Challenging the 'Building Back Better' Narrative by Embracing Authentic Americanism
Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo
In every epoch of human history, the broad span of time has ushered forth ambitious proclamations, studded with noble intentions yet, at times, bereft of genuine empathy for the common man, woman, and child. In our modern age, a new rallying cry echoes across nations and corridors of power: "Build Back Better." But as the shadows cast by these words grow longer, it becomes imperative for every true patriot, every seeker of liberty, to question: For whom are we building better?
To the weary and observant eye, this global agenda appears less a genuine pledge to elevate mankind and more an orchestrated design to consolidate power and control. It is clothed in the garb of progress but may potentially strip the average citizen of the very freedoms and self-determinations that form the bedrock of any democratic society.
Let's hark back to 1776, an era that ignited the flames of a revolution, not merely on American soil but in the hearts and minds of every individual who dreamt of a world where rights were unalienable and power rested in the hands of the many, not the few. This was the birth of Americanism – a philosophy that championed individual liberty, personal responsibility, and the belief that governments should serve the people, not the other way around.
Defining Americanism
In the budding days of our great Republic, the essence of being an American held myriad interpretations. Consider, for instance, a brightly adorned parchment of 1919 from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a proud emblem of patriotism, that sought to embrace those of similar fervor and distance themselves from any whiff of disloyalty.
Yet, what does it mean to be truly American? Is it merely the melding into a singular culture or an unwavering belief in the sanctity of property? Or do we see it in the brave laborers, those of the Industrial Workers of the World, who, while clutching the star-spangled banner, faced down the gleaming bayonets of militias?
The heart of this land beats with the same passion that drove our forefathers towards the Revolution, a yearning for human rights and the establishment of a republic. To be an American, or to embrace 'Americanism', is not a mere badge of birthright. It is a calling. It is the championing of values that endeavor to carve out a unified identity for this vast land – values that echo the rightful place of our nation in the world, are steeped in traditions, and resonate with a political and cultural style bursting with significance.
The esteemed American Legion, the voice of our valiant veterans, posits that Americanism is not a mere sentiment but an ideology. It is a deep-seated belief in the devotion and allegiance to this land, a reverence for its symbols, institutions, and the very fabric of its governance. As aptly proclaimed by a leader of yesteryears, Theodore Roosevelt, the spirit of Americanism is not tethered to one's place of birth or creed but is an echo of one's convictions, purpose, and spirit.
To be draped in the mantle of Americanism is twofold: it is to recognize and celebrate the unique characteristics that make up the United States and to steadfastly uphold and defend the ideals that this land stands for. Ideals that encompass the cherished principles of independence, equality in the eyes of the law, freedom of expression, the sanctity of democracy, and the inexorable march towards progress.
Building Back Better?
The "Build Back Better" agenda, while grand in its promises, lacks the clarity and precision with which the architects of our great nation framed our destiny. Its ambiguous goals, which often tiptoe around specificities, leave ample room for overreach, for bureaucracy to burgeon, and for the centralization of power that stands antithetical to the spirit of 1776.
In a world where Americanism should be the beacon for other nations to emulate, it is disheartening to witness a potential drift towards global agendas that may sideline the common citizen. The world does not need overarching, monolithic structures dictating the path forward; it needs a resurgence of the principles that fueled the American Revolution. Principles that place the individual at the heart of every decision, that prioritize freedom over forced allegiance, and that understand the intrinsic value of local governance.
As we stand at this crossroad, it is worth recalling the words that once stirred a fledgling nation to action: "These are the times that try men's souls." It is the collective soul of humanity that is once again being tried. And the answer, perhaps, lies not in building back better under dictated terms, but in revisiting and revitalizing the spirit of 1776 - extending its promise and potential beyond American shores, igniting a global era where the common man, woman, and child are the true architects of their destiny.
At this pivotal moment, let nations worldwide be inspired by Americanism, seeking not to build back to a prescribed 'better', but to build forward to a brighter, freer, and truly democratic tomorrow.