The Source of American Exceptionalism

America is exceptional.

This nation has risen to the occasion every time it has been called upon to do so. We helped win 2 world wars

and we're the only nation that has ever put a man on the Moon: Apollo, the Space Shuttle, computers, stealth aircraft... the list goes on and on.

We've been a leader in technological innovation time and time again.


Where we've gone wrong is allowing liberalism/socialism to creep in and wreck our ability to innovate and lead.

yeah... speshul... :D

US was not "called upon" to do anything for others. US used WW1 and the follow up to invade former Russian Empire and committed enough atrocities there for few Nurembergs. The WW2 for US was a ticket out of Great Economic Mess it was in since the late 20-s; and America warmed its hands on supplying both sides with all necessary to continue the war. US built its empire thanks to WW2 and continue wrecking the world ever since.

Do you want British, Russian, Egyptian, German, Chinese "list" for comparison? Don't they teach you history in American schools?

You? No. US is famous for NICKING the "brains" other nations EDUCATED and DEVELOPED within their societies. How many technological innovators your country educated and developed within the US society and educational system?

US hasn't got SOCIALISM, in fact, you haven't got a clue as to what socialism is! You repeat gobbledygook about "socialism" after your own media and look surprised when no one outside your "island" understands what you are on about.
The only thing you can claim for your own is DEVELOPING MILITANT LIBERALISM and NEO-LIBERAL ECONOMY, and forcing all that on the rest of the world.
 
If you consider yourself an adult, then define a subject of a discussion: what exactly do you mean by "exceptionality"? Are you inviting to discuss American exceptional size, food portions, educational standards, music achievements, military machine, self-absorption? What?

There are two possible explanations for your inane posts.

1. You are striving for some access to a discussion way beyond your ken.

2. You are seeking some possible way of putting the brakes on the discussion, of sidetracking same, of bogging it down.


I suggest you try to stick to subjects where you might actually have some cachet, such as favorite Crayola, or how far to sit from the tv….this is out of your league.

So you really do not understand what exceptionalism means, it just sounds cool?

Kinda like Manifest Destiny?

"...So you really do not understand what exceptionalism means..."
I do, and I suspect you do, as well.

It is more than passing interesting that those born elsewhere know, intuitively , what is meant by the term, as applied to America.

It is characteristic of the less introspective to become easily jaded, as you have.

The United States of America is exceptional, and is recognized as the 'shining city on the hill.'


Beginning with the assumption of the exceptional nature of the nation, my purpose here is to explain the reason for same. Therefore, the OP.

James Madison cautioned, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other", and Thomas Jefferson warned, "Peace, prosperity, liberty and morals have an intimate connection."


Those not convinced of our relationship to Divine Providence will never see the necessity for religion and morality....nor American exceptionalism.
 
The United States of America is exceptional, and is recognized as the 'shining city on the hill.'


.

"Recognised" by WHOM?????!!!!!!!!! :lol::lol::lol:

Stop taking "independence Day" for a documentary, ffs!!! :lol:

By whom?

Well, by some whose names you wouldn't be familiar with, but educated folks would...


1. Alexis de Tocqueville first wrote of America as ‘exceptional’ in 1835.

2. The French Philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy noted in a 2006 interview with the WSJ: “In France, with the nation based on roots, on the idea of the soil, of a common memory…the very existence of America is a mystery and a scandal…The ghost that has haunted Europe for two centuries is America’s coming together as an act of will, of creed. It shows that there is an alternative to organic nations.” [A society that took shape through conscious decisions and willful sculpting by its various founders and builders. –Medved]


3. “In most countries in the world your fate and your identity are handed to you; in America, you determine them for yourself. America is a country where you get to writh the script of your own life. Your life is like a blank sheet of paper, and you are the artist. This notion of being the architect of your own destiny is the incredibly powerful idea that is behind the worldwide appeal of America.” Dinesh D’Souza, born in India.

4. “The United States is comically bad at making its own case,” Maddox writes in the book’s opening pages. This observation will ring true to those Americans who wonder how their country—which welcomes more immigrants than any other, is more generous in its foreign aid than any other, and whose culture is so popular—could be loathed by so many. It will sound even more spot-on to those non-Americans, like Maddox, who consider themselves friends of the United States. For years, overseas admirers of the U.S. have had to endure witless editorials and boorish dinner companions ranting about how Uncle Sam is the root of all evil. Unfortunately, the government of the United States has failed miserably at defending itself in the court of world opinion.

Maddox makes the case for American indispensability. “American values are Western values,” she titles her third chapter. She stresses to her non-American readers that whatever differences they might have with America, they would do well to understand that the United States ultimately stands for individual rights, political freedom, and the free exchange of goods—all distinctly Western ideas.
CJ Mobile


5. In the speech that JFK had prepared for delivery on the day that he was assassinated:

“We in this country, in this generation, are--by destiny rather than choice--the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of "peace on earth, good will toward men." That must always be our goal, and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as was written long ago: "except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
Selected Speeches of John F. Kennedy - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
 
The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, and pride and arrogance.

Samuel Butler

The Myth of American Exceptionalism

Most statements of "American exceptionalism" presume that America's values, political system, and history are unique and worthy of universal admiration. They also imply that the United States is both destined and entitled to play a distinct and positive role on the world stage.

The only thing wrong with this self-congratulatory portrait of America's global role is that it is mostly a myth. Although the United States possesses certain unique qualities -- from high levels of religiosity to a political culture that privileges individual freedom -- the conduct of U.S. foreign policy has been determined primarily by its relative power and by the inherently competitive nature of international politics. By focusing on their supposedly exceptional qualities, Americans blind themselves to the ways that they are a lot like everyone else.

This unchallenged faith in American exceptionalism makes it harder for Americans to understand why others are less enthusiastic about U.S. dominance, often alarmed by U.S. policies, and frequently irritated by what they see as U.S. hypocrisy, whether the subject is possession of nuclear weapons, conformity with international law, or America's tendency to condemn the conduct of others while ignoring its own failings. Ironically, U.S. foreign policy would probably be more effective if Americans were less convinced of their own unique virtues and less eager to proclaim them.

What we need, in short, is a more realistic and critical assessment of America's true character and contributions.

The Myth of American Exceptionalism - By Stephen M. Walt | Foreign Policy


You are certainly free to believe what ever you so choose, as does Barack Obama....that that nation is no different than any other.

But I recommend that you consider the words of Alexander Pope:

"A little learning is a dangerous thing;
drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
and drinking largely sobers us again."

Deep thought might convince you otherwise.



Should you ever have the opportunity to study United States law, you might want to review item #5 in the OP.


Glad to help.

Religion..and bringing Religion into the realm of critical thought is the gold standard of the intellectually vacant.

It requires no proof, no scientific method and invites no debate.
 
The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, and pride and arrogance.

Samuel Butler


You are certainly free to believe what ever you so choose, as does Barack Obama....that that nation is no different than any other.

But I recommend that you consider the words of Alexander Pope:

"A little learning is a dangerous thing;
drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
and drinking largely sobers us again."

Deep thought might convince you otherwise.



Should you ever have the opportunity to study United States law, you might want to review item #5 in the OP.


Glad to help.

Religion..and bringing Religion into the realm of critical thought is the gold standard of the intellectually vacant.

It requires no proof, no scientific method and invites no debate.

1. While giving your opinion all of the careful consideration it deserves, I believe (word chosen advisedly) I'll go with President Washington...



“...the Battle of Long Island, fought mainly in the area of what is today Brooklyn's Prospect Park… That battle both embarrassed George Washington, whose rookie battalions were outflanked on their unprotected left wing and sent running by the Redcoats in a pitiful rout,…he managed to ferry his troops across the East River, undetected by the enemy, to the safety of lower Manhattan, saving them to fight another day. For this he has been rightly hailed as an inspired military leader, but he didn't accomplish this feat alone. He had help.

While his troops were paddling across the river in all manner of hastily assembled craft, they could easily have been caught by the huge British fleet anchored in New York harbor, or by the British army of 10,000 facing their lines on Brooklyn … mere darkness would not have protected them.

Help came when a sudden unexpected and unprecedented dense fog settled over the East River, miraculously shielding the troops in their small fleet of rickety craft from the ever-alert eyes of the nearby British fleet and the Redcoats ashore. Most historians agree it was a providential occurrence that saved the Revolution and made everything that happened since possible. That fog helped make the United States of America….

...Washington acknowledged his debt to Almighty God: “That this most remarkable interposition of Providence is for some a wise purpose, I have not a doubt." Divine Providence and the United States


2. "It requires no proof, no scientific method..."

As the same is true of much of 'science'....e.g., The Big Bang, or Evolution....

You see, the success of secular brainwashing is, in fact, documented by how you are willing to buy it like it was on sale....unquestioningly.


3. "...and invites no debate.?

There. See what I mean? You actually wrote that....and probably believe it.

Religion? Theology? 'No Debate'?
Would you like to reappraise that?

Your post is the result of having existed only in the Liberal echo chamber.....
...do better.
 
"Recognised" by WHOM?????!!!!!!!!! :lol::lol::lol:

Stop taking "independence Day" for a documentary, ffs!!! :lol:

By whom?

Well, by some whose names

By 2 people outside of US spread over almost 200 years? :D

Let's try to be honest here....

...I provided a sample of the finest minds and most iconic figures....and you post this insipid comment:

"2 people outside of US spread over almost 200 years?"


The truth is, there would be no collection of reports that would be able to influence what passes for thinking in your case.


You, and sage introspection go together about as well as paisley and plaid….
 
By 2 people outside of US spread over almost 200 years? :D

Let's try to be honest here....

.

Why try? Let's BE honest: every nation, including Americans, has something it can be proud of.
But to talk fo "exceptionalism", especially with regard to US in historic context, is to display one's ignorance.

Jeeezzz.....

...another brilliant post!


How DO you come up with these?


Your clichés were old when you were a kid! Next, you’ll tell me to ‘look before you leap!’



But.....there is a silver lining to reading the empty posts you provide: I've come up with a new invention...
...a rocking chair that leans forward instead of back....so I can feign interest when posts are as dull as yours.
 
Jeeezzz.....

...another brilliant post!


How DO you come up with these?


Your clichés were old when you were a kid!

What "cliches" are you talking about? That every nation has something to be proud of? Are you even aware that the world consists of nations other then US? Are you aware of the fact that the world is much, much older then US?

Are you going to compare Chinese contributions to humanity with those of US?! Have you ever heard about Egypt? Greece? Rome?

Unless you will let us know WHAT EXACTLY do you mean under US "exceptionalism"...
 
Jeeezzz.....

...another brilliant post!


How DO you come up with these?


Your clichés were old when you were a kid!

What "cliches" are you talking about? That every nation has something to be proud of? Are you even aware that the world consists of nations other then US? Are you aware of the fact that the world is much, much older then US?

Are you going to compare Chinese contributions to humanity with those of US?! Have you ever heard about Egypt? Greece? Rome?

Unless you will let us know WHAT EXACTLY do you mean under US "exceptionalism"...



You must be very, very lonely.
 
No time now to review PC's usual agitprop, so I'll leave a quote from a piece I agree with.

"We have to stop snuggling up to nostalgia, acknowledge that we have allowed a mighty country to be brought low and set a course to restitution. And that course is through hard work and tough choices. You choose greatness; it doesn’t choose you.

And that means that we must invest in our future. We must invest in our crumbling infrastructure. We must invest in the industries of the future. We must invest in a generation of foundering and forgotten children. We must invest in education. Cut-and-grow is ruinous mythology." http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/19/o...erican-exceptionalism.html?src=me&ref=general
 
Jeeezzz.....

...another brilliant post!


How DO you come up with these?


Your clichés were old when you were a kid!

What "cliches" are you talking about? That every nation has something to be proud of? Are you even aware that the world consists of nations other then US? Are you aware of the fact that the world is much, much older then US?

Are you going to compare Chinese contributions to humanity with those of US?! Have you ever heard about Egypt? Greece? Rome?

Unless you will let us know WHAT EXACTLY do you mean under US "exceptionalism"...



You must be very, very lonely.

That is your answer?
 
No time now to review PC's usual agitprop, so I'll leave a quote from a piece I agree with.

"We have to stop snuggling up to nostalgia, acknowledge that we have allowed a mighty country to be brought low and set a course to restitution. And that course is through hard work and tough choices. You choose greatness; it doesn’t choose you.

And that means that we must invest in our future. We must invest in our crumbling infrastructure. We must invest in the industries of the future. We must invest in a generation of foundering and forgotten children. We must invest in education. Cut-and-grow is ruinous mythology." http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/19/o...erican-exceptionalism.html?src=me&ref=general

1. Usual agitpprop????

Bite your tongue!

I use brand-spanking-new agitprop every time!!!


2. "We must invest in education."

This has got to be either the award winner in unintentional humor.....or

" insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."


So...a joke or a mental patient? 'Fess up!!!
....confession is good for the soul.


3. But, hey....let's take a look at some samples of the rewards society can accrue by doing what you suggest: "We must invest in education."


a. Six-year-old Zachary Hood was happy at this chance to be recognized for his good reading performance. He and the other students in the first-grade class at Haines School in Medford, New Jersey, would be allowed to read a story to their classmates. Zachary initially selected Dr. Suess's The Cat in the Hat, but decided that it was too long and picked a story about Jacob and Esau from The Beginner's Bible instead. … Unfortunately teacher Grace Oliva decided the story was inappropriate, since it has based on the Bible. She would not allow Zachary to read it to the students. Liberty Magazine | Once Upon a First Amendment


b. A teacher's aide in Indiana County filed a federal civil rights lawsuit yesterday against her employer, saying she was unfairly suspended from her job for a year without pay for refusing to remove a small cross she wears on a necklace. Suspended teacher's aide sues employer over wearing cross on necklace


c. “A Lewis-Palmer High School student who was told she must apologize for mentioning Jesus in a valedictorian speech or not receive a diploma…” Monument teen appeals over Jesus graduation speech - The Denver Post


How's that for three cheers for education?


Keep up the good work, Middy!
 
We're spending more money per student on education than ever before and the rest of the world excels over us. Maybe the key is quality of education rather than quantity of money spent.
 
Jeeezzz.....

...another brilliant post!


How DO you come up with these?


Your clichés were old when you were a kid!

What "cliches" are you talking about? That every nation has something to be proud of? Are you even aware that the world consists of nations other then US? Are you aware of the fact that the world is much, much older then US?

Are you going to compare Chinese contributions to humanity with those of US?! Have you ever heard about Egypt? Greece? Rome?

Unless you will let us know WHAT EXACTLY do you mean under US "exceptionalism"...

Highlight above^. Can you please explain how the World is much, much older than the United States? How is that possible, was there open water where the U.S. exists today? And No... I wasn't aware of that fact.
 
We're spending more money per student on education than ever before and the rest of the world excels over us. Maybe the key is quality of education rather than quantity of money spent.

No... The key is rewarding Teachers for performance rather than tenure.
 
Jeeezzz.....

...another brilliant post!


How DO you come up with these?


Your clichés were old when you were a kid!

What "cliches" are you talking about? That every nation has something to be proud of? Are you even aware that the world consists of nations other then US? Are you aware of the fact that the world is much, much older then US?

Are you going to compare Chinese contributions to humanity with those of US?! Have you ever heard about Egypt? Greece? Rome?

Unless you will let us know WHAT EXACTLY do you mean under US "exceptionalism"...

Highlight above^. Can you please explain how the World is much, much older than the United States? How is that possible, was there open water where the U.S. exists today? And No... I wasn't aware of that fact.

:clap2:

Brilliant tongue in cheek comment!
 

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