On American Exceptionalism

We still hear a lot these days about American exceptionalism. For sure, for a long time we were, indeed, an exceptional people in an exceptional country. We accomplished so much for so long and in so many fields. We fought for our independence and won. We fought for our unity and won. We fought for the security and safety of our allies and won. We innovated, created and manufactured our needs and for our comforts and won. We voluntarily sent our people and our resources all over the world to help those in need. We developed a vast and beautiful country, blessed with natural resources, rivers and lakes. We were winners and we were admired.

Yes, we were indeed exceptional, but not because it was preordained or locked in our DNA. It was because we demanded the best of ourselves, we sacrificed, we worked long and hard, and we worked together. Regretfully we seem to have lost our exceptional luster. Too many are rueing the past instead of laying foundations for the future. Too many are looking for a free pass in life instead of putting their shoulder to the grindstone as our forefathers did. Too many of our corporations are rife with greed, ignoring the plight of the common man and the security and independence of this nation. Too many of our leaders are refusing to look for common ground to move forward for the common good, putting political power over the needs of the people.

• According to PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) our average score in math, science and reading today places us 25th in the world, behind Czechia.
• According to the OECD, we are 6th as a “Most Educated Nation” just behind the UK and ahead of Australia.
• China filed for more patents in 2020 than the U.S.
• In high speed rail we are 6th in the world (Which is way too generous if you have traveled on Amtrak recently)
• Of the ten most impressive airports in the world, none are in the U.S.
• In 2020, European Airbus sold more planes than American Boeing
• 45% of our cars in America are foreign made, and they are generally better made and last longer.
• Ford is now the 4th largest auto manufacturer in the world, behind Volkswagon. Toyota and Daimler. GM is 6th.
• As we well remember, during the height of the pandemic we had to rely on foreign sources for simple, basic sanitary products.
• We are dependent on God-knows-where for a high percentage of our essential medications and crucial components.
• CEOmagazine rates our health care system 30th in the world behind Mexico, ahead of Lithuania.
• In Afghanistan, after a 20 year presence, we just suffered our worst and most embarrassing international debacle in memory. What are the ingredients of exceptionalism? We are certainly not a unique super race. On the contrary, multiracialism has been our strength. We are simply an amalgamation of many races, many faces from many places, working long and hard, and working together for the greater good of all. Have we achieved perfection? Have we arrived at the zenith of excellence? We were once on that path but we have badly stumbled. Instead of looking to erase from memory the errors of our ancestors, let us emulate how they worked long and hard and relied on themselves, and how they helped one another along the way. Let us look how they put their faith in Almighty God and a strong supportive family and a solid sense of community. No, today we have lost the ‘exceptional’ marker. But I know this: the only thing that is impeding us from rising once again to our former level of excellence – – is ourselves – – – yes, you and me and the other guy. Are we willing to do anything about that? God help us if we don’t.

• – – – – – Just the view of a common man.