The American Spectator

The Nation's Pulse

(Page 2 of 2)

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Above all, Washington never forgot what was at stake and he never gave up. Again and again, in letters to Congress and to his officers, and in his general orders, he had called for perseverance -- for "perseverance and spirit," for "patience and perseverance," for "unremitting courage and perseverance."

The story of what happened in Brooklyn in 1776, and the story of Washington's bloody and failed battle to keep control of New York City, is worth remembering this September 11th. It is a story of character, of what has come to be recognized as the uniquely American character. It is that same tenacious, gritty and inspired character that in the following two centuries persevered in struggles to unite a continent, end slavery, build railroads, invent the airplane, win two World Wars and a Cold War, land on the moon, create computers, construct an ever expanding global economy and bring freedom and prosperity to increasing millions.

Make no mistake. What is really at issue in the Petraeus report and its reception is something that is never mentioned, that is in fact an unmentionable in the eyes of the MoveOn.org crowd. It is an issue that forms the very heart and soul of America.

At a time when Americans are remembering an attack on New York, we could all do well to remember that it wasn't the first. And to remember something else as well: the real battle in America today is about the American character.

Who has it, who lost it -- and who hates it.

topics:
Military, NATO