THE NATION over which Old Glory flies is . . . highly unusual -- indeed, exceptional. Alone among the nations of the world . . .
. . . it was self-consciously founded on a set of universal principles, state as self-evident truths in the Declaration of Independence (equality, individual rights, consent of the governed), and given operative life in the polity established by the Constitution. We Americans are the privileged heirs of a way of life that has offered the blessings of freedom and dignity to millions of people of all races, ethnicities, and religions, extolling the possibility of individual achievement as far as individual talent and effort can take it. And we remain a shining example of self-government and a beacon of hope for oppressed and miserable people all over the world. This is hardly accidental. The very universality of the American principles, applicable to and affirmable by any human being, means that anyone can become in spirit an American, even before coming to these shores. Americans may choose to live in France or China, but we can never become French or Chinese; but anyone can become fully American, simply by embracing our principles -- and also by swearing allegiance to the flag and to the Republic for which it stands.
Paradoxically, it is precisely the universality of American principles and ideals -- and the heterogeneity of the American people -- and makes respect for the flag so necessary and desirable. The universal philosophical principles can command the asset of the mind. But they cannot by themselves attach the loyalties of the heart. For that we need symbols and songs, stories and speeches. We need holidays and rituals, shared times for remembering and appreciating. We need ordered respite from commerce and amusement -- and politicking -- for expressions of communal gratitude: for the privilege of living in a republic that enables us to live and work, love and play, freely and with dignity; for the blessing of living under "a grand old flag . . . the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave."
(Leon Kass and Amy Kass, "What So Proudly We Hail," nationalreview.com, June 14, 2011)
Now reread these two paragraphs and remember, with each sentence, that our local newspaper believes none of these things and resolutely refuses to assent to the philosophical principles that define America or affirm the loyalties of the heart to our sweet nation.
On the Houston Chronicle's editorial page, there are never "shared times for remembering an appreciating," never "ordered respite from commence and amusement -- and politicking," never "communal gratitude" for the privilege of being American.
Never.
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