Our future is predicated on our understanding and belief that every American has an equal opportunity to pursue their happiness.

Unfortunately, it seems the current White House administration is becoming increasingly out of touch with our American identity. The 2008 presidential election is the result of the current administration winning based on rhetoric and articulation rather than policy and platform. 

The consequence is enormous.  Not only is the administration rapidly spending our money (promising to halve the deficit after tripling it, and planning on doubling our national debt in the next decade).  But this rapid government intervention is greater than just pre-spending our future taxes.  It includes government intervention into banking, insurance, automotive companies, corporate pay and, soon, healthcare – this overreach of government into American lives is not consistent with America’s identity.

Historically, we have been a nation of makers, risk-takers, entrepreneurs, innovators and hard workers.  We are a nation of liberators – lovers of freedom and believers in God.  This belief in God provides us with optimism – in the belief in a brighter future and an understanding of our importance in the wider, meaningful pattern of life. 

We have been a country of opportunity for settlers – immigrants could arrive penniless on Ellis Island, dream big and work hard and become American success stories.  Today, we still value the importance of hard work and tenacity, and want to reward these with success and respect.  We understand the importance of family, of communities, and helping each other through bad times.

We understand that being an American calls us to be part of something larger than ourselves.  This sense of belonging, of being rooted, turns each of us into a link between history and posterity, and we become part of a greater story.

The tragedy of understanding was James von Brunn’s.  Even though he was a World War II veteran who served his country – he failed to understand the lessons of America’s past and did not understand his role in contributing to the greater story – our great American story.