I have written often of America’s role in world leadership and its exceptionalism, which produced the “greatest generation” and what has become known as the American Century, the 20th. But this is the 21st century; it is far from certain whether or not America will continue to deserve anything approaching that designation and I submit that we are currently witnessing events that will be critical in determining that, along with the future of Western democracy and world order. I am referring to the decisions we are about to make on our continuing vigorous support of Ukraine and Israel and their wars of survival, for if they do not succeed, our enemies and every other autocrat will be watching closely, the primary blame will be rightfully laid at our doorstep, and it will be devastating for world order, Western democracy, and America’s credibility and leadership for a long time. The need for a sense of moral clarity has never been more important.
Going back to FDR and Harry Hopkins the democrats have pretty much followed Hopkins credo, spend, tax and elect. They care the less about American standing in the world, Western democracy, world order or fiscal responsibility. As Hopkins said, spend, tax and elect, which means stay in power, regardless of the cost or consequences.
I like to think I am an optimist, but the democrats are making it increasingly difficult. The really sad part is they have half of Americans agreeing.
Jim, I agree that Ukraine and Israel must prevail, and we must do what is necessary to make that happen! But there is also much work to do at home — a war of cultures within, if you will, that is every bit as critical as the need to ensure success in Ukraine and Israel.
Those civilizational clashes, an ocean away, as important as they are to us and the world, merely ensure temporary peace (and that is good) and possibly a warning (and that is also good) to other adventuresome adversaries flexing their muscles and licking their chops in the belief that the USA is no longer exceptional — more critically is no longer feared by our foes or trusted by our adversaries. There is much work to be done! And I hope it is not too late. The enemy is not only abroad. It has seeped deeply into our midst.
We are living in dangerous times!
“The need for a sense of moral clarity has never been more important.”
Amen, Jim.
But the problem I can’t think of a time in our history when we collectively were less able to summon up a sense of moral clarity.