The Root Cause of America's Struggle: A Call to Reclaim Our Nation's Narrative

This second installment in my series on the Judeo-Christian foundation of our nation comes at a time of increasing turmoil in American society.

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Lawrence Kadish's recent article, "The House That I Live In," highlights the sobering reality that our society is increasingly unable to mount a coherent resistance to the onslaught of ideologies that erode foundational values. Kadish's analysis sheds light on a troubling trend, where chants of "Death to America" and the desecration of the American flag on college campuses serve as poignant symbols of a deeper societal struggle.

At the core of this struggle lies the ideological battle between godless philosophies and the Judeo-Christian principles upon which America was founded. Kadish eloquently traces the historical backdrop, noting how the rise of communism and Marxism undermine the fabric of Western civilization. The chants of "We're all Hamas" and "Death to America" echo the sentiments of those who align themselves with these philosophies, rejecting the principles of freedom, democracy, and religious tolerance.

The Pledge of Allegiance, a revered symbol of American unity and patriotism, underscores the nation's commitment to these foundational values. Originally penned by Francis Bellamy in 1892, the pledge embodied a spirit of national pride and unity. However, it wasn't until the midst of the Cold War, on Flag Day June 14, 1954, that President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to insert the phrase “under God” into the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance, which school children recited every morning. The addition of the phrase "under God" to the pledge, which previously had no reference to a higher power, was a deliberate affirmation of America's religious heritage and a stark contrast to the godless ideology of communism.

According to this 2018 Politico article by Andrew Glass, Eisenhower, at a Flag Day speech in 1954, discussed why he had wanted to include “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance: “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”

Having earned the rank of 5 star General for his success in combating the enemies of freedom and democracy during World War II, Eisenhower clearly wanted to provide future generations the means to strengthen the spiritual foundation upon which America was built, in defiance against the ideologies that sought to undermine it. President Eisenhower went on to sign another bill into law, on July 30, 1956, making “In God We Trust” the nation’s official motto. 

Yet, the insertion of "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance sparked significant debate and controversy. Critics argued that it violated the separation of church and state, enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court upheld the phrase, citing its ceremonial and patriotic nature rather than a religious endorsement.

In confronting the challenges facing America today, it is essential to recognize the root cause of the struggle: the rejection of faith and the embrace of bankrupt, destructive, godless ideologies. The chants of "Death to America" and the desecration of the American flag are symptomatic of a deeper spiritual crisis, where the values of freedom, democracy, and religious tolerance are under siege.

On college campuses, this narrative is actively promoted and perpetuated through various channels, including academic curricula, student activism, and institutional policies. Courses and lectures often focus on the darker chapters of American history, highlighting instances of oppression and injustice while downplaying or outright dismissing the consistent and concerted bias inherent in the DNA of this nation  - which led to sacrifice and a civil war - towards upholding equality, liberty and justice. And how this understanding and awareness forms the basis of the American immune system defense against the toxic viruses that thrive on identity politics, intersectionality, jealousy, resentment, and the idea that a nation of victims is helpless in the face of systemic racism, injustice, and inequity.  

The godless ideologies seek to destroy the intrinsic strength and vitality that results from the enlightenment produced by the moral standards of religion, which encourage adherence to virtues and higher values. Instead, the youth of our nation have been programmed to resist all such encouragement as being evidence of intolerance and judgment of any alternative lifestyles and viewpoints. Ironically, these same youth, in the absence of these religious virtues and values, are blind to their own judgment and intolerance of anyone whose views are different from the ones with which they have been infected and indoctrinated.

This has enabled and encouraged the rapid rise of student activism, which plays a pivotal role in amplifying this narrative, with protests and demonstrations demanding systemic change and so-called social justice. Issues such as racial inequality, police brutality, and economic disparity are framed within the context of a larger struggle against an oppressive system that perpetuates injustice.

Far from being immune from these trends, institutions like Ivy League universities, long considered bastions of academic excellence, have often been at the forefront of promoting so-called progressive ideologies and fostering an environment where dissenting viewpoints are marginalized or silenced.

The notion of America as a fundamentally unjust society is deeply ingrained in the minds of many young Americans, who are taught to view their country through a lens of skepticism and distrust. This indoctrination begins in the classroom but extends far beyond, shaping the attitudes and beliefs of an entire generation.

The consequences of this indoctrination are far-reaching, as it erodes the sense of national unity and shared identity that is essential for a healthy democracy. By perpetuating a narrative of victimhood and oppression, young Americans are discouraged from engaging in constructive dialogue and working towards meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our society.

In confronting this trend, it is imperative that we reclaim the narrative of America as a nation founded on principles of liberty and justice for all. While acknowledging the injustices of the past and present, we must always acknowledge that the greater arc of history underscores how our nation has attained a unique position in human history. For all its faults, it illustrates the power of the Judeo-Christian civilization to deliver ever-improving examples of that shining city on a hill - which inspires all others to flow towards it. It is the patriotic celebration of progress that has been made that inspires us to strive to build a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. An excessive focus on the failures and setbacks that have occurred when the ideals have not been met lead to the destruction of the foundation upon which improvements can be built.

Education plays a crucial role in this process, as it empowers young Americans to critically examine the narratives they are presented with and form their own informed opinions. By promoting intellectual diversity and fostering open dialogue, colleges and universities can serve as beacons of enlightenment rather than echo chambers of ideology.  In order for this to be achieved, those who believe in and accept the premise of our nation being “under God” must stand up for that principle, and insist on the inclusion of Godly principles, to counteract the prevailing influence of bankrupt, but infectious ideologies such as Marxism and Communism, and the variations they have spawned by being cross bred with the intolerant religious fanaticism of Hamas and Iran. These mutant grandchild ideologies have progressed from camouflaging revolution under the banner of opposition to social injustices and colonialism, to resurrecting antisemitism as a justification for terrorism. 

Any sane and reasonable person should be able to instantly identify these developments for what they are - the creation of a seditious 5th column across American society.

Ultimately, the struggle to reclaim America's narrative is a battle for the soul of our nation. It is a call to reject the divisive rhetoric of victimhood and oppression and embrace the values of unity, resilience, and hope that have defined us as a people throughout our history. Together, we can build a brighter future for America, grounded in the principles of liberty and justice for all. To do so, we must never forget that the inclusion of “Under God” is an important bulwark in the defense against wolves in sheeps clothing, who seek to destroy the very foundation of Western Civilization.