It Takes A Protest For Colorado High Schoolers To Honor America?
Michael Hausam Michael Hausam
On February 7, 2014
http://www.mphaus.us/ On Monday of this week, officials at Fort Collins High School refused a student-council led request to honor America as part of its Winter Spirit Week. Their reason: the potential for offending non-Americans.
As school opened Tuesday morning, a small protest was organized and continued throughout the day. As a result, the administration reversed its decision and decided to allow the “America Day” to proceed.
Political correctness and hyper-sensitivity has run amok. Congratulations to these students for fighting back and shame on the school administration for its cowardliness.
When President Reagan described America as a shining city on a hill, he was cheered. As Americans, we used to be confident in our eminent place in the world and celebrated it. Our values, our history, and our achievements were to be revered and honored. There was no embarrassment, nor apologizing for it.
Now, we shouldn’t express such lofty ideas out of concern for the feelings of those from other countries, even those who live in our country now? According to President Obama, in a press conference in 2009, “I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.”
That notion degrades the concept of exceptionalism and conflates it with that of mere nationalism.
American exceptionalism is much more than a we-love-our-country-because-it’s-ours idea. It is more than ill-placed pride as a result of one’s accidental birthplace. It is an attitude of confidence as a result of criticism of nations and cultures that oppress people and violate their rights.
Our Constitution expressly delineates freedoms and liberty, as well as a relationship between the government and the citizens, unlike any political document in history. Our history of commerce and innovation has transformed the world. Our military has rescued the weak and defended the defenseless for generations. These are things to proclaim boldly.
Much appreciation to those students who recognize all these things and refuse to back down.
http://www.ijreview.com/2014/02/113419-takes-protest-colorado-high-school-honor-america/
