October 24, 2012
He explained the three distinctly American qualities that are at stake in the upcoming election.
- Rule of Law: This principle requires laws to be consistently applied and conform to the Constitution rather than to the whims of a king or dictator. Heritage is working to advance the rule of law through our Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies by exposing abuses and promoting common-sense legal analysis.
- American Exceptionalism. Puritan minister John Winthrope first developed this concept in 1630 when he called America “a citty upon a hill.” Today, the very idea that America is special is threatened by progressives like President Obama who encourage a relativist view: every person believes in his country’s exceptionalism, and America is no different. In fact, America has a unique character, a unique set of ideas that define our government, and a unique dream.
- The American Dream: “How many nations are known for a dream?” Feulner asked. The American Dream offers freedom and opportunity; no other country offers anything similar. The American Dream is especially at risk, however, because liberal policies have undermined opportunity and increased dependence at the expense of self-reliance. Meanwhile, the media keeps up a negative drumbeat suggesting America’s best days are behind her.
Do you think the core defining characteristics of America are at risk?
Mary Jane Conway - October 24, 2012
Yes, I think if Obama has another four years our country wii never recover. We never know where we stand with Obama: he lies, pays no attention to congress, makes up rules as he goes along, doesn’t believe in the Constitution and basically does not love our country as we do. It is hard to believe that he was elected President of the United States of America. So sad.