The American Idea

Today, Roger Cohen on the International Herald Tribune wrote a column about the American idea. He quoted Brent Scowcroft as saying "Historically, the world has always given us the benefit of the doubt because it believed we meant well. It no longer does.” If the world no longer gives us the benefit of the doubt, then what has happened and will happen to the American idea?

The United States of America has always been as much of an idea as it as been a geographical entity. The small portion of the continent demarcated as the Thirteen Colonies in 1776 expanded by force over the next 150 years to encompass over a third of North America. Never during that time, however, did the country have any form of government other than upon that which it was founded. The United States was not only a burgeoning economic and industrial power during this period, but it was also an unique system of political organization. It was arguably the inspiration for the French Revolution and scores of others that followed. The idea of America was one of power dispersed among a larger populace. Even if this was solely white man landholders in the beginning, it still represented a radical departure from the monarchies and oligarchies of the past.

But, recognizing this basic premise, the idea of the USA has evolved constantly throughout its 231 year history. With new opportunities and struggles, the nation has found ways to transform this idea. Some sacrifices have been made, many of which have challenged even the core principles. I think of Lincoln's suspension of habeus corpus, the Sedition Acts of 1798 and 1918, and the internment of Japanese citizens during the Second World War. During the past six years, however, we have seen unique challenges from without and within. More dangerous are the latter, because they are self-inflicted wounds upon the country's great legacy.

Today, the American public is divided. One portion of the population holds that the actions of the US Government, especially those abroad, are inherently supportive and indicative of the American idea. As such, they see the occupation of Iraq, the detainment of enemy combatants, the increase in domestic surveillance, and the stifling of debate as extension of a country trying to defends its values. I greatly admire these individuals' faith in the goodness of our country. I too want to be proud of my country, but I find it impossible to share this faith. The idea of America is one that I want to maintain, but this is best accomplished not by preserving our security at any cost but by holding firm to our values with as little compromise as possible.

What are the values of the United States? For one, that the experiment is continued, that society and its government are consistently transformed to benefit these institutions. Surely, the writers and ratifiers of the Constitution wanted their version of the experiment to succeed. But the Declaration of Independence also states that it is "the Right of the People to alter or abolish [government]" if it becomes "destructive". In fact, the language of this document could easily be applied to some of the near "tyrannical" abuses of George W. Bush.

In an age when the American idea is vigorously debated, it is important to try our best to define it in the most positive, optimistic way. Over past years, threats have emerged. If these are able to reshape the American idea in a more pessimistic, restrictive, and violent way, then our enemies have won. But if America is able to reinvigorate and restore this concept of the American, then it can regain its important position in the world. Ultimately, America is about hope, but right now, at home and abroad, this sentiment is lacking.