Selwyn Duke – “Persian flaw” was originally a flaw purposely included in a handmade carpet because, the thinking was, only God could aspire to perfection. ’
Tis true, too, that perfection is not a thing of this world. Given this, you may wonder why I write in my title that conservatives must stop issuing disclaimers to the effect of, “We all know our country is not perfect.” Well, consider a little analogy:
Imagine you were giving a speech in honor of your mother and opened with, “Now, we all know my mother’s not perfect.” Might there not be some stunned silence? Is it possible some listeners might view you as a bad child? Moreover, if your mother heard your disclaimer, mightn’t she be hurt? Continue reading
Paul Rosenberg – Once upon a time there really was an American exceptionalism and America was a light unto the world. That exceptionalism was a long way from perfect (looking for perfection in a mass of humans is silly), but it was legitimate.
Jonathan R. Verlin – Two worldviews are fighting to claim the identity of America in the 21st century. One is centered upon Judeo-Christian morality and encompasses discipline, virtue, courage, and the dignity of being an American. The other promotes lawlessness, endless grievances, class-racial-gender conflicts, and plain name-calling. The former encompasses American exceptionalism, individual freedom with responsibility, and classic ideas and ideals of the rights of man as embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.