ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL IN WHOSE EYES? Words from Thomas Jefferson in 1776 holding out hope that this new nation was going to be different than every other nation in history. Our closest nation-kin, England 's rigid, historic economic class divides squashed the upward aspirations of 90% of its subjects. Of course, we know that Jefferson was talking about, well . . . men. White men. Mostly landowning white men. Still, upon this foundation much has been accomplished to further human rights progress than any other land. And yet, the inhabitants of the wealthiest, most powerful nation - ever - really have trouble even having civil conversations over Thanksgiving dinner. And, I'm not just talking about racial or religious divides. It is often claimed that "America is a Christian nation." And, if the measure is the Pew Research or Time Magazine polls that 94% of Americans "believe in God," then, yes, God polls very well today. As we ...
When I feel like our culture cannot go lower or worse, more often than not, I seem to be disappointed. It's not just coarseness, incivility, and indifference, but the historic truths of humanity which culminated in Jesus seem to be up for a vote every day. But there is hope. Much hope. I look forward to this journey and your civil observations and comments are most welcome.