"The United States of America!"
Doesn't saying it just make your heart leap for joy?
I start hearing the national anthem play in my head, see the rockets red glare bursting in air, the American flag waving majestically over the capital skyline.
But I started wondering the other day: What exactly does the 'united' stand for?
I know, originally and technically it refers to the unity of the individual states. But it has taken
on the more expansive meaning for us individual citizens. It suggests that we are united as a people, as a society, as a national identity.
Which prompts us to ask . . .
What exactly during these contentious, deeply divisive, tragically troubled times does it mean?
'United' would seem to imply Unity. Agreement. Fellowship. Consensus. Harmony.
Does that sound like contemporary America to you?
Here are some big questions . . .
Are we united by a sense of national purpose?
Are we united by a belief in our destiny and place in history?
Are we united by confidence in our superiority?
Are we united in our belief in American exceptionalism?
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