MAGA on my mind
why I refuse to wear red hats (and I wear a lot!)
Without exception, each time I hear the phrase “make America great again” uttered by the MAGA high priest or any of his disciples, I think to myself, to what time in our nation’s young history does he/they want to take us back? Now, let me pose a direct question to you. When has America been great? Do not assail any perceived dearth of patriotism or allegiance, just yet please; hear me out.
To answer my first two questions let’s consider yet another. When have America’s most basic ideals, envisioned by its founding members, and codified into its Constitution, of liberty and equality under the law for everyone, regardless of race, gender, national heritage, or religious beliefs, been realized by all citizens who call America their home?
I understand that to a large degree, I am preaching to the choir. Regardless, if you feel so inclined, give me your thoughts and any future-leaning, aspirational pearls of wisdom on these questions. I appreciate any enlightenment in advance.
The genesis of this query is an essay that I am writing and hope to publish in my newsletter in the near future. I hope to gain important new insights from subscribers and readers.
How do we, if we must, reconcile extremely disparate views of what greatness is in America? For example:
An unemployed, undocumented, single mother may call America great when she finally gets a doctor’s appointment for her sick child at a free public health clinic. A multi-billionaire hedge fund manager may only deem America great when it repetitively rewards him with an ROI of three figures.
What makes America great is when it is moving forward, always trying to make things better, progress is not sexy, it is not exciting, it is slow and takes a lot of hard work.