Politics

American Exceptionalism is a concept that has been long debated, but by and large only men who have believed in such a concept have received the vote of their fellow countrymen to be their leader. Below are documents that proclaim the “exceptional” experience that is America. Anyone who has never read all of these documents is poorer by far, but those who have read them and thought on them are greatly enriched. It is these documents that have brought millions to our shores, “yearning to be free.” I encourage you to read them and to enjoy your heritage of freedom. These quotes are adapted from Jonathan Foreman’s book The Pocket Book of Patriotism.

Recently, George W. Bush, the president of the United States, addressed the country on the topic of illegal immigration. It’s time. According to a recent Gallup poll (April 7-9, 2006),

• 81% of Americans believe that illegal immigration is “out of control.”
• 96% believe that controlling U.S. borders to halt the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S. is important.
• 48% think building a wall along our border is a good idea.
• 60% think we should deny illegal immigrants access to schools and hospitals.
• 81% say we should significantly increase the number of officers patrolling our borders.
• 84% want to institute tough penalties for businesses who employ illegals.

The president has authorized the use of the National Guard to secure the border with Mexico. While the president has many critics on this issue, even in his own party, his administration has not been inert in responding to illegal immigration. According to the White House,