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Special Report
Exceptional America?
Dinesh D’Souza debated Jim Wallis last night — and Exceptionalism won on both sides.
Is America exceptional and perhaps even divinely ordained for peculiar purposes? Across four centuries, many Americans across the political spectrum have thought so. In the last decade, many on the Left have denounced this notion for supposedly fueling America’s aggressive War on Terror.
Conservative author and King’s College President Dinesh D’Souza debated American Exceptionalism with long-time Religious Left activist Jim Wallis on April 7 at Grove City College, a private Christian liberal arts school in Pennsylvania. An immigrant from India, D’Souza sees America’s specialness as obvious. An old-time street demonstrator against the Vietnam War, Wallis predictably sees Exceptionalism as a pretext for U.S. imperialism.
Several times citing his own current Lenten fast against proposed Republican federal budget cuts, Wallis extolled “God bless the world” over “God bless America.” The only “documented” exceptional nation was ancient Israel, he insisted, noting that Jesus “shattered all nationalistic expectations.” Christians must prioritize The Church over nation, Wallis said, and they should acknowledge that all nations l have access to God.
“There is no divine mandate for American Exceptionalism,” Wallis declared, denouncing nationalism as “idolatry.” He professed his own love for America’s geographic beauty, “diverse” cultures, food and “values.” But he lamented: “I don’t love when we violate those values…acting like an empire.” And he regretted that many Americans advocate a “kind of exceptionalism” that creates “self-delusion” and “disasters.”
In Wallis’s caricature of American Exceptionalism, “it’s wrong to torture, except for America, it’s wrong to discharge nuclear weapons, except for America, it’s wrong to violate Just War, except for America.” Such exceptionalism generates “entitlement,” “self-importance,” and “pride.” America is “blessed” by geography and history but “not for exceptional geopolitical privilege.”
Responding to Wallis, D’Souza recalled his visiting Indian mother’s surprise about “adopt a highway” signs in America, befuddled by America’s renowned affinity for volunteerism and associations. D’Souza also noted that immigrants to India may eventually become Indian citizens but they will never become Indians in the sense that immigrants to America may become Americans. America’s founding Christian principles transferred the divine right of kings to the divine right of the people. They also elevated historically despised commercial trade to a sacred calling, creating an unashamed “entrepreneurial society.” America’s victories in World War II and the Cold War created a world “globally integrated by trade.” The result has been tens of millions of Chinese, Indians, Brazilians, Indonesians and others translating their chronic poverty into middle class status, in the “greatest anti-poverty program ever known.”
“We should be jubilant,” D’Souza announced about the triumph of American free trade. “American foreign policy has made the world much better.” America has uniquely sought both self-interest and global improvement, from which much of the world has gained. American ideas about “self-determination” are now influencing the Middle East, he noted. There will be no utopia, but American predominance in the world is infinitely better for the world than all the likely alternatives, such as Russia or China. “Thank God for America,” D’Souza concluded.
Wallis countered that Christians outside the U.S. don’t believe in American Exceptionalism. “We shouldn’t think that we’re better than everybody else,” he intoned, citing American sins like racism and the need for social reform. D’Souza responded that reformers like the Civil Rights movement are themselves products of America’s unique identity. Martin Luther King appealed to Thomas Jefferson’s declaration about human equality.
Citing the usual historical litany of U.S. interference in Iran, Guatemala and Chile, Wallis complained of America’s overthrow of “elected governments” and recalled nuns raped in El Salvador by America’s ostensible friends. D’Souza criticized Wallis’s “Garden of Eden” standards and said America usually must choose between “bad and worse.” Wallis hailed “youthful protesters” in Egypt who overthrew a U.S.-backed regime, while D’Souza reminded him of similar protesters who overthrew the Shah only to be murdered by the Ayatollah Khomeini.
D’Souza readily granted that American self-criticism is intrinsic to American democracy while warning against “self-flagellation.” Wallis decried “powerful” corporate interests that manipulate U.S. foreign policy. D’Souza advocated a U.S. foreign policy guided not by “philanthropy” but enlightened self-interest. Wallis urged U.S. policies more purely guided by liberal humanitarianism.
Mostly D’Souza and Wallis seemed to talk past each other. D’Souza rightly insisted that America’s self-understanding is uniquely based on the Declaration of Independence and by its entrepreneurial spirit of constant self-improvement. Wallis would not directly dispute this obvious point, instead insisting American Exceptionalism breeds arrogance, which Christians must denounce as sin.
Seemingly Wallis’s 40 year campaign against America as global hegemon will not relent for a mere campus debate. America’s history, religiosity, and unparalleled power make it indisputably unique. Many religious Americans for much of 400 years have understood their nation to have special responsibilities, which typically include service to God and humanity, not global conquest.
As a pacifist, Wallis doubtlessly views all of America’s wars as sinful. And as D’Souza mentioned, Wallis’s utopian vision is based on Eden before the Fall. But however implausible their expectations, religious utopians themselves are intrinsically part of America’s special identity. And whether he admits it or not, Wallis’s expectation of America to sacrifice itself for the world is deeply exceptionalist.
About the Author
Mark Tooley is president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy in Washington, D.C. and author of Methodism and Politics in the Twentieth Century. You can follow him on Twitter @markdtooley.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (71) | Leave a comment
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Robbins Mitchell| 4.8.11 @ 6:21AM
Well, clearly Jim Wallis worships at the Church of Karl Marx's Dick
Kenny| 4.8.11 @ 6:54AM
"Wallis countered that Christians outside the U.S. don't believe in American Exceptionalism"
They sure believe in our exceptionalism when they need saving like Europe did in WWI and WWII and the cold War.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 4.8.11 @ 7:02AM
Ditto to Robbins Mitchell.
Alert1201| 4.8.11 @ 8:06AM
These bozos will like Wallis will comb through American history to highlight every fault they can find, but refuse to cast even a critical eye on those nations that have put into practice his philosophy-Marxism - and the destruction they have wrought.
JimH| 4.8.11 @ 8:17AM
While Americans, particularly conservatives are often derided as viewing themselves as rugged individualists, a more accurate description, and one observed as far back as de Tocqueville is that Americans historically have banded together when something in the community needed to be done. They did not, until recently wait for the community organizer to come along to get them to demonstrate for the government to do something. This, can do, voluntary community spirit is what has set America apart from other nations. It still exists, and is largely expressed through church based activities though it is under threat as people’s sense of community diminishes and they are told that it is their right to demand more from the government. The ways of the Lord are unknowable to man so I will not speculate as to Divine will other than to think that he is pleased to see his people help each other, especially when done in his name.
jothepro| 4.8.11 @ 8:27AM
Jim Wallis is just like any other progressive. They all want us walking in horse dung, while they preach to us of the virtues of them !!!!!!
Gordon W.| 4.8.11 @ 8:40AM
Unfortunately, when the term was first coined it exceptional just meant different from everything else. It did not contain any feeling of superiority. Although that is just fine that people would like to alter that definition for their generation, that is what Jefferson would have liked to see. But that analysis would turn the conservative ideal of originalism on its head.
Either way throwing religion in to the mix of ideals American Exceptionalism stands for is new to me. These are the one's I am more familiar with: liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism and laissez-faire.
Ken (Old Texican)| 4.8.11 @ 8:54AM
Mark,
Well Spoken! Well written!
At Baylor U. one of my professors called Micah 6:6
"the entire summation of the Old Testament".
He also called it the shining star of the entire compendium prior to the New Testament.
"And what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?"
Sadly, Mr. Wallis and his ilk keep forgetting the first admonition..."Do Justly".
When one pairs that admonishment with the New Testament observation that: "to whom much is given, much is required", one begins to get a handle on our highest ideals as Americans.
It's about time Mr. Wallis takes off his hair shirt and filthy self righteousness.
Ken (Old Texican)| 4.8.11 @ 9:10AM
Gordon,
I am so saddened with your seeming "poverty of experience".
Perhaps you need to go read our Declaration of Independence again...you know...the part about "endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights".
Sir, that sentence DEFINES American Ideals and aspirations...and is completely the fulcrum upon which our whole society is based...ie:A just and loving Creator.
I'm very sorry you missed the memo until now.
Best regards
Gordon W.| 4.8.11 @ 9:26AM
I guess I missed the part where the Declaration of Independence was also the document that control how are country is run. Additionally we are talking about American exceptionalism here, not the reasons for throwing the shackles of an empire. We wouldn't be so exceptional if we were not open minded to different ethos to life. Let alone a Christian one, which was basically the thought of all Europe at the time.
Any way, to the declaration of independence having any bearing, I believe, the founders wrote a different document, the Constitution which is to govern how are country is run. The southern gentry declared that it was not good enough and were scared of a government which would be too powerful. In response the drafters wrote down ten amendments. The first of these amendments bestows the freedom of religion and non-establishment. Odd the only reference to religion in the source code for our nation is in an amendment and says people are free to believe in what ever they want. I wonder how that became the Christan ideals that are in the article.
You can keep believing that our nation is based on the notions of Christianity and a just and loving creator. Unfortunately the moment that is the reasoning behind any action of the nation, it is per se void.
Occam's Tool| 5.13.11 @ 11:37AM
Guys,
we are exceptional. And the Sun rises in the East, Obama the anus is President, it rains sometimes, Cindy Wood was the Playboy Playmate of the 70s and a friend of mine in the early 90s (and my wife has met her), and if you make any decent money, you pay taxes. Any other obvious things need arguing?
Lorenzo Dow| 4.8.11 @ 9:37AM
Mark's point about Walllis' vision of exceptionalism is well taken. Wake up Mr. Wallis and recognize you can't bring Eden back....only the returning Christ can do this.
hardcard| 4.8.11 @ 10:17AM
Another fellow traveler of odumbo & gsoroass, let's see; vjones, bayers,bdorn,ssunstein,trezko,blago,spowers,asharpton,gwright and the beat goes on, to the road of destruction.
D. Singh| 4.8.11 @ 10:22AM
Sir
An excellent and measured report by Mr Tooley.
There was one sentence that, in my opinion, seemed to suggest a great moral and spiritual divide between the two factions which alarmed me:
‘Mostly D'Souza and Wallis seemed to talk past each other’.
It’s as if both advocates had studied each other’s position and concluded beforehand that there was no way that they would be open to persuasion by the other.
That explains why they were not speaking to each other but to the audience. Or to put it another way, each is exclusively interested in winning the American people to his respective position.
But what happens, sir, if American society comes to the same point (factions speaking ‘past each other’) with no audience left to persuade?
For when men run out of words (when they conclude that they can no longer persuade) they reach for their swords.
Richard Clark| 4.8.11 @ 10:27AM
Someone like Jim Wallis, whose organization accepted millions of dollars in donations from the likes of George Soros, and then denied having taken it, has no claim to Eden. For me Wallis' leftist connections and activities belie his claim to be an advocate for the Kingdom of God over all, and thus undercut his arguments about American exeptionalism.
Vern Crisler | 4.8.11 @ 10:47AM
Against D'Souza, I don’t think it’s true that America substituted the divine right of kings for the divine right of the people. The founders recognized We the People as the source of legitimate political power, but not as though the people were above all things. The people in fact were limited by natural law and natural right (expressed in the Declaration of Independence), and were under the authority of God and his moral law. No one had the “divine right” to undermine the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and property (without due process of law).
Wallis, on the other hand, has adopted the increasingly popular position of sacral retreat or church-first ecclesiology -- usually a pretext for telling American “fundamentalists” to keep quiet and stop voting for conservative politicians. But in fact this is hypocrisy since Wallis-types believe in baptized Progressivism -- more statist interventionism to bring about the kingdom of God on earth. They believe in sacral retreat because they believe in state-first exceptionalism.
Vern Crisler | 4.8.11 @ 10:49AM
note: reverse first sentence, substitute divine right of people for divine right of kings.
Ken (Old Texican)| 4.8.11 @ 11:31AM
Yeah Gordon,
you just float gently on the swimming pool that we stupid Jews and Christians have built for you.
You are a "free rider" on our commitment to justice mercy and humility before God.
Best of luck when things go to shit. Hopefully one of us won't notice that you are a parasite on our body.
Occam's Tool| 5.13.11 @ 11:39AM
Dear Ken,
I like going through past comments of yours and just noting how excellent your novels are and how you generally just kick ass. I figure if you look back ever, you'll have a pleasant surprise.
Al Adab| 4.8.11 @ 12:17PM
Has anyone else noticed that is it so often those from beyond our shores, or those children of immigrants who best understand the differences between the American system and other nations of the world? Too bad our President, raised across the seas, failed to learn that leson.
Wayne | 4.8.11 @ 12:48PM
Wallis is once again proving how progressives are stuck in the past. The world has flown right on by and he is debating the Viet Nam war. How conveniently he forgets that it was the progressive LBJ who used a ginned up black flag event, The Gulf of Tonkin, to justify the bringing of US ground troops into the war, ending up in the death of 58,000 American soldiers and millions of Vietnamese. Obama is now doing the same in Libya.
Ironically the Progressives use American Exceptions to gain their ends. Somehow America must be "better" than everyone else and America must have 'no self-interest", while everyone else has self-interest.
In other words progressivism is just a con game.
CT Yankee| 4.8.11 @ 1:35PM
"And whether he admits it or not, Wallis's expectation of America to sacrifice itself for the world is deeply exceptionalist"
Excellent point! You must assume America has some unique and beneficial attribute to declare it should help others. That would suggest some level of exceptionalism.
Gordon W.| 4.8.11 @ 2:06PM
Ken,
You speak as if I don't fall into that category. You clearly have lost the argument as you have deteriorated into personal attacks, rather than poise factual arguments.
You clearly pick and choose parts of our history to bolster your point. The idea of American exceptionalism was coined by a non-american as the article refers to. But it was the French. Noting the differences between us and Western Europe.
missbosslady| 4.8.11 @ 2:09PM
Jim Wallis, ugh! Another pacifist clown (and a racist, to boot). A pacifist is nothing more than somebody that does not have the courage of his convictions, the lowliest of the low.
Perhaps, Mr. Wallis could chronical all the achievements of the pacifists of yore. What a joke.
To be a pacifist one must simply do nothing.
To do nothing in the face of wrong is to be complicit.
Stammon| 4.8.11 @ 2:23PM
Ken don't beat on Gordon too much, he is just ignorant.
Gordon, listen to George Washington:
“The government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion”
and
“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”
and also:
“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained”
but the best:
“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”
God Is Truth| 4.8.11 @ 2:36PM
Modern liberalism is the antithesis of how God intends for us to live & adherents to it like Jim Wallis who believe they speak for God, while at the same time defend abortion on demand, redistribution of wealth, worship of the creation instead of The Creator God & other sinful behavior & stances the left uphold, while also. expecting all other American citizens to fund the left's sinful idiocies with their tax dollars are nothing but false teachers who do not know God The Father or Jesus Christ the Son. Pray for Jim Wallis because he is truly lost. When anyone's strict adherence to political ideology trumps God & the way He has told us we should live our life that person is lost & in need of God more than they know or will admit. As for America being exceptional, until the slaughter of millions of children in this country through abortion on demand in TAXPAYER FUNDED slaughterhouses like Planned Infanticide ceases America will never be exceptional in the true sense of the word. Only God is exceptional.
Ken (Old Texican)| 4.8.11 @ 3:21PM
Stammon,
Point well taken.
You may have noted that I began my conversation with Gordon with these words:
""Gordon,I am so saddened with your seeming "poverty of experience".Perhaps you need to go read our Declaration of Independence again...you know...the part about "endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights".
Mr. Wallis and Gordon spend their lives trying to get the motes out of our eyes...ignoring the logs in their own eyes and it gets a little tiresome.
I for one am a sinner saved only by the Grace of God. My eternal life began some 44 years ago.
Hey. check out my new book "America Alone Said No" www.americaalonesaidno.com
Gordon W.| 4.8.11 @ 3:27PM
Stammon,
George Washington also said that the party system would be the end of the country. Also you should check the quote from old GW. It contradicts itself. Cannot do with out the Bible, but is not a Christian nation. Probably the reason he let Jefferson and Hamilton run the country while he sat back and acted like the pretty figure head he was.
Nunya| 4.8.11 @ 3:48PM
Stammon and Ken, Gordon is not alone in his attempt to deconstruct the Christian founding of this nation. Unfortunately, if one was to do a minimal investigation into the actual founding of this country, it becomes obvious that most of the founders were Christian--or at the least, spiritual men.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other" John Adams
Oldefarte| 4.8.11 @ 4:14PM
In my lifetime, liberals/progressives have mostly sneered at this concept of America's exceptionalism; which simply infuriates my conservative self. I've witnessed their constant stream of critisism of this country's historical beneficence, which makes me cry rivers of tears from contemplation of such instances of the thousands of young, healthy military GI's that died at Normandy [in their successful rescue attempts of Europe her then being slaughtered Jewish populations from a tyrannical Nazi movement]. It's hard for me to watch the video of Reagan's anniversary ceremony speech upon same's cliffs without bawling like a five year old child in anguish. Similar emotions come in contemplation of the thousands of likewise youngsters that lost their lives in Viet Nam in my lifetime. Were they and their American government operating our of selfishness? Anyone answering to the affirmative can IMO, simply GO TO HADES AND STAY THERE [and may God Almighty have mercy on my soul for saying thus]!!!!!!!!!!
mahnaz| 4.8.11 @ 4:28PM
America IS exceptional, warts and all, because there is nothing better -- i.e. created by humans -- out there!
missbosslady| 4.8.11 @ 5:25PM
Gordon,
I guess in some quarters it might be considered admirable, that despite looking more foolish with each post, you continue to post again.
We always welcome folks like you who are so willing and swift to reveal their paucity of knowledge and understanding. You serve as a constant reminder that there is still much work to do.
Though we have grown weary of your tired and repetitive simplicty we are not worn out. You lack passion and depth and most importantly the skills and knowledge to go the long haul.
If I was a pitying woman I would feel sorry for you.
simon templar| 4.8.11 @ 6:10PM
The fact that we allow, tolerate, debate, argue with, hire, give medical attention to, educate, feed, and die for the likes of Gordon and all America hating Americans MAKES US A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL SOCIETY AND NATION.
missbosslady| 4.8.11 @ 6:57PM
simon templar,
I respectfully disagree. The fact that we do all of those things for people who seek to destroy our way of life makes us fools.
Occam's Tool| 4.8.11 @ 7:21PM
Missbosslady: if you recall, G-d protects fools and The United States of America.
Eventually the scum that wish to destroy us will wear out our patience, and then we will open the Jar of Texas Whupass. Until then, our kindness is documentation of our decency and forbearance, which is truly exceptional.
Occam's Tool| 4.8.11 @ 7:25PM
Dear Gordon:
Washington was no figurehead. You obviously know squat about him. There's a reason Washington and Lincoln are consistently ranked 1 and 2 among historians of the US Presidency. Figureheads don't go that high.
Tina B| 4.8.11 @ 8:13PM
Gordon,
There is such great wisdom in the Scriptures. In the Bible. Like when Christ said "Whatsover you do for the least of these, that you do unto me." and "Greater love has no man than that he lay down his life for his friend/brother."
He sanctifies the simple acts in everyday life, as He makes the secular sacred. The men who go to war for me, to keep me and my children and gradkids safe, and that IS why they go, just like the law enforcement orgs, who lose limbs or peace of mind upon returning, who give it all as a sacrifice for me and mine, are offering all of this for something we can't see or feel. Not with our five senses.
But God tells us it is the greatest sacrifice of all, and proved it by sacrificing His only Son, for us. Ours is the only country that has come to the world's rescue, whatever the color, race or creed. And now, finally, it is to our own economic detriment.
But exceptional, oh yes we are. My Polish Dad called it the "land of golden opportunity" as we sailed through the Suez and across to the Pacific to approach Cali from the West. He was so pumped to get here and taught me to love and respect America as right up there under God and family.
I also teach my fam it is a great country with a wonderful history which has some very dark periods, but rises to lead the world in freedom and the defense of it. And I teach them to pray, God bless America.
missbosslady| 4.8.11 @ 8:27PM
Occam's Tool,
I defer.
Myself, I have moved my jar of whoop ass from the back of the shelf to the front. I am one angry sister! I have adored my country from my first breath and am feeling very itchy these days. Seems to me these folks have no idea what kind of s*it storm is heading their way.
Gordon W.| 4.8.11 @ 8:51PM
I never once said that the founders were not religious. The founders wanted a timeless document that would protect everyone's beliefs that wanted that shield. Because you choose to think that means they founded a country in line with Christianity is your choice. But why then would the most important legal document the US holds have only one reference to religion, one which restricts the governments role in such.
If GW was a great president, name one thing he did during his term. Even his staff was pretty much forced onto him. He just wanted to retire to Mount Vernon and live his life in peace.
Vern Crisler | 4.8.11 @ 10:04PM
Stammon, Washington did not say, "The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."
"This statement was made by an official representative of the U.S., but is actually a line from the English version of the Treaty of Tripoli of 1796, initially signed by a representative of the US on 4 November 1796 during Washington's presidency, approved by Congress 7 June 1797 and finally signed by President John Adams on 10 June 1797. Article 11 of it reads:
As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion,— as it has in itself no character or enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen,— and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
Joel Barlow, who had served as Washington's chaplain, and was also a good friend of Paine and Jefferson was the representative in charge of the translation."
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/George_Washington
Technically, he's correct. While the founders were by and large Christians, they expressly left the issue of religion to the states. The federal government -- Congress -- could not enact any legislation that established a religion or prevented its free exercise.
Materially, however, it is false. The founders were mostly Protestants, and you can see this in their habitual use of "year of our Lord" or in the Articles where they referred to the great governor of the world.
We do not have a Christian federal government. We do have (or had) a Christian nation.
Jack| 4.8.11 @ 10:40PM
In every facet of life you can buy someone or something. Wallis is just another example of a tool purchased by the Marxists. America is exceptional in that we as a nation are always ready to help someone in need. This sometimes leads to us being used and then demonized but our intent to do good is usually at the forefront. Wallis is trying to say that being exceptional is being arrogant some how which is just more BS different day. The only real dark spot on America is allowing the communists to nearly take complete control of the country through the media, local governments, teaching institutions and now the presidency. I hope the waking Giant has one more left in him. The world needs a beacon to cut through the fog of BS.
Alan Brooks| 4.8.11 @ 10:45PM
Asia will eventually put an end to American exceptionalism.
Dee See| 4.8.11 @ 11:10PM
POST American boosterism chugs on.
ejp| 4.9.11 @ 1:20AM
"As a pacifist, Wallis doubtlessly views all of America's wars as sinful." Except that Wallis's "pacifism" is as phony as a three dollar bill. He's gladly supported the actions of communist revolutionary movements and not come out for "pacifism" if the overthrow of a US ally could result from his own concept of what a "just war" is really about.
Macwell| 4.9.11 @ 5:20AM
We the people must take some blame for the situation we're in. After all, we allowed one woman to dictate that G_d has no business in the classroom.
We stood by and allowed one woman to put into motion the killing machine that is (abortion on demand).
We voted for people who've given our REAL wealth away to a cabal of 'WORLD BANKERS".
We stand by and allow congresscritters to play politics with our men and women in uniform.
"We the people"
I'm afraid that has become just another phrase from a bygone era.
It should be replaced with "Me the victim".
She said, "G_d has no place in our schools". "I'm an atheist and I don't believe in your G_d, therefore, fairness dictates that you SHALL change this nation to suit ME.
Will WE allow it to go on?
November of 2012, the election will be the most important in our history.
Will we allow America to be "fundamentally changed?"
OR
Will "we the people" start to restore America to what G_d envisioned when He brought America together, and blessed her.
Christopher Manion| 4.9.11 @ 10:42AM
I appreciate Mr. Tooley's reporting the debate, and not just giving his own opinions. But this line confuses me:
"D'Souza rightly insisted that America's self-understanding is uniquely based on the Declaration of Independence and by its entrepreneurial spirit of constant self-improvement."
Why the "rightly," Mark? That doesn't jibe with Tocqueville, who saw our uniqueness embedded in our common heritage (common law and the rights of Englishmen, as well as ethnicity and the Christian religion, represented by a variety of denominations whose beliefs overlapped with regard to morals, self-government, and the limits on government power).
Nor does it jibe with the Declaration itself, if you read past the first six paragraphs: we are Englishmen claiming our rights that have been trampled on by a tyrannical king. And even the oft-quoted (also by yours truly) opening paragraphs acknowledge that "all men are created," and that we are guided by "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God."
I can't understand why Dinesh would not seize on the quite obvious Christian heritage that absolutely permeated the culture and the politics of the founding era. Read Ellis Sandoz's marvelous collection of sermons from that period (from the Liberty Fund). Read George Washington -- at almost an period of his life: his "Earnest Prayer" in 1783, his Farewell Address, inter alia.
The sad fact is this: Tocqueville was right: America **was** exceptional because of what we had in common -- so when we communicated, we understood one another. Today, all of those realities (not abstractions, please) we held in common as a historical people have disappeared or have been rejected by government, by law, by the popular culture, and by a good number of the American people (and the tens of millions among us who are not Americans, but who get to stay anyway).
Look at the Voice of America, ceasing broadcasting in Russian, Portuguese, Hindi, Arabic -- and Chinese is next, according to former VOA Director Robert Reilly's testimony last week.
Instead, we broadcast thug rock to Islamic countries in hope that it will turn children against their supposedly anti-American parents. How "exceptional" is that?
Whatever we had that made us "exceptional" has been lost, destroyed, or repudiated. And you don't have to be a Wallis leftie to reject the notion that we have the right -- or even have a prayer -- to go around the world imposing "democracy," which was absolutely contemptible to the generations that made America exceptional. Our republic flows from centuries of tradition and historical rights. We cannot impose our form of government on tribal societies that reject rational discourse, a **sine qua non** of representative government. It's that simple, alas.
Again, thanks for a helpful article. It proves that it's time for conservatives to rethink some old shibboleths.
Oldefarte| 4.9.11 @ 11:19AM
Are you predicting that the Chinese will rescue the world from the next Nazi-type movement militarily and will thereafter expend $trillions in reconstruction of devastated countries? Are you predicting that they will cease persecution of their citizens, stop stealing other countries technology/enterpreneurships, etc? [Alan Brooks| 4.8.11 @ 10:45PM
Asia will eventually put an end to American exceptionalism]. What a moron!!!!!!!!!!
ENOUGH ROPE| 4.9.11 @ 2:01PM
When will 70% to 80% of Americans discover that most Democrats are fascists, socialists, or Marxists?
Nancy in NC| 4.9.11 @ 2:03PM
I must reiterate Macwell's sentiments...we have failed to do our part to preserve our freedoms, and they are almost lost forever. Many Americans have easily sold their liberty for security and financial certanity, giving up the freedom to succeed on their own, and hold up their head up with the pride that they earned it!
We are in deep doo-doo.
Jack| 4.9.11 @ 2:31PM
I was busying raising a family and working. When I quit working and pulled my nose away from the ole grindstone I was shocked to see what had happened. It was like some nightmare were you wake up in a cold sweat. They have tried tearing down our country brick by brick over the last 50 years that I am aware of. A little piece at a time. When Kruschev said we will bury you he meant communism not the USSR. They are a malignancy in our society. I feel awful that we were not vigilant and we let the vocal few with a few well placed politicians destroy this country!
skip| 4.9.11 @ 3:42PM
Gordon W.
Has it really escaped your notice the quantity and quality of responses to your posts? How easily your points are refuted?
At 8:51 pm you state: "Because you choose to think that means they founded a country in line with Christianity is your choice."
The two most important documents of our nation after the Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson), the document of American's individual rights, and the Constitution (James Madison), the document of American's government conduct in protection of individual rights, is the Federalist Papers (James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay) and Washington's Farewell Address (George Washington).
John Jay, the nation's first Supreme court chief justice, stated: "Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians as their rulers."
Maybe, just maybe, this has something to do with thinking the country was founded in line with Christianity.
Also at 8:51 pm this nugget: "But why then would the most important legal document the US holds have only one reference to religion, one which restricts the governments role in such." (sic)
Your assumption the Constitution is the most important document is arguable; the Declaration, on individuals rights that the Constitution was established to protect, can fairly be considered most important.
Your assumption on government restriction concerning religion is vague. What is commonly referred to as the separation of church and state is taken as gospel to be the protection of government from the church to liberals; it is the protection of the church from the state to conservatives.
Maybe, just maybe, as the country was founded when thirteen colonies became states by ratifying the Constitution, the fact that six of them had an established Christian state church at the time has something to do with thinking the country was founded in line with Christianity.
Also at 8:51 pm was this beaut: "If GW was a great president, name one thing he did during his term."
Maybe, just maybe, his Farewell Address qualifies as one thing he did during his term.
George Washington is easily the greatest president.
You display quasi-intelligence and pseudo-honesty at best. Stick around long enough and we can change that.
Maybe, just maybe.
Truth is King| 4.9.11 @ 6:24PM
Anybody notice that the words of Jim Wallis are the same exact words spoken here by some of the regulars that claim to be the "true conservatives?"
Like good old Toddard, Red Phillips, and may others? I have always said that the Paleos and Libertarians are Leftists. Why? Because they side with the Left and share their views on what America stands for, and about her exceptionalism.
And they say that we are Neo-cons.. a term used derogatorily toward those of us who are for a strong military defense and consider America the beacon of freedom. Yes, how often have you heard these same EXACT words spoken by the Ron Paul ilk that Jim Wallis speaks?
Politics makes for strange bedfellows, does it not?
Anyone who speaks like this man speaks is no conservative!
Stefan Stackhouse| 4.9.11 @ 7:00PM
Of course the US is exceptional, even unique. Of course, we will only stay that way as long as we stay true to those things that have made us exceptional in the first place. Those who deny American exceptionalism may be ignorant, but it is more likely that they do so for the sake of a political agenda - an agenda that directly attacks those things that made us exceptional.
Make no mistake about it: The things that make this country truly exceptional are under attack. Even worse, too many of our citizens have been so mal-educated, indoctrinated, and brainwashed that they no longer appreciate the things that have made America exceptional, nor are they committed to living the types of lives and doing the types of things which we citizens must do to maintain those exceptions.
"A Republic - IF YOU CAN KEEP IT" - B. Franklin
Alan Brooks| 4.9.11 @ 10:57PM
Every nation thinks it is exceptional. You can't bludgeon them all into submission. Besides, I met D'Souza twice, he is a cronyist--
an Asian mentality.
Alan Brooks| 4.9.11 @ 11:35PM
Perhaps the only thing wrong with Americans is they trumpet their exceptionalism too much. If Americans say one time too many they live in "the greatest country in the world" they are tempting fate; America has its hands full as it is with Afghanistan & Iraq (fortunately, Obama saw right away Europe will eventually have to take care of the Gaddhafi dilemma without the U.S.)
Mike C| 4.10.11 @ 1:15AM
It is interesting to note that Wallice prefers to live here rather than in all of the "other " countries that he holds in high esteem. He is on a college campus espousing hatred of America, but what would happen if he were at a Chinese college espousing hatred of the leaders in Peking? Maybe Russia would be to his liking as he was hauled out of Red Square for denouncing Putin?
As usual America is defended by an immigrant who appreciates the gifts of an exceptional America, and derided by a illiberal fool.
Gordon W.| 4.10.11 @ 8:07AM
Skip, nice try. But the points have not been so easily refuted. In fact often only one line is refuted and by opinion.
Manion had the most coherent argument, but still infuses misinformation. Jefferson wrote the declaration of independence, but then railed against the premise of a state religion. He believed in it so much he put it on his tomb stone as his greatest accomplishment. Tocqueville did comment on the religious aspect of the nation, but also said "consequently hypocrisy must be common." But he thought it was a useful tool in solidifying the nation. He did not look a the specific attributes of Christianity as the reason it was good. (You guys can of course do that, but I am sure Tocqueville was not a religious scholar and barely knew of any other religion)
Its sad the greatest thing your favorite president did was his farewell address. Also your believe that the Constitution isn't the most important document is laughable. Any way the 14th amendment applies the amendments to the states. I guess we have really strayed from what you believe to be how America should be run.
Mentioning the federalist papers leads me to believe you have never read them. The document defends the benefits of a Federation over the articles of Confederation. Much of what was purposed was never implemented due to compromising with the southern states. But now that we have really strayed, he did get them to pay off the northern states debt.
Ken (Old Texican)| 4.10.11 @ 8:34AM
Gordon,
once again you demonstrate your arrogance based on ignorance.
Sorry, guy, we just don't have the tools to fix stupid here.
(Stupid of course is knowing better but doing or thinking dumb stuff anyway.)
George Washington merely set the precedents , across the board, for how our republican
government should be administered.
He did so with humility and honor from day one to day last.
Sir , you probably need to buy a compendium of his written words as I did long ago. You can still be stupid, but at least your ignorance wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb.
James Solbakken | 4.10.11 @ 2:10PM
America is/(was?) exceptional, but not EXEMPTIONAL!!!
The problem is that the liberal morons argue as if America is EXEMPT from the moral laws, economic laws, the laws of physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, etc.
America is/(was?) EXCEPTIONAL because America respected, honored, and obeyed all those laws. Especially the law that created private property as the basis for our affluence: Thou Shalt Not Steal.
See the difference?
Negro X| 4.10.11 @ 7:23PM
"an asian mentality"? Once again the tolererant, peace loving liberal Brooks, reveals his racist hate for anyone who is not a white liberal. In the realm of stupidity and racism Brooks remains the unchallenged champion.
Ben | 4.10.11 @ 8:34PM
“Wallis countered that Christians outside the U.S. don't believe in American Exceptionalism.”
Well, I’m a foreigner and I believe in American Exceptionalism. In fact, I don’t believe in Wallis’ eco-socialist imperialism.
Many Christians and pagans alike believe in American Exceptionalism – so I’d encourage Wallis to travel and listen more.
It’s no coincidence either that would-be immigrants set their eyes on America (as opposed to, say, Red Korea).
Gordon W.| 4.10.11 @ 9:37PM
Ken,
I don't know what precedents you mean. This is the type comment you seem to think refute or belittle me in some fashion. But you present simple insults with empty retorts.
In response to that small piece, Hamilton gave him notes to write his farewell and the majority of his opinion pieces. Hamilton after all is the architect of the Federation and our economic system.
On military affairs, he most likely took the reigns. He suggested we become isolationist. Too bad we never followed that one...
Alan Brooks| 4.10.11 @ 10:19PM
There is no American "system"; capitalism isn't a system such as Communism, so if the British couldn't say on top, neither will we. What you all want is a guarantee from God that your families will always remain kings and queens, princes and princesses on the Earth for all eternity- but it's a fairy tale. Eventually we will go the way of Rome.
If you call yourself "Negro X", no one will take you seriously. Don't you know that unlike the Democratic party, the GOP is run by whites? that's not to say the Dems are better, only that the Democratic party is the default.
Alan Brooks| 4.11.11 @ 12:53AM
I met D'Souza twice, he only cares about selling himself, he loves America mainly because he can sell books and lecture, and all that. His is a commercial personality with no other qualities save for self promotion- ad exec.
skip| 4.11.11 @ 1:42PM
Then again maybe not, probably not.
Gordon W.
You make a statement implying that to think the nation was founded based on Christianity is a mistaken position.
I respond with two specific examples refuting (and ridiculing) your statement; first chief justice Jay's words, and that six of the original thirteen states had an official state Christian church at the time the constitution was ratified.
You respond with non sequiturs. Jefferson's beliefs concerning state religion does not support your position and does not refute my position. Tocqueville was not only not a founding father he was not even an American, and supported democracy which the actual founding fathers condemned as a form of tyranny.
You make a statement implying Washington did not achieve anything significant as president and was only a figurehead.
I respond with a significant achievement refuting your statement; his farewell address that is considered one of the four most important documents of America.
You respond with the asinine assumption I have stated the farewell address is Washington's greatest achievement.
You make a statement about what is referred to as the separation of church and state so vague no one can ascertain your position.
I respond with a clarification of what is referred to as separation of church and state and refute you have even made an articulate point on the matter.
You respond with no response on the matter.
You make a statement implying the Constitution is the most important document.
I respond that it is arguable the Declaration is the most important document.
You respond with the asinine assumption that I do not believe the Constitution is the most important document.
You make a statement about the nation's Christian foundings.
I respond by citing an author of the Federalist Papers, one of the four most important documents of America.
You respond with the asinine assumption that I have never read the very document I cited.
You made statements about the nation's Christian founding, state religion, and Washington's performance.
I responded by refuting your statements and exposing your positions as unintelligent and dishonest.
You responded with non sequiturs, ignorance, and asinine statements that never refuted any point I made.
I doubt you can respond with enough intelligence or honesty to merit any further refutals.
Skippy| 4.11.11 @ 7:17PM
Belittling GW is a typical start for a revisionist attempting to dismiss American Exceptionalism.
Ever wonder why nobody in other countries trumpets theirs?
They got tired of being laughed at.
Oh, and Gordon, let's try the gate test.
That's where we lift all the gates between all the nations and see where the populations go.
Wanna guess where the rivers of humanity will flow?
Hint: not to the rest of the U.N.
Gordon W.| 4.11.11 @ 7:47PM
Clearly if you read how you attempt to rebut my statement you can see that they are non-sequiturs that I thought were your attempt at an argument. I was wrong. I believe you an many of the people that posted can agree to disagree. Whether the nation was mean to be built on Christianity has little to do with the original premise: that american exceptionalism does not include the part about Christianity. Instead it is a marketing ploy to redefine what it is to be American. There is even a new book coming out by Newt Gingrich. I am sure you will run out and read it, learn more about what it means to be American and cycle that into what you believe.
I sorely like to look at what happened and move on. Tocqueville and other commented on America; to what now is considered American Exceptionalism. We can redefine it and rehash it all we want. What it originally meant cannot change. We are exceptional for the unity in brotherhood, our economic system, our vast resources and spirit. If you want to include Christianity, that is fine. But you must reconcile the utter contradiction that Tocqueville saw.
Truth is King| 4.11.11 @ 7:56PM
Gordan W. says Washington meant for America to be isolationist!
Ha!
PROVE IT.
Mel D.| 4.12.11 @ 6:57PM
This guy missed the point. Wallis wasn't speaking for all of America. He was speaking as a Christian who is American. And as a Christian, all he had to stay was biblical. D'Souza only engaged the topic polically and economically. If you claim to be a Christian and a American, you need to at least acknowledge a conflict of "interests."
If we are people who love God, then we are to love the things that God loves, and those should always be our priority. People before profit, for example. The Church should be the "conscience" of state, not it's loyal supporter.
Creative Recreation | 8.10.11 @ 10:36PM
is good