We believe in equality, among people and among nations. That means that we treat others differently than the pagan world. Obviously not all people and organizations live up to this idea of the Golden Rule, but it is a guiding principle for us.
It has made a dramatic difference in how the world has been run.
We have observed this in the 20th century. Notice how we treated Germany and Japan after World War II. Historically the spoils go to the victor. That is what happened to Germany after World War I. Historically the victor gets to pillage and ravish the defeated. Every culture has followed this pattern until the United States got powerful enough to change the rule book. Woodrow Wilson, whatever his faults, tried in 1918 but could not pull it off. Things were different in 1945.
The United States did not punish its enemies. After dealing with the evil, we turned the other cheek. We treated others the way we would want to be treated. We rebuilt their industry, we gave them a seat at the table. We understood what it means to be “separate and equal.”
The Founding Fathers had a vision. We may be the only ones who have it, but we have it. American Exceptionalism means that we do what it right. We may be ridiculed and patronized, even by our own president, but we still have a commitment to the right. I can live with that.
homo unius libri
If Woodrow Wilson had succeeded in 1918 we would not of had Hitler. The South African Prime Minister at the time, Field Marshall J. C. Smuts said after the war that the victors had sown the seeds for the next.
ReplyDeleteWhy did I know that you would know that? I am guessing that you actually listened in school and have done some reading of your own.
DeleteGrace and peace.
Good points, Pumice.
ReplyDeleteI've read that too, Phillip.
Thank you. I find the insights and wisdom of the Founding Fathers to be amazing.
DeleteGrace and peace.