The American Miracle

Well, it appears bringing our kids to tea parties, teaching them the words to patriotic songs, instilling respect for our military and talking with them about the gift of our nation is sinking in.  The other day we were parked outside the post office.  Our 4-year-old noticed Old Glory, waving in the breeze, and said, "Look, Mommy!  A Miracle Flag!"  Yes.  EXACTLY.

That reminded me of one of the best books I've read lately, called Miracle At Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen, which tells the story of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.  One of my favorite scenes described in the book is an encounter between 2 French noblemen and an American farmer.  The noblemen quiz the farmer at length about his prospects and his obligations to others.  The author eloquently describes the noblemen's astonishment at the farmer's lack of obligation to anyone but himself and also the farmer's sheer inability to comprehend the idea of a feudal system and being subservient to anyone.  It is such a heartening scene she describes.  That one scene is a synopsis of the American Miracle.  It is the fruit of the American Experiment.  It is the vision of our Founders, come to life.

Anyone who has lived with a 2-year-old has heard the words, "I do it myself!!!"  Pride and ownership in self-accomplishment is a powerful experience and 2-year-olds demand the opportunity for such.  So do adult Americans.  This is weaved into the very fabric of our being and I believe the majority of us resent our government's attempt to take away our chance to do everything for ourselves.  It is only natural that we wish to live OUT FROM UNDER our government, just as children separate from their parents.  It is human nature.  This is why there is no way this conservative resurgence is fizzling out anytime soon.  We are the stubborn 2-year-old who will not relent until our government complies (by being forcibly downsized) with our demand to "do it ourselves."

Many of us are intelligent, reasonable people with foresight and have become well aware of the dire need to make responsible decisions and choices.  We are going to do this ourselves and we started on November 2, 2010, by sending a whole crop of people, right from our own neighborhoods, who will see to it the responsible thing is done.  They know their mandate and they know we're watching every move.  It is difficult to get away with disobedience when the disciplinarian is standing over you, casting a shadow.

I have thought often of what patience, stamina and determination the Founders had to possess to get through the process of establishing this nation.  What we're experiencing is not new and it will not be void of struggle and frustration.  The wicked witch is going to emit an ear-piercing scream as she melts, but so be it.  The pain of the fight will be well worth the outcome.