American Exceptionalism

…and its basis in Anglospherian culture. Thoughts from Jim Bennett:

Americans appreciate their exceptionalism at gut level. This is where the American Right is in touch with the nation, and the Left is not; John F. Kennedy was probably the last Democratic president with an instinctive feeling for it.

And none have understood it as little as Barack Obama.

9 thoughts on “American Exceptionalism”

  1. “Americans appreciate their exceptionalism at gut level” and you’re all paying it at the military spending level. But the rest of the world feels that and unfortunately a very significant part also does appreciate Americans’ exceptionalism at gut level.

  2. Ken, you are just plain wrong. It would appear that you see the military as an arm of the diplomatic service. They are not, they fight wars – to win them and sometimes that calls for some stomach turning activities. Just remember; POLITICIANS start wars, soldiers have the unenviable task of finishing them – regardless of the rights and wrongs in the original matter at dispute.

    There is no need to fear the American military, if anything, you have to fear the politicians.

    But as FDR said a long time ago the only thing you have to fear is fear itself. Walk through your fear, challenge and embrace it.

    There are many reasons for Americans to consider themselves exceptional, mostly I suppose it’s a combination of pioneer spirit and ingenuity as well as a distinct propensity for hard work that made this country great and along the way it became something exceptional.

  3. Andy,
    as a Vet, I think your blurb is pure B. S. Ken said nothing about politics or such. He spoke truth, not revisionist truth, or MSM truth.

    There was a time when our military was feared, regardless of who held the reins. It was hated alright, but it was feared first and foremost. (as it should be) Now, it’s only a target for the worlds hate and discontent. Unfortunately, even some conservatives think only the underprivileged join the military. Again, undermining their “look” in the world.

    If terrorists really thought things out, they’d be putting IEDs in the West Wing. That’s where policy is set.

  4. It would appear that you see the military as an arm of the diplomatic service.

    No. The volunteer military represents the best of us. No man has greater love than to offer his own life. I think our military has a much better grasp of diplomacy than our state department.

    they fight wars – to win them

    If only that were always true. Politicians often aren’t concerned about winning.

    There is no need to fear the American military

    I hope our enemies always fear them and it leads to the wisdom of not taking us on.

    if anything, you have to fear the politicians

    As a citizen, I want them to fear me. The problem, aptly demonstrated by our present congress, is they don’t. They have no fear of losing an election because they’ll just be put in a plum govt. job until another election. The Chicago machinations of the present admin. has demonstrated that.

  5. The National Review piece was interesting.

    Let me make a few observations of my own.

    The Anglosphere is very complex. For instance, many cultures are present in the British Isles. Sometimes they work well together, sometimes they don’t.

    Labor unions are as much a part of England as capitalists. Capitalistic management in the early years of the industrial revolution could be pretty bad. For instance, herding 8 year old girls into factories to work from 6 AM to 7 PM and occasionally from 5 AM to 9 PM. What prevented a French Revolution was the realization of people on both sides that said revolution caused huge problems for both sides. Only a few hotheads want something like that.

    The English Civil War turned people very much against those who wanted to abolish royalty in favor of a republic similar to ours. The Puritans, for example, outlawed theater.

    I am very much an insider with regard to the Anglosphere. It might be why I have clear libertarian sympathies — but listen to people who don’t.

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