Let’s Turn It Around
by Matthew Cook

“And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today,
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land…God bless the USA.” - Lee Greenwood

This month we celebrate the birthdays of two of America’s most distinguished presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  Both truly were great men without whom America’s landscape would have looked very different.  Yet, when Presidents’ Day rolls around, I doubt that people in some circles will even pause to reflect on the lives of these two strong leaders.  There won’t be much public talk about how great our nation is, either.  Do you hear Lee Greenwood’s, “God Bless the USA,” other than on the Fourth of July?  You don’t, because such sentiment doesn’t appear to be fashionable these days.  The latest trend is America bashing.  While unhappy that it has risen to the level of international sport, I am far more troubled that anti-Americanism is being voiced among our own citizens within our own borders.

February is not only Presidents’ month; it is also the month of Valentines.  Love is based on respect.  At the risk of a fashion misstep, I would like to suggest that Americans try showing a little more self-love.  Someone wise once said that we must love ourselves before others can love us.  Is this too extreme to some?  Then how about if her citizens started showing America that they at least respect her?

The fact that we have a free market does not mean that anything and everything on the market is good for us.  Violent and obscene movies are traded every day.  My own opinion is that they are corrosive to society.  The First Amendment gives us the right of free speech.  But, the fact that we can say anything we please does not mean that doing so is good for either the speaker or the listener.  Countless times I have witnessed parents berating each other publicly in front of their children.  They have a right to do this.  The effect, however, is devastating, especially to the children .  Why?  Because it undermines the children’s respect for either one or both of the parents.  It is no different for America bashing.  When others hear American citizens running down their own country, they lose respect for our nation. 

Differences of opinion are not only normal; they are healthy.  Their proper expression is through rational, courteous dialogue.  Citizens should debate the policies of this country, because the process helps to clarify  issues for participants as well as observers.  Name calling, however, is non-productive if not destructive.  The clamor of anti-American sentiment has been steadily growing.  The 2008 presidential election campaign has kicked off, and so has ignominy.  Candidates are competing with one another to amplify the scorn of anti-war protestors.  Sadly, the major news networks seem eager to broadcast strident America bashings as if to ensure that all citizens are properly chastened.  In one of the most shocking displays of irresponsible, inappropriate conduct, the ex-Vice President, Al Gore, recently shouted to the world that the current President of the United Sates has humiliated us; that our country is disgraced and ashamed.  I could hardly believe my eyes and ears. That he would attempt to undermine America’s integrity at any time is apostasy; to do so when the country is at war is treachery.

Like Mr. Gore, several boisterous Hollywood actors recently have garnered generous media coverage of their America bashing.  The irony of their position is that after thoroughly castigating the United States, they advocate engaging our adversaries in diplomatic talks.  This is akin to an actor taking the stage to lambaste his/her agent at the Oscars then dispatching the enfeebled agent to negotiate a salary contract with studio heads the next day.  What are they thinking?

It is time to turn it around.  All of it: The America bashing, national self-loathing and name calling.  It is counter productive.  Those who are dissatisfied with America’s international or domestic policy issues must be encouraged to use the proper forums for discussion and debate.  People who join Michael Moore in his belief that, “Americans are possibly the dumbest people on the planet…” [London Daily Mirror], show nothing but contempt for their fellow citizens and should be reminded that because this is a free country, they are welcome to leave and look for intelligent life elsewhere.  As individuals and communities, we should encourage the kind of dialogue through which constructive criticism leads to creative solutions.  In all cases, we must insist on civil discourse and mutual respect. 

Let us remember our great leaders on Presidents’ Day.  May someone special remember you on Valentine’s Day. And, may God Bless the USA!