Commentary
I reject the “live like it’s September 12th” narrative. While I understand its intent and the call to action, I believe it addresses the symptom and not the root cause. I do not write this to be provocative or contrary; but as always, to simply go deeper on my own positions.
Speaking in generalities, I am sure most if not all of us, in the face of tragedy, have reached across the proverbial aisle to those not aligned with us, regardless of the scale of the tragedy. In times of great tragedy, there is an instinctive preservationist sensibility that the time for unity is greater than any singular or collective set of ideological differences.
But, does it ever last? Look around. Did the unity last beyond the acute tragedy? Or did we (generally) slip back into our old patterns and positions? Are we united or are we more deeply entrenched in our differences?
To that end, I reject the acute sentiment of “living like it’s September 12th.”
Instead, I embrace the framing of our nation. I embrace the spirit of the greatest generation of patriots who served in World War II. Those patriots who rushed off to face an unknown foe. Those young Americans who knowingly joined after 2001 during two decades of conflict, knowing their service would result in a wartime commitment. I embrace the belief, that agnostic of tragedy, agnostic of conflict, we live in the greatest nation in the world. The most free, the most exquisite melting pot in history. I embrace the truth that those romantic sentiments require the fortitude of a nation beyond the confines of an immediate tragedy. I embrace a stalwart belief that those sentiments must be protected at all costs. Those sentiments must be paid for with the blood of its patriots and enemies alike.
I embrace and believe in the foundational principles of our nation. Life. Liberty. Pursuit of happiness. Individual freedom. I reject and refuse to become myopic; I refuse to obsess and inflict today’s morality on cultures of the past. I will not allow the modern lens to pervert the intentions of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. These aren’t excuses for behavior that enslaved or diminished anyone. It is simply to draw a distinction between intent and status quo. One is constant, one is ever-evolving. Instead, I choose to look forward and apply the spirit of those principles as they exist in my lifetime today.
Therefore, in the somber reflections of this day, I yet again reaffirm my personal and singular resolve to espouse and embody the character and discipline of this nation, not the fleeting (but understandable and valid) motivations found in tragedy. Our nation is more than tragedy. Our nation is the resounding, collective success of the greatest collection of diverse, unique citizens and patriots ever to be joined in a single geographic space in the history of this world.
If we live like citizens and patriots of this great nation; as people who ascribe to the purity of its foundation, then, regardless of success or tragedy, we will remain and nurture the greatest nation to ever exist.
So, each one of us must face ourselves and bear witness to our singular actions. We must hold ourselves accountable to an individual charter. Have we enriched the ideals and values of this nation through responsible, conscientious exercise of those precious freedoms? Or, have we diluted their quality through a careless and entitled disregard?
Because in the end, freedom is not an unlimited resource. It prevails only because a nation (any nation) values its freedom more than a (false) sense of security.
So, do not give me September 12th. Give me Patrick Henry. Give me a nation that pledges its lives and sacred honor to ensure that this great experiment called freedom never perishes, and never requires or demands a tragedy to mobilize national sentiment.