Radical Americanism

what it means to be ideologically American

The main issue with Americanism is that people with competing political ideologies and religious beliefs tend to project these beliefs onto Americanism. While there are many belief systems generally compatible with Americanism, this is often inappropriate. As C. Bradley Thompson describes:

The meaning of Americanism today, however, is very different. To the extent that the term is even still used, its meaning has been hijacked by both the Left and the Right. The Left most often identifies Americanism with multiculturalism, relativism, environmentalism, regulation, and welfarism — in other words, with progressivism. The Right typically identifies Americanism with Christianity, school prayer, tradition, family values, and community standards — in other words, with social conservatism. None of these values are, however, uniquely American. In fact, in one form or another, they all have a distinctly European provenance that is set in direct opposition to the native meaning of Americanism.

In other words, the common usage of Americanism has come to be a collection of beliefs that include those that are explicitly anti-American. For those of you that despise partisan politics, note that the left is apparently just as guilty of this as the right (in general). This situation informs us that we need to get back to the roots of Americanism to restore the connection between this word and the idea it is supposed to represent.

So what are these roots? Liberty. Republicanism. Individualism. Natural Rights. The Rule of Law. These ideologies enshrine the principles that are outlined in the Constitution of the United States. Belief in these ideals and adherence to these principles isn’t a requirement for U.S. citizenship, and I don’ think it should be. I do propose, however, that we make an effort to start using the honorific American solely to describe those who are ideologically American. Likewise, I propose classifying those that view these ideas and principles as obstacles to be overcome in the process of achieving whatever political or social end as anti-American.

Some individuals, even if they happen to hold U.S. citizenship, are and ever will be anti-American. As Americans, we must accept that as U.S. citizens, this is their right. It is also up to us to ensure that these anti-American beliefs are understood, and vigorously opposed. As Americans, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that while engaging in this opposition, the principles of Americanism are not violated. After all, the only thing separating Americans from anti-Americans is adherence to these principles.

Everywhere I look, I see rampant anti-Americanism both within the United States and throughout the world. Calls for censorship for our safety. Calls for gun control for our safety. Secret surveillance of American citizens for our safety. American citizens being denied due process… for our safety. Do they really think that excuse will work forever? What could be more anti-American than these practices that clearly and obviously violate the Bill of Rights? We need a name for this behavior and the people that perpetrate it, and anti-American fits the bill. At the same time we need a name for those of us intent on restoring a commitment to Constitutional principles in U.S. government and an appreciation for American principles in American society. I say we just call ourselves Americans. Our enemies (anti-Americans) can call us radical Americans if they like. The fact that a word indicating adherence to fundamental principles has such negative connotations among the anti-American mangerial class is informative to say the least.

Why is this even important? I believe the majority voters in the U.S. are Americans. I believe the anti-American Cathedral is desperate to keep us divided in order to maintain political and social control in spite of the fact that every agenda they promote from ending medical freedom to sending billions to fund conflict in Europe after wasting trillions in lives and treasure in the middle east is deeply unpopular. Going forward I’ll be examining the full spectrum of these anti-American forces arrayed against us and how their values are incompatible with ours. I will also try to explore how if we can agree on a few common values as Americans, we can live together harmoniously with people that are otherwise incredibly diverse in belief, background, and appearance.

Can the current divide in American society be broken down into American vs. anti-American? I think it can, and while the Cathedral and the managerial elite they serve might seem like they hold all the cards, it is American society that we are fighting for. This is our country and our society. It is time that we extol the virtues of Americanism and help those incredulous anti-Americans among us understand that we tolerate them only so far as it is required by our principles. Who’s with me?