Let’s get some things straight: I’m a black immigrant who came to this country at a young age. My family came here to start a new life. Like countless other immigrants we brought hopes, dreams, and fears.
Like many other immigrants whose birth countries are frought with calamitous politics — we also came here with fewer delusions about the integrity of governments. Which is why we tend to study the hell out of American history so that we can come to grips with the contradictions of this amazing country.
With that said, know this: With the exception of the treason, nothing and I mean NOTHING that is happening now is new. At one point or another in this nation’s past presidents have been impeached, constitutional crises erupted, Court Justices manipulated, illegal militias have been formed, voter suppression engaged, racism used as a political wedge, fake news patronized by unseen political figures, and yes… the cry that ‘The American Experiment’ is over.
I have spent much of the last few months catching up on American history thanks to the renewed interest in Hamilton. The musical is based on the award-winning biography by Ron Chernow. Chernow has also written two other stellar biographies: “Washington: A Life” and “Grant”.
And let me tell you something: even George Washington, the seemingly towering and unassailable examplar of the American Presidency, had to put up with some crazy bullsh*t, okay? Faux-populism by ‘small government’ forces, crazy rural militia people, foreign interference from France that even Putie would be proud of, and fake news that would make Fox squee.
Only a couple years into his presidency George Washington endured (and documented in great detail) unrelenting attempts to disintegrate the union for the benefit of — surprise, surprise — the predominantly slave owning elite. Some of whom the country still revere today without acknowledging their duplicity (*cough* Jefferson *cough).
Thankfully one of the curious joys of the book is his relationship with Hamilton, who had his back through thick and thin. Why? Ultimately Washington chose Country over Party and that didn’t sit too well with some folks. Sounds familiar.
If a mediocre, generally genial, wealthy slave-owning guy like Washington (who — not exaggerating — may be the most famous example of white guys failing upwards) couldn’t catch a break despite being the first and the most beloved, then we shouldn’t be so shocked at the current turn of events.
The American Experiment isn’t over. This IS the experiment. A Republic if you can keep it. If you fight for it. And I am going to fight for it.
And don’t even get me started on ‘Grant’ or I’m gonna start tearing up.
Want to take your mind off what’s happening. Read these two books. Now.
Know your history, know your destiny.
* I’d love to add quotes from the Chernow books, but that would be tedious. Maybe I’ll add some later.*
UPDATE: From a staunch conservative Never Trumper.
No, the race is not finalized but still important to consider that part of the fight is acknowledging the very real victories, not just the disappointments.