The US has always had two faces: Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam. Lady Liberty represents the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. Uncle Sam is a hard-nosed symbol of military power and imperialism.
These contradictions have existed since the birth of our nation. Among the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 41 out of 56 were both freedom fighters and slave owners.
Since WWII, American diplomats have worked hard to burnish the image of our country as a bastion of democracy governed by the rule of law, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance.
But the world has always seen both sides of the US: personal freedom and wealth for US citizens combined with global imperialism and economic domination of other nations. Our country has been at war for over 229 years out of 250.
Has Trump permanently disabled our diplomatic ability to present our better side? Will our longtime allies ever trust the US again? These are difficult questions to which there are no clear answers.
But the American people can best determine our future reputation by never again electing corrupt charlatans to the presidency, Congress, or any other public office. Our democratic ideals will prevail — but only if we the people diligently pursue them. A democracy is only as strong as its citizens’ commitment to it and a government is only as good as its citizens make it.
I just “restacked” two quotes from this excellent rundown of the American Horror Show - Trump 2026. Mary captures reality with clarity and eloquence.
A wise, insightful friend this morning said his “greatest focus” comes from an observation: “Ignorance and wealth will continue to overwhelm well-intended societies”. Ignorance also seems a fertile ground for cruelty.
I still believe most Americans have better angels - but they only matter if these Americans vote accordingly.
The US has always had two faces: Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam. Lady Liberty represents the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. Uncle Sam is a hard-nosed symbol of military power and imperialism.
These contradictions have existed since the birth of our nation. Among the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 41 out of 56 were both freedom fighters and slave owners.
Since WWII, American diplomats have worked hard to burnish the image of our country as a bastion of democracy governed by the rule of law, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance.
But the world has always seen both sides of the US: personal freedom and wealth for US citizens combined with global imperialism and economic domination of other nations. Our country has been at war for over 229 years out of 250.
Has Trump permanently disabled our diplomatic ability to present our better side? Will our longtime allies ever trust the US again? These are difficult questions to which there are no clear answers.
But the American people can best determine our future reputation by never again electing corrupt charlatans to the presidency, Congress, or any other public office. Our democratic ideals will prevail — but only if we the people diligently pursue them. A democracy is only as strong as its citizens’ commitment to it and a government is only as good as its citizens make it.
I just “restacked” two quotes from this excellent rundown of the American Horror Show - Trump 2026. Mary captures reality with clarity and eloquence.
A wise, insightful friend this morning said his “greatest focus” comes from an observation: “Ignorance and wealth will continue to overwhelm well-intended societies”. Ignorance also seems a fertile ground for cruelty.
I still believe most Americans have better angels - but they only matter if these Americans vote accordingly.