Remember This: Is America Still a Great Nation?

The Question at the Center of Our National Debate

When all is said and done, the crux of the political debate taking place in the United States today centers on asking and answering one basic question.

Even 25 years ago, for most Americans, the answer to our question would not be a matter of much argument.

However, after decades of one-sided presentation of information by the Unholy Trinity—academia, corporate legacy media, and the world of entertainment—we can no longer pursue our future with the confidence and purpose that has defined our Republic since declaring our independence 250 years ago.

Great Despite Imperfection — Or Ashamed by Design?

What is this basic question? Is America a country deserving to be considered great despite not being perfect, or are we a nation whose sins demand the attention and atonement they deserve such that considering ourselves a great nation is unjustified and unwarranted?

Should we proudly salute the flag and celebrate our history, or should we hang our heads in shame, viewing the flag as a symbol of all that triggers decent people into feeling shared shame?

Rejecting the ‘Things Have Never Been Worse’ Narrative

Let us dismiss one argument as silly and preposterous. That would be that for problem X, “things have never been worse.” Whether it is racism, sexism, foreign policy, or any of more than a dozen subjects, no serious examination of the facts or our actual history can support this nonsense (and that is what it is).

To deny the absurd does not mean we are claiming all is well on any of the progressive checklist. Serious adults should reject the claim that to deny things have never been worse is the same as denying there are not real and serious issues to address in these areas.

What the Numbers Tell Us

Lest anyone think my description of the fault line is overly dramatic, why don’t we take a quick look at some data? For this Boomer patriot, the numbers do not paint a pretty picture. Most discouraging is the combination of overall trends and what is taking place among younger Americans.

In the 2010’s, more than 80 percent of Americans said the United States was the best country in the world to live in. By 2025, the number was 69%.

53 percent expressed the view that the United States was of unique character making it the greatest country in the world compared to 70 percent in 2012.

More 2025 data revealed that 46 percent believed we were no greater than other countries. Fully 43 percent believed there were countries better than the United States. To be clear 81 percent of Republicans believed we were the greatest country, while only 39 percent of Democrats felt the same way.

86 percent of those 65 or older believe the country is best. For those under 30, it is less than 50 percent. One in five under the age of 40 say they would not defend the country in the event of an invasion. In previous columns, I have highlighted that 66 percent of those 18–27 hold a favorable view of socialism, with one-third having a favorable view of communism.

Where the Breakdown Begins

For those of us who love the country, it is time to scream to stop the madness. We start with our education system—what it is that our children are being taught and who is doing the instruction. In short, it is pure socialist dogma without any appreciation of historical context or comparisons about what other countries were doing at the same points in time.

If a bunch of leftist teachers spend their time indoctrinating students that the history of our country should make us feel ashamed and undeserving of any sentiment proclaiming our country is great, then why would anyone be surprised when that viewpoint is expressed when these folks leave school?

Holding Two Truths at Once

You can recognize and study where our country has fallen short, even to this current date. At the same time, you can conclude that, all things considered, there is a truth to the concept of American exceptionalism that deserves to be honored, respected, and defended.

Remember This

Remember this: The clock is ticking. Either those of us who are proud of our country and its history restore sanity to basic institutions, starting with education, or we watch those who are ashamed of our country and its history continue their march to remake the nation to reflect their twisted and distorted views.

I say, not without a fight. God Bless America.