As we celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s not overlook the emotional turmoil we’ve faced recently. On June 14, our great nation marked the 250th Anniversary of the Army, while simultaneously, others chose to protest in the streets, fearing an encroaching monarchy in Washington. This stark contrast is not merely a sign of dissent; it signals a fundamental fracture in our country that demands our immediate attention.
Disagreement has always been a part of the American tapestry, yet the growing division we face is not just an irritant—it threatens to undermine the very fabric of our democracy. The chaos of the past five years has morphed into a serious rift that we can no longer ignore.
Let’s draw upon the wisdom of the past. Jerry Porras and Jim Collins, in their influential work, emphasized that enduring organizations thrive on a foundational set of core values. When these values are abandoned, the organization itself is doomed to failure. This principle holds equally true for our nation.
The United States is grappling with an existential crisis regarding its core values. For too long, we have wavered in our commitment, and now we find ourselves echoing the sentiments of Abraham Lincoln: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
It is imperative that we confront the uncomfortable truths about our national identity. Agreeing to disagree or sweeping our differences under the rug is a path to destruction. We must face the fundamental questions that define us:
Are we a nation built on Judeo-Christian principles, reliant on divine providence, or are we merely an agnostic society that pushes faith to the sidelines? These beliefs cannot coexist.
Do we defend the freedoms of speech, press, and religion, or will we let elites dictate what thoughts and words are acceptable? These are mutually exclusive ideas.
Will we embrace a limited, accountable government, or surrender to an expansive, dominant federal power? We must choose.
Moving forward, we face two clear paths. We can recommit to the foundational principles set forth by our Founding Fathers, principles that promise to unify and strengthen us. Or, we can reject our legacy and gamble on a new and untested model of governance.
What we absolutely cannot afford is to neglect these critical discussions any longer. Our nation cannot survive if we continue to drift apart, allowing external forces like the media and academia to dictate our values.
Let’s be clear: a nation that allows dissenting voices to dictate its identity is a nation on the edge of collapse. Unlike companies, countries cannot simply “fire” those unwilling to adhere to collective values. However, we can stand resolute in our beliefs and reject those who seek to undermine our ideals without apology.
If we choose to reaffirm the principles that have guided us for 250 years, we must make it clear: you don’t have to share our beliefs or celebrate our values, but you must respect the foundational tenets of our nation. If not, find a place that aligns more closely with your vision.
This straightforward stance is neither intolerant nor excessive; it embodies clarity—an essential quality for any thriving society.
We can no longer tolerate those who distort our values. The irony is that many nations with oppressive regimes refuse to allow dissent, yet here we are, bending over backwards to accommodate those who oppose our very essence.
Let’s recommit to rebuilding our nation based on the values that have withstood the test of time. Now is the time to choose unity over division and strength over chaos. Together, let’s forge a future anchored in the principles that have served us well.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of any organization or publication.
