Editor:
The definition of exceptionalism as articulated by Father Gregorio (“Why do Americans justify exceptionalism?” June 17) is the hubris and braggadosio of a citizenry in awe of itself. Yes, it may be true that the United States gives generous sums in foreign aid; has the mightiest military establishment in human history; has been the protector of freedom throughout the world — sometimes successfully, sometimes unsuccessfully — and has, despite cries to the contrary, one of the best human rights records of all nations. All of this, however, has absolutely nothing to do with what is known by historians and political scientists as American exceptionalism. Our exceptionalism is the result of the philosophy of government upon which our nation was established and struggles to continue to operate. Our government comes from the consent of the governed — government of the people, by the people and for the people.
As designed by the founding fathers of our nation, our government exists primarily for the defense of the nation, a defense based on the Judeo-Christian values set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Our government was not designed to be the caretaker of its citizens. When allowed to function properly, this amazing experiment in human governance creates a free market system of economics which affords each individual the opportunity to develop his/her potential to the fullest. It is then for each of us as individuals and as communities to help each other. Social justice begins with the self awareness that we are all children of God who are responsible for one another. Social justice is not creating paternalistic beauracracies which we band together and then label “the government.”
Mena Kramer
Cherry Hill
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Editor,
Father Gregorio’s column, “Why do Americans justify exceptionalism?” defines American exceptionalism in a way I have never considered. I have always understood our exceptionalism to come from, for example, the founding fathers’ recognition that out basic rights are given to us by our Creator, not by the state. This was a unique concept at that time.
From before independence, people from the old world saw this new world full of opportunity, a place where diligent work could bring more success in life than they could expect to achieve where everything belonged to an earl, a duke or a king.
In the 19th century, the gold rush brought people from Europe and Asia to the fields where they could find and own gold (in Europe and Asia, gold belonged to the king).
Finances aside, for the past hundred years, America is the country that went to war to liberate people, not to enslave people.
At the end of World War II, Pope Pius XII said, “The American people have a great genius for splendid and unselfish action. Into the hands of the American people God has placed the destinies of an afflicted mankind.”
I prefer my understanding of American exceptionalism.
Joe Junikka
Collingswood
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