"In the support and practice of correct principles we can never reach wrong results." - Andrew Johnson, 1864.
American Principles
We live in a country that is unique in its foundation upon certain principles. Throughout the
history of our country these foundations have been
increasingly forgotten and subverted to such an extent that many Americans live unaware of what
these founding principles are. This does not mean, however, that Americans cannot identify or appreciate
founding principles, but those who are familiar with a certain principle are likely to know the
modern meaning rather than the historical meaning. In most cases, the modern meaning has been corrupted
and politicized into a faulty ideal contrary to its historical counterpart. An understanding of the
original, undistorted meanings of these principles is important for every citizen because it allows
our situation to be put into a more meaningful perspective and better understand where we have gone wrong.
- Liberty - The fullest reasonable exercise of every citizen's
sovereignty is the very essence of liberty, and ensuring this exercise
is the only legitimate purpose of government. To be free is to be
inferior to no man or institution and to not be forced to be responsible for anyone but yourself. The belief that liberty is now abundant in the United
States is dangerously false.Our government currently fails to
protect the individual from these types of intereference and, disturbingly, is often responsible for these unwanted interferences.
- Sovereignty - The sovereignty of the individual
is inseperable from other American principles such as liberty and independence. When government acknowledges our right and ability to live
our lives as we please without unnecessary interference and to be responsible for our actions as we pursue happiness, it is our sovereign
nature that the government will be respecting. It would then be posssible for the United States to again claim to be a free country.
- Independence - Independence relates to considerably more than our country's freedom from
foreign interference. When coupled with a strong sense of responsibility, independence is the most noble goal that any citizen can have.
To live truly independent in this country is to be able to pursue happiness unencumbered by government or any other unwanted party.
This was the end that the founders meant to secure for every citizen, but the corporation
that we currently perceive as government has repeatedly denied the citizens this virtue.
- Republicanism - A republic is the only form of
government that is able to accommodate the interests of a free people by protecting essential liberty. Today's form of unrestrained
representative democracy fails as badly as socialism, fascism, and communism when it comes to ensuring freedom.
- Equality - "All men are created equal" is an undeniable truth in proper context,
but the truth behind this statement is particularly subject to subversion by politicians and policy in our country today. In the pursuit
of equality, we have actually made its full realization more difficult by attempting to force it onto society. Affirmative Action is an
example of of this subversion of principle that ultimately favors some people over others.
- Responsibility - Without responsibility, a country which adheres
to the principles mentioned above cannot remain free. A truly free country is always subject to deterioration if the citizens do not
remain vigilant and fulfill their responsibility to each other and their country to preserve this hard-earned freedom.
"Men and times change-but principles-never." - Grover Cleveland, 1904.
It is the realization of these principles that should be paramount in the United States, but a quick
examination of U.S. policy reveals the continuation of a system in stark contrast to these principles in action. It is no wonder
our country faces so many challenges as we continually deny truth, our history, and the unjust nature of our current situation by
ignoring our founding principles.
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Don't Agree?
It is important to remember that this compilation of
true American principles is historical in nature. Different people will have many
different ideas about what is or isn't a true American principle in today's world.
This site identifies historical American principles as true American principles
because it is this site's stance that today's problems can be solved by returning
to the principles that enabled the creation of the greatest country in history.
It is assumed that this compilation of
true American principles will be adjusted slightly as the site evolves.
If you are well versed in American history and feel that something on this page
is erroneous, please leave a comment or contact the site administrator.
Last Update: May 20, 2007.
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