Since the 9/11 attacks, it‘s become common to say that everything has changed for America. That is true in one sense; our open society was heinously abused by people who intend us great harm. So we must indeed change to strengthen national security and protect the blessings of liberty.
However, it’s also true that some things have not changed at all—specifically, the ideals, principles and values on which America is founded. They are eternal and immutable. They are the bedrock of our nation. But to remain meaningful, they must be learned by each new generation of Americans—and acted upon faithfully.
As Western civilization in general and America in particular finds itself engaged in a great clash of cultures, internally as well as externally, it is more important than ever for the good of Americans and all humanity that the fundamentals of America—the original intent of the Founders of America and We the People—be well understood. Why? Quite simply, America in its ideal form is superior to all other nations and societies in terms of liberty, justice and prosperity for all, inalienable rights, equality of opportunity for all to pursue happiness, and other important indicators of political and social well-being which are universally recognized, such as public education, public health and protection of life, property and privacy.
That statement is not intended to denigrate anyone; it is said without false pride. I recognize that all nations and cultures have various forms of wisdom and beneficial traits and aspects which are valuable for the world. However, it is intended to declare that not all nations and cultures are equal. Our democratic society and our republican form of government—which together make up the American nation—when conducted in accordance with our founding ideals, principles and values—which together make up the American way of living—offer an avenue for establishing a veritable heaven on earth. Moreover, we can do so in a manner which allows all nations and societies to coexist, if they are peaceful and respectful of all others, in accordance with Thomas Jefferson’s phrase which used to be our national motto and is stated on the Great Seal of the United States: E pluribus unum, “Out of many [states, nations, societies, cultures], one [global community].”
So let’s take a moment to review the fundamentals on which America is founded. Those fundamentals are given to us in the Declaration of Independence, our founding document. Rightly understood, the Declaration of Independence is a spiritual document as much as a political one, and the principles expressed in it are spiritual principles.
(To be concluded)