Shots Across The Bow

John Edwards is Right!

There are two Americas; rather, there are two visions of America.

In one vision, Americans come together and resolve their differences in the face of a common enemy, emerging stronger and more unified than ever before. In this vision, Americans are an intelligent, resourcefull and capable people, able to to take care of themselves, and compassionate enough to help those who, for whatever reason, aren't capable of helping themselves. In this vision, the individual is valued as highly as the group, because it is recognized that the success of the individual benefits the group. This is a vision of optimism, of faith in the future, of belief that America is a geat nation.

Then there's the other vision.

In this vision, Americans dissolve into a variety of special interests groups, each looking out for their own interests, competing for a bigger slice of an ever shrinking pie. In this vision, the American people are weak and foolish. They must be cared for, coddled, and protected against their own ignorance and self destructive tendancies. They are unable to make important decisions for themselves, and must look to other, wiser citizens for guidance. And should they fail to follow that guidance, then they must be corrected, punished if necessary, for the greatest good. In this vision, the individual is subordinate to the group; individual achievement is downgraded in favor of group achievement, resulting in overall mediocrity. This is the vision of pessimism, of doubt, of the belief that America is a venal nation, and must be restrained from causing more damage to the earth and the nations on it.

Come November, each of us has a couple of decisions to make. First, which vision do we believe more accurate reflects reality? Is America a land of ignorant sheep, or of intelligent, free men and women? Are Americans blessed with the greatest freedoms, or are we unknowing slaves to hidden masters? Are we a beacon of hope for the rest of the world, or the torch that lights off the final conflagration? Are we a nation built on self reliance, or are we a people who must rely on a strong federal government to make sure our basic needs are met?

Once you've answered that question, the next one is easy. Which candidate sounds the most like you and comes closest to sharing your vision? Which one sounds like he's on the other side?

That call is easy for me to make. I believe in my fellow man; I believe Americans are can-do people. I do not believe that our nation is a corrupt ravening monster, working evil across the globe. I believe we do our best to live up to a standard we ourselves have set; that we sometimes fall short is not an indictment of our intentions, despite the views of the Michael Moores of the world. Instead it is a measure of just how high we've set the bar, and a testament to how often we do manage to reach it.

I'm filled with hope. Not blind hope, I recognize that we have problems, and that we are moving through perilous times. But I have confidence that the overwhelming majority of Americans are smart, optimistic, creative, and clever people, and that we will continue to solve our problems as we have for over two hundred years. I refuse to believe that you can reduce the American people to the lowest common denominator, and treat them like a herd. In America, the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts.

So, the next time you're listening to or reading a political debate, remember which side shows respect for the common man, and which side denigrates him. Remember which side shows a true affection for America, and which side only tries to tear her down. Remember which side values the individual and the group, and which only values the group. Remember which side speaks with love and pride, and which speaks with hate and fear.

Remember these things when it's time to cast your vote.

Posted by Rich at July 12, 2004 2:10 AM | TrackBack