Outspoken People Expounding Religion" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/pooper?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
