What does it mean to be an American? We no longer define it in our schools and teach it to our children. In fact, it is almost as if we are ashamed to be called an American these days.
I loved Superman as a child. I still do as an adult. I watched the old reruns from television where the announcer practically shouted that Superman stood for “Truth, Justice and the American Way!”
The clear message could be understood by a child. The message was that we, like Superman, should stand up to the selfish, the criminal, we should always tell the truth and we should promote, even fight for the American way. But what is the American way?
I believe the American way can best be described by the opening words of the Declaration of Independence.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Contrary to what many have said, it is not the obligation of America to promote or export democracy. That is not possible even in America without the Lord, because where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty.
No, it has been given to America, as long as it remains a free and Christian nation, from time to time to break the yoke of tyranny. As a nation blessed with strength, we must stand up to the oppressor on behalf of the little guy, the weak and the downtrodden.
Why should it always be America who comes to the rescue? Because if we can do good, we should do it.
America has never been a perfectly good nation, but find me one that is better. What we have is an ideal to strive toward. That all men should have the opportunity to choose the good in life. Alexis de Tocqueville put it this way, “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Jesus stated that “only God is good”. If we desire to be good we must look to him. If we start by honoring God and walking in His ways, America will continue to be good.
It was because of this goodness that Americans saw the injustice of slavery and fought a war to abolish that slavery. It was that goodness that moved America to fight tyrants like Hitler. It was the American way to feed thousands after Stalin raised the Berlin wall and many millions around the world.
It is because America still opposes evil that the president of the United States relented and is sort of helping stop ISIS today.
I believe there are still many Americans who desire to do good at home and abroad. They still oppose tyranny and hope for liberty. We may not be faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive. But I believe there are still idealistic Americans who believe in Truth, Justice and the American Way.