BETWEEN THE LINES: When differing world views collide
Americans always have had a difference of opinion. Time has widened the gulf, especially since the beginning of the 20th century. Gone is the esprit de corps and commonality of values that French baron Alexis de Tocqueville noted as he toured the United States in the 1830s. The young aristocrat noted the dramatic difference between America and Europe in his classic work, "Democracy in America."
De Tocqueville wondered how long it would take before voters discovered their votes could be bought with promises of gratitude. It lasted longer than he could have imagined because the federal government remained limited until the 20th century.
World War I, along with the Progressive Era, began to change things. Progressives such as John Dewey called for public education. Before the turn of the century, education was in the hands of religious groups. As late as the 1880s, 82 percent of colleges and universities in the United States had a religious affiliation. However, course content was not limited to religious study; secular courses also were offered.
Moving education into the public sector eventually weeded out religion and its moral teachings. This was greatly aided by the nation’s courts promoting separation of church and state, an idea not found in the Constitution. Moving education into the public sector began to diminish parental control. This was driven by the educational and media elites, the intelligentsia, who claim they know what is best for all.
Illegal immigration and multi-culturalism, both byproducts of the aforementioned elites, have widened the chasm dividing America. There are other factors, too. For one, the growing number of people who pay no taxes for the first time in our history exceeds 50 percent, which has divided our country into taxpayers and tax recipients. When the economy suffers a significant decline, those who pay taxes will be far less inclined to support those who do not.
Another area where a consensus is lacking is our foreign policy. A negative result of the war with Iraq is a lack of trust in our government. Iran’s nuclear capability is now center stage. Presidential candidates such as Ron Paul suggest the threat is exaggerated; others want our government take immediate action.
People I respect are greatly divided on this issue. What we should be able to agree on is the United States is overextended and cannot be an international policeman.
Removing God from the public square has been detrimental to our nation. The nation’s morality has suffered. Political correctness has demanded that we be nonjudgmental. There are no longer absolutes. Everyone’s opinion carries equal weight.
Regardless of one’s political affiliation, Americans must arrive at a consensus based on historical truths such as being accountable for one’s actions. In addition, when standards are lowered, performance and morality across the board suffer.
Finally, we must abandon our quest to be more socialistic. If we want to mirror Europe, all we need to do is continue our current path. Soon our churches will be just as empty as those massive cathedrals that emerged after the Protestant Revolution.
Time changes things, but it does not have to destroy what we know to be true.
Laughlin is a Christian Libertarian. He is an economist, teacher, father, husband and most recently a grandfather. He has written a weekly column for The Tribune for 13 years. He and his wife Gina reside in Meadowlakes. To contact him, email ablaughlin@nctv.com. He is an independent columnist, not a staff member, and his views do not necessarily reflect those of The Tribune or its parent company.