By, Jays Jewels
“. . . never can true reconcilement grow where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep.”
Paradise Lost, John Milton
1667
For more than two centuries beacons’ of light emanated from our shores. American citizens proudly offering navigation for lost souls. This nation, a republic formed of diverse interests, united by sound principles. Speaking not of religiosity, therein can be only un-harmonious discontent. Rather, the world renowned ‘Great Experiment; democratic self-government.’
Long before we existed, a compendium of philosophies proved indispensable. The intellectual foundation upon which these United States were erected preceded it. History’s greatest minds recognized the requisite necessities in order to establish a just society. By the time colonial America realized sovereign independence, Thomas Jefferson and his contemporaries knew well the imperative of declaring freedom for humanity.
Yet, henceforth, contradicting our highest ideals, unjustifiable transgressions assaulted ethics and morality; foremost slavery and genocide of the native culture on this continent. In the century that followed, freedom was redefined by unimaginable horrors resultant of Civil War; our ship eventually righted, led by the statesmanship of Abraham Lincoln.
But the Reconstruction and Post-Reconstruction eras witnessed still further evils - delivering terrible wrongdoing. Prejudicial injustice, and commerce steadfastly denying equality are large components of a long list of inequities. Naturally, struggles ensued and continued. But our originally incorporated governance remained, slowly changed by demand. Successive generations of most American’s improved by degrees given time.
However, vestiges of exclusion remain firmly entrenched, whereby intransigence of the few deny rights for the many. This antithetical to democracy, and so incongruent to those goals. It appears, increasingly powerful faction controls limited opportunities for the masses, (albeit certain power lawfully granted by the voting booth).
Our sacred principals are so often trampled upon. Culminating in longing for restoring sometimes elusive humanity. We’ve waged war on battlegrounds at home and abroad. Whether or not military engagement indeed had been for righteous purpose has been inconsistent. While fighting for domestic ideological balance has proven itself a failure in the present century.
Our beloved America now devolved into a scene of societal destruction inhabited by embittered souls. Still, we valiantly continue to envision better tomorrows. The one constant that’s kept this nation alive has been hope . . . possessing simple meaning; hope, whilst powerfully profound, delivering continuance and salvation.
When painful truths revealed irresponsible leadership we’ve remade ourselves. Justice defiled must be addressed in a just society. The United States always seeks improvement. In recent decades America moved both forward and backward. Technological progress exploded, with it, [previously unimaginable] availability of enviable conveniences.
However, breathtaking commercial success alone never replaces laudable leadership in a great society. Reasonable political discourse seemingly disappeared; with it, contingency for mutually beneficial interests is nearly non-existent. Maybe it was inevitable, but surely doubtless regrettable.
Our design for a democratic republic grew into an empire comparable to histories others -whereupon unrelenting quest for omnipotent power, hatred of perceived antagonists, and oppression of weaker population’s ultimately leads to disaster. The United States for its part has been and is currently guilty of such. Proud responsible citizens cringe when reminded of Abu Ghraib and Gitmo, (particularly the infamous Camp 7). These but two of the most glaring examples of America at it’s very worst.
Winston Churchill, while he was one the world’s greatest of all leaders had declared, ‘Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.’
. . . I’d most humbly add, ‘The most difficult to accomplish.’ Further, I firmly believe . . .
‘Democracy is nothing if not the exquisite art of superbly negotiated compromise, resulting in positive intelligent outcomes.’
Exploitative dominance of weaker nation states, unjustifiable military intervention, and governmental infringement of civil rights are dishonorable, maddening and an undeniable presence. Let us not be so foolish as to declare a single person, entity or any such establishment solely responsible.
For these societal diseases at worst are like giant armies of darkest ugly lynch mobs - peoples lacking common decency and responsible rules of conduct. It is with sadness that I state, journalistic integrity demands inclusion of the United States when addressing the worst ills of the world of today.
Despite this, no other nation since the 19th. Century has contributed as many beneficial contributions to civilization as has America. The duality engenders introspection; government chosen by We the People, at odds with itself and constituents.
Such malfeasance must not be allowed to define us . . . Equality of opportunity, fairness, and ultimate joy of purpose; Freedom, justice, and tranquility – May This Always Be the Greatness of the United States!
Our nation is in the midst of what Toynbee would likely refer to as it’s ‘Time of troubles’ - Leaving every citizen to answer questions that cannot be ignored . . . We know what is wrong do we not? Whom amongst us places the community primary, oneself secondary to the whole? Are we are unwittingly sowing the seeds for yet further discontent?! Of injustice in colonial America it was written, (whilst the macabre coloration of unenviable irony mirrors then with now);
‘Instead of going forward we shall go backward, or be perpetually quarrelling . . .’
Common Sense, by Thomas Paine
Feb 14th, 1776
Resources:
• The Republic – Plato
• The Prince – Machiavelli
• Wealth of Nations – Adam Smith
• The Social Contract – Jean Jacques Rousseau
• The Federalist – James Madison, Alexander Hamilton & John Jay
• Declaration of Sentiments – Elizabeth Cody Stanton
• Civil Disobedience – Henry David Thoreau
• Narrative of the Life of an American Slave – Fredrick Douglass
• Russia and the West Under Lenin and Stalin – George F. Kennan
• A Study of History – Arnold Toynbee
• The New Season – George F. Will
• From 9/11 to Abu Ghraib – Seymour Hersch
• State of Denial – Bob Woodward
• Lincoln – Doris Kearns Godwin
• The Greater Journey – David McCullough
-Jay is a freelance author/editor whose social commentary appears on sulia.com buzzfeed.com and daily kos.com as Jay’s Jewels. He is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul and PBS. He currently serves as Assoc. Editor at http:/www.ronrambles.com
Follow him on twitter @BermanJ1