Why America Is Great

I could wax rhapsodic about why America is great and why it is the greatest nation and culture on Earth, one that holds – admittedly, sometimes tenuously – a special place in the God(s)’ favor. Most of what I would say would, however, be more how America is great and not why it is so great.

It really mostly boils down to childlike naivete, courage, and heroism.

Heroes - We Believe In Them
We Believe In Heroes

Americans possess a terrible naivete that allows us to believe in heroes and to unashamedly wish to emulate them. And yes, this naivete is terrible in the old sense of the word. That Americans believe than there are those that can rise above the norm and do the impossible strikes terror in the bowels of our enemies.

Heroes - We Become Them
We Become Heroes

That belief is what allows normal Americans to be exactly that. Time and time again, irrespective of any and all logic and wisdom, we do rise above the norm and become heroes.

That is why America is great. We never put the childish belief in heroism aside as we grow up.

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

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10 Responses to “Why America Is Great”

  1. Elaine Says:

    A zeal for the defence of their country led these heroes to the scene of action, though with a few men to attack a powerful army of experienced warriors.
    Daniel Boone

    Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/heroes.html#C5R0fBjVUMyPcJVe.99

  2. Elaine Says:

    I was recently in the Collin County Courthouse in Texas. There is an amazing statue there of Colonel Travis. He fought along side of Davy Crockett, Fannin, Bowie, and others.
    The myth and legend of the Alamo is the creation story of Texas, central to the Texas legend itself, and it is a legend which continues growing, capturing the imagination of people around the world.

    The entire siege lasted 13 days. Tuesday February 23 – Sunday March 6, 1836. The siege and final battle of the Alamo in 1836 constitute the most celebrated military engagement in Texas history.

  3. Elaine Says:

    I know that you already know this. But, others may not.
    In 1776:
    1/3 fought;
    1/3 were against it;
    1/3 didn’t care either way.

  4. jonolan Says:

    Those numbers are more than a little off, Elaine, though they’re what is commonly spoken of.

    Only about 21% of the population actually fought in the war over the course of it’s 1500+ engagements and some of those (2.6%) fought for the British.

    The above numbers do not include the Blacks, many of whom fought for the British because they were promised their freedom if they did so.

    That’s actually a massive involvement as wars goes. Only 7.5% or so fought in WW2 by way of example.

    Also, the approx numbers were: 45% for the Revolution, 20% against it, and 35% not wanting any part of either side and either hoping to be left alone or moving westward to ensure that goal’s success.

  5. Elaine Says:

    If you don’t mind, I’d like to copy and paste your statistics. They do sound more realistic to me.

  6. cmblake6 Says:

    Absolutely outstanding, my friend. Brilliant!

  7. jonolan Says:

    Thank you. Reasons and causes are things that I think about a fair amount because I’ve always believed that knowing why people are as they are is the best way of predicting what they’ll do.

  8. Elaine Says:

    If you don’t mind, I’d like to copy and paste your statistics. They do sound more realistic to me.

  9. jonolan Says:

    Please, feel free! Just remember that they’re approximations. Various historical sources cite different number and I chose numbers within the ranges they created.

  10. Why America Is Great | Mizozo Says:

    […] Reflections From a Murky Pond […]

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