“An informed patriotism.” Those are the words that Ronald Reagan used to explain the key to the future of the United States. These words encapsulate the key to what drove the spirit of freedom in the United States for decades. But now, there are forces that have questioned American patriotism. Ronald Reagan is right on when focusing on the fact that freedom is indeed fragile, and without much effort, it will indeed fall apart.
If the bravery of the boys on Normandy is something that no more than 10% of the youth understand, whereas Black Lives Matter demonstrations are considered more important in the psyche of millions of youth, then the future is indeed bleak. Understanding history is indeed the key to the present and the future. Of course, America has some faults. But it is indeed the freest country in the history of the world. Freedom has spread in the world due to the United States more than due to any other country in the world.
More importantly, we need to recognize the failure in educating the next generation that started in the 60’s and 70’s. And indeed, this all happened at the very same time that the civil rights movement and the rights of women in the United States made enormous strides. The most important point to consider is, Why do people all over the entire world want to come to the United States more than any other country in the world? And why has it been like this for more than 100 years? The answer is that the pull of freedom is a narcotic – a good narcotic that those who grew up in oppression understand better than anybody else. The melting pot of the United States is a blessing for the cause of freedom. Somehow, in the United States, more than any other country, when immigrants from non-freedom based countries immigrate, they change. This is all due to the greatness of the ideals of freedom of choice, religion, and speech.
This is the battle of this generation. We must win or the United States will descend into an Orwellian anarchy that will require multiple armed guards at all private and public venues. Our way of life is at stake.