The United States remains the one and only nation to maintain the exact same foundational form of government and continuous Constitutional framework for our entire existence of 250 years, all the while serving as a beacon of stability for the world. It's true.
When you look around and ask how many nations have had one Constitution for 250 years? The answer is only one. We are the only one to ever achieve such a feat. Even France has had 15 distinct Constitutions since the start of the French Revolution in 1789. That frequent turnover reflects the country's turbulent political history, which has transitioned through five different republics, two empires, and several restored monarchies.
The United States of America has had the same codified, written national Constitution for 250 years. Ratified in 1788, and taking effect in 1789, it remains the world's oldest and longest-standing active written framework of national government. Imagine that for a moment. No other country has a single written Constitution older than 215 years. Behind us, the next oldest codified national Constitutions belong to Norway which was adopted in 1814 and the Netherlands which was adopted in 1814.
As for our unprecedented longevity, while many other world powers have undergone multiple regime changes, civil collapses, or revolutions over the same period, America has maintained our Constitutional continuity since 1776. Starting with 13 fragile colonies, the United States expanded to 50 states. All while ultimately growing into the world's largest economy and a major driver of global stability.
Over the past two and a half centuries, our country has transitioned from a primarily agricultural society to a global economic superpower, leading primarily in advanced manufacturing, information technology, biotechnology, medicine, and aerospace. Following the Civil War, Americans pioneered the "American system of manufacturing" which relies on interchangeable parts, the Bessemer process for steel, and widespread railway networks to become the world leader in steel, automobile, and heavy machinery production.
As for information technology and computing, we've led the digital revolution -- including in foundational breakthroughs in microprocessors, the internet, and personal computing. As for aerospace and national defense? Driven by 20th-century geopolitical conflicts and the Space Race, American engineering has led the world in aviation, defense technology, and space exploration. And today, in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, the United States has historically been a premier driver of life sciences, medical device manufacturing, and agricultural biotechnology.
While over-regulation from the federal and state government has hampered productivity in recent years, because of American innovation and resilience, we continue to hold a competitive edge in many aspects of our economy -- including research and development (R&D), venture capitalism, high-tech software, energy, digital technology, medicine, space exploration, and manufacturing. American innovation has consistently driven progress.
And yes, as our history shows us, we have prevailed for 250 years because of our ability to evolve, recognize our shortcoming, find positive solutions to problems, right wrongs, weather the hard times, defeat enemies overseas, address the threat of Communism from within -- and we have done so while keeping our personal freedoms and liberties intact.
Has there been historic struggles and civic engagement? Absolutely. But even with that, our nation has faced internal divisions, economic crises, and profound hardships, only to see the American spirit of resilience win out.
In fact, we can all be proud of the fact that our history is filled with examples of hardship and trials which continuously test us, but we prevail. And more than not, the trials that we've endured as made us stronger, and even more willing to fight to remain free to speak freely, to worship Christ even though Christianity has been under attack for many years, to live without government oppression -- but with our freedoms, civil rights, and the rule of law intact.
So yes, there is so many reasons to love America. And for me, I believe teaching young Americans to love America should be done everyday in every classroom of every school across our nation. I believe that because the good about our nation outweighs the bad.
Yes, you can call it "patriotic indoctrination" if you want. And really, I'm find with that. In a time when Leftist indoctrination and hate for America is popular in the curricula of schools, I believe teaching love of America in schools, that which we call "American patriotism," which some folks call "Civic patriotism" or "Constitutional patriotism" is needed today more than ever.
The reason is simple, teaching American Patriotism focuses on fostering appreciation for our nation's founding principles, our history, and our civic responsibilities. It boosts civic participation by inspiring higher voter turnout and participation in local and national elections. Educating students in American Patriotism encourages volunteering, community engagement, responsibility for their neighborhoods and their neighbors, and much more.
The more is more of what we need. The facts are simple to understand, students learning how our government works and learning how to create solutions, learning how to work together while understanding that we all have God-given Rights, unites us as Americans with a common understanding that we all share in the greatness of our land.
Teaching love of and for America is all about teaching students how important our shared foundational ideals are. It would teach them how responsibility as citizens helps bridge political divides. Yes, it does that by focusing on our mutual respect and goodwill for each other instead of the evil that many want us to falsely believe our nation is all about.
Helping young Americans understand why our Constitutional Rights promote respect for our fellow citizens and not hate and division is important. And really, ask yourself when was the last time a student was taught to appreciate the progress that Americans have fought and died for while trying to corrected our flaws?
Why is there so much focus on our flaws in contrast to teaching how true patriotism is all about improving our nation while not forgetting to praise it? Why is it that we cannot inspire our youth to help our nation live up to its founding ideals? When was the last time teachers taught students any of our common national values and beliefs?
While over-regulation from the federal and state government has hampered productivity in recent years, because of American innovation and resilience, we continue to hold a competitive edge in many aspects of our economy -- including research and development (R&D), venture capitalism, high-tech software, energy, digital technology, medicine, space exploration, and manufacturing. American innovation has consistently driven progress.
And yes, as our history shows us, we have prevailed for 250 years because of our ability to evolve, recognize our shortcoming, find positive solutions to problems, right wrongs, weather the hard times, defeat enemies overseas, address the threat of Communism from within -- and we have done so while keeping our personal freedoms and liberties intact.
Has there been historic struggles and civic engagement? Absolutely. But even with that, our nation has faced internal divisions, economic crises, and profound hardships, only to see the American spirit of resilience win out.
In fact, we can all be proud of the fact that our history is filled with examples of hardship and trials which continuously test us, but we prevail. And more than not, the trials that we've endured as made us stronger, and even more willing to fight to remain free to speak freely, to worship Christ even though Christianity has been under attack for many years, to live without government oppression -- but with our freedoms, civil rights, and the rule of law intact.
So yes, there is so many reasons to love America. And for me, I believe teaching young Americans to love America should be done everyday in every classroom of every school across our nation. I believe that because the good about our nation outweighs the bad.
Yes, you can call it "patriotic indoctrination" if you want. And really, I'm find with that. In a time when Leftist indoctrination and hate for America is popular in the curricula of schools, I believe teaching love of America in schools, that which we call "American patriotism," which some folks call "Civic patriotism" or "Constitutional patriotism" is needed today more than ever.
The reason is simple, teaching American Patriotism focuses on fostering appreciation for our nation's founding principles, our history, and our civic responsibilities. It boosts civic participation by inspiring higher voter turnout and participation in local and national elections. Educating students in American Patriotism encourages volunteering, community engagement, responsibility for their neighborhoods and their neighbors, and much more.
The more is more of what we need. The facts are simple to understand, students learning how our government works and learning how to create solutions, learning how to work together while understanding that we all have God-given Rights, unites us as Americans with a common understanding that we all share in the greatness of our land.
Teaching love of and for America is all about teaching students how important our shared foundational ideals are. It would teach them how responsibility as citizens helps bridge political divides. Yes, it does that by focusing on our mutual respect and goodwill for each other instead of the evil that many want us to falsely believe our nation is all about.
Helping young Americans understand why our Constitutional Rights promote respect for our fellow citizens and not hate and division is important. And really, ask yourself when was the last time a student was taught to appreciate the progress that Americans have fought and died for while trying to corrected our flaws?
Why is there so much focus on our flaws in contrast to teaching how true patriotism is all about improving our nation while not forgetting to praise it? Why is it that we cannot inspire our youth to help our nation live up to its founding ideals? When was the last time teachers taught students any of our common national values and beliefs?
America's shared common national values and beliefs shape our country's culture, our laws, and our social norms. America's core ideals are Liberty, Equality, Representative Democracy, Rule of Law, Individualism, Community, Justice, and Patriotism. Americans have has actively promoted democracy and have held authoritarian despots accountable, all while we've advanced human rights globally.
Americans have paid in blood to keep our values and beliefs alive. It is a fact that many Americans believe that Liberty is the most precious because it's about our right to act, to speak, and to think freely without government oppression. Equality is our belief that all individuals deserve equal rights, opportunities, and treatment under the law.
As a Constitutional Republic, Americans voice our satisfaction and dissatisfaction through free elections and public participation. That's how a Representative Democracy works for our citizens. Our elections are sacred, and should not be tampered with dishonestly or by non-citizen participation. We don't vote in other countries, so people from other countries should not vote in our elections.
As for American's believing in the Rule of Law? I believe that ensuring that laws apply equally to all citizens, including government leaders from all political stripes, and not just one political party over another. Unlike what takes place in Third World countries, in dictatorships, fascist and communist nations, where government leaders are exempt from prosecution, American try to hold all to account.
Frankly, sometimes the very wealthy and politically connected, like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton who tried to conduct a coup to unseat a sitting American president, evade the law. But that doesn't mean our system doesn't try to go after such high level criminals. And yes, this too should be taught to young American today.
As for American Individualism? As Americans, we emphasize personal independence, self-reliance, and individual achievement. We love Liberty and see it as something that is precious. We love Freedom.
And really, American Individualism, our personal autonomy, is a cornerstone of our American culture. If I were to pinpoint one defining hallmark of our American identity, it is that American Individualism, our personal autonomy, is a cornerstone of our American culture -- because American individualism emphasizes self-reliance, free expression, and the right for each of us to pursue our own happiness.
American Individualism is deeply rooted in foundational philosophies like those of the Founding Fathers. It is all about the freedom that we have to pursue success and property while being uninhibited by excessive government interference. Emphasizing self-reliance, personal autonomy, and the belief that people are ultimately responsible for their own destinies is at the heart of who we are as Americans.
Rooted in the Declaration of Independence and its promise of the "pursuit of happiness," this individualism has shaped everything from free enterprise to how we approach community. I believe it's what fosters innovation, while ensuring our personal freedom and increasing our sense of being civic minded citizens.
Americans have a deep admiration for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the pioneer spirit. As individuals, we are expected to take initiative and carve their own paths to success. And as for everyone have an equal opportunity to do so, the foundational belief rooted in the Declaration of Independence is that that all men, Americans as individuals, are born equal and possess unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Americans have paid in blood to keep our values and beliefs alive. It is a fact that many Americans believe that Liberty is the most precious because it's about our right to act, to speak, and to think freely without government oppression. Equality is our belief that all individuals deserve equal rights, opportunities, and treatment under the law.
As a Constitutional Republic, Americans voice our satisfaction and dissatisfaction through free elections and public participation. That's how a Representative Democracy works for our citizens. Our elections are sacred, and should not be tampered with dishonestly or by non-citizen participation. We don't vote in other countries, so people from other countries should not vote in our elections.
As for American's believing in the Rule of Law? I believe that ensuring that laws apply equally to all citizens, including government leaders from all political stripes, and not just one political party over another. Unlike what takes place in Third World countries, in dictatorships, fascist and communist nations, where government leaders are exempt from prosecution, American try to hold all to account.
Frankly, sometimes the very wealthy and politically connected, like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton who tried to conduct a coup to unseat a sitting American president, evade the law. But that doesn't mean our system doesn't try to go after such high level criminals. And yes, this too should be taught to young American today.
As for American Individualism? As Americans, we emphasize personal independence, self-reliance, and individual achievement. We love Liberty and see it as something that is precious. We love Freedom.
And really, American Individualism, our personal autonomy, is a cornerstone of our American culture. If I were to pinpoint one defining hallmark of our American identity, it is that American Individualism, our personal autonomy, is a cornerstone of our American culture -- because American individualism emphasizes self-reliance, free expression, and the right for each of us to pursue our own happiness.
American Individualism is deeply rooted in foundational philosophies like those of the Founding Fathers. It is all about the freedom that we have to pursue success and property while being uninhibited by excessive government interference. Emphasizing self-reliance, personal autonomy, and the belief that people are ultimately responsible for their own destinies is at the heart of who we are as Americans.
Rooted in the Declaration of Independence and its promise of the "pursuit of happiness," this individualism has shaped everything from free enterprise to how we approach community. I believe it's what fosters innovation, while ensuring our personal freedom and increasing our sense of being civic minded citizens.
Americans have a deep admiration for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the pioneer spirit. As individuals, we are expected to take initiative and carve their own paths to success. And as for everyone have an equal opportunity to do so, the foundational belief rooted in the Declaration of Independence is that that all men, Americans as individuals, are born equal and possess unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Add that to Americans putting a pretty strong emphasis on personal space, individual decision-making, and protecting one's rights against institutional authority, and that's who we are.
To try to summarize our cultural and social beliefs, I'd have to say it's about how we all have a shared commitment to supporting neighbors and working for the common good. Our belief is to make things better then we left it. Hopefully, in ways that are better and not regressive.
We belief in improving our lives -- hopefully not at the expense of others, because we do have a sense of fairness. I find it interesting that our sense of fairness comes to a halt once we learn that the people we are dealing with don't share that same moral code.
Of course, while most Americans have a working moral compass, there are those who don't. The unvarnished truth is that I call people who obviously don't have a moral compass a lot of things that aren't very nice. Mostly, I call them, "Democrats."
And yes, that brings me to the fact that most Americans believe in calling a spade a spade. Most American believe in "calling a spade a spade" because most of us believe in speaking plainly and directly without sugarcoating it. It's rooted in who we are. While some say it's a part of our rugged, self-reliant nature as Americans, I believe it just points to us being a civil but pragmatic no-nonsense people.
American individualism celebrates personal autonomy, self-reliance, and directness. Culturally, this translates to a straightforward communication style where people prefer to address issues head-on rather than relying on beating around the bush. I can tell you this, we're not being rude -- we just value straight talk and honesty.
It's not that I go out of my way to occasionally ignore the feelings and sensitivities of a group, but my sense of right and wrong does bother those who don't know the difference between right and wrong. And frankly, there is no fixing stupid when dealing with some folks who think men can get pregnant or think that burning an American flag is somehow okay.
That thought takes me back to what happened about 40 years ago. There was a guy who decided to burn an American flag, and he lost most of his teeth in the process. He obviously didn't understand how much the blessings of liberty and the sacrifices made by previous generations mean to others.
Frankly speaking, he would have probably kept his teeth, and not needed facial reconstruction, if he was taught love for America -- and how important America and our flag are. Maybe if someone had taught him respect for that which American hold dear, he would have not gotten what he got.
As I said before teaching love for America is all about teaching how important our shared foundational ideals are, and how responsibility helps bridge political divides. America's foundational ideals are the core principles of liberty, equality, popular sovereignty, and the rule of law.
To try to summarize our cultural and social beliefs, I'd have to say it's about how we all have a shared commitment to supporting neighbors and working for the common good. Our belief is to make things better then we left it. Hopefully, in ways that are better and not regressive.
We belief in improving our lives -- hopefully not at the expense of others, because we do have a sense of fairness. I find it interesting that our sense of fairness comes to a halt once we learn that the people we are dealing with don't share that same moral code.
Of course, while most Americans have a working moral compass, there are those who don't. The unvarnished truth is that I call people who obviously don't have a moral compass a lot of things that aren't very nice. Mostly, I call them, "Democrats."
And yes, that brings me to the fact that most Americans believe in calling a spade a spade. Most American believe in "calling a spade a spade" because most of us believe in speaking plainly and directly without sugarcoating it. It's rooted in who we are. While some say it's a part of our rugged, self-reliant nature as Americans, I believe it just points to us being a civil but pragmatic no-nonsense people.
American individualism celebrates personal autonomy, self-reliance, and directness. Culturally, this translates to a straightforward communication style where people prefer to address issues head-on rather than relying on beating around the bush. I can tell you this, we're not being rude -- we just value straight talk and honesty.
It's not that I go out of my way to occasionally ignore the feelings and sensitivities of a group, but my sense of right and wrong does bother those who don't know the difference between right and wrong. And frankly, there is no fixing stupid when dealing with some folks who think men can get pregnant or think that burning an American flag is somehow okay.
That thought takes me back to what happened about 40 years ago. There was a guy who decided to burn an American flag, and he lost most of his teeth in the process. He obviously didn't understand how much the blessings of liberty and the sacrifices made by previous generations mean to others.
Frankly speaking, he would have probably kept his teeth, and not needed facial reconstruction, if he was taught love for America -- and how important America and our flag are. Maybe if someone had taught him respect for that which American hold dear, he would have not gotten what he got.
As I said before teaching love for America is all about teaching how important our shared foundational ideals are, and how responsibility helps bridge political divides. America's foundational ideals are the core principles of liberty, equality, popular sovereignty, and the rule of law.
Articulated in the Declaration of Independence and refined in the U.S. Constitution, these beliefs establish that all people possess inalienable rights, and that governmental power is derived solely from the consent of the governed. The belief that individuals should have the freedom to live, speak, and assemble without unnecessary government intrusion is a fundamental freedom that's enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
We can act, speak, and move freely, but that freedom stops the moment it attacks others. Freedom of speech does not protect actions like purposely inciting violence, making direct threats, or by purposely inciting a reaction from others by burning our flag. It's all about balance. Balancing our personal liberties with public well-being, such as regulating hazardous behavior or activities that jeopardize the health of others is important to understanding how respect and being a responsible citizen, instead of some Democrat agitator, is important.
Understanding this truth focuses on our mutual respect and goodwill for each other instead of purposely trying to get someone angry by doing something stupid like burning our flag in front of others who have the mindset to knock someone's teeth out for doing such a thing.
Teaching love of America might have helped that individual understand how the majority of us have a deep seated sense of pride, loyalty, and emotional attachment to our homeland. Some of us have such a love of America that it's motivated us to take up careers in military, law enforcement, and civil service.
I understand that a person's love of country, their "patriotism" if that have it, is shaped by a mix of personal experiences, social values, their cultural identity, and what they are taught in schools and by their parents. Those factors influence how individuals define, express, and reconcile their devotion to our nation.
The fact is that Americans are like others in other lands in that we have naturally formed strong attachments to their birthplace, native language, shared customs, and the physical landscapes of our youth. That innate bond often serves as the emotional foundation of patriotism. Combine that with a knowledge of a nation's history, founding ideals, and struggles, and you have what shapes whether or not someone views America with a sense of pride or not.
Focusing on warts, even those which have been addressed and removed, stops Americans from recognizing our nations triumphs. It stops Americans from understanding all that we as a nation have sacrificed for the good of mankind.
Recognizing the difficult chapters of American history doesn't erase its triumphs; instead, it honors the sacrifices made to fulfill the nation's founding promises. Facing these struggles provides context, revealing the ongoing journey to make the ideals of liberty and justice for all a reality for all citizens.
I believe an overemphasis on the errors of our nations past actually blocks folks from seeing our nation's exceptional contributions to the world. I see America as a success story told by millions of people from other lands who wanted to be settlers, put down roots, and shack off the identities of the countries they fled. I see us as a united people with enduring values. So much so, that we make the United States a beacon of hope for the world.
If someone's personal values is heavily influenced by hate for America, and they completely disregard what we have given the world, than that aligns with their personal outlook on our nation and all of us as fellow citizens, as neighbors. Their hate will stop their love of America. And frankly, it will sadly stop any sort of deep appreciation for the opportunities, freedoms, and the republic that America provides us.
That's why we need to teach love of America in schools. Besides allowing the educated to have a sense of community shared with fellow citizens, it will teach them to appreciate what many around the world only wish they could have. And that, that's Liberty, Freedom, and the title of "American citizen."
Understanding our love of country enforces our identity as Americans. It's an identity that many of us are extremely proud of. So yes, teaching love of America gives us a shared national bond. Teaching it teaches civic responsibility, respect for the flag, and answers why our communities unite during crises.
I believe teaching core academics and what unites us as Americans in schools are both vitally important for our future as a nation. There is nothing wrong with schools starting the day with the Pledge of Allegiance, teaching the importance of Civic Pride, and focusing on our shared national values and our founding principles. They should be taught that our values and founding principles together make the glue that holds us together and makes us stronger as a nation.
More and more Americans today are concerned that classrooms have become too focused on Leftist identity politics. Our 250th Birthday as a nation is here and children should have an idea why America as a nation is the envy of the world. That's not Right-Wing propaganda, that's the truth.
Teaching love of America might have helped that individual understand how the majority of us have a deep seated sense of pride, loyalty, and emotional attachment to our homeland. Some of us have such a love of America that it's motivated us to take up careers in military, law enforcement, and civil service.
I understand that a person's love of country, their "patriotism" if that have it, is shaped by a mix of personal experiences, social values, their cultural identity, and what they are taught in schools and by their parents. Those factors influence how individuals define, express, and reconcile their devotion to our nation.
The fact is that Americans are like others in other lands in that we have naturally formed strong attachments to their birthplace, native language, shared customs, and the physical landscapes of our youth. That innate bond often serves as the emotional foundation of patriotism. Combine that with a knowledge of a nation's history, founding ideals, and struggles, and you have what shapes whether or not someone views America with a sense of pride or not.
Focusing on warts, even those which have been addressed and removed, stops Americans from recognizing our nations triumphs. It stops Americans from understanding all that we as a nation have sacrificed for the good of mankind.
Recognizing the difficult chapters of American history doesn't erase its triumphs; instead, it honors the sacrifices made to fulfill the nation's founding promises. Facing these struggles provides context, revealing the ongoing journey to make the ideals of liberty and justice for all a reality for all citizens.
I believe an overemphasis on the errors of our nations past actually blocks folks from seeing our nation's exceptional contributions to the world. I see America as a success story told by millions of people from other lands who wanted to be settlers, put down roots, and shack off the identities of the countries they fled. I see us as a united people with enduring values. So much so, that we make the United States a beacon of hope for the world.
If someone's personal values is heavily influenced by hate for America, and they completely disregard what we have given the world, than that aligns with their personal outlook on our nation and all of us as fellow citizens, as neighbors. Their hate will stop their love of America. And frankly, it will sadly stop any sort of deep appreciation for the opportunities, freedoms, and the republic that America provides us.
That's why we need to teach love of America in schools. Besides allowing the educated to have a sense of community shared with fellow citizens, it will teach them to appreciate what many around the world only wish they could have. And that, that's Liberty, Freedom, and the title of "American citizen."
Understanding our love of country enforces our identity as Americans. It's an identity that many of us are extremely proud of. So yes, teaching love of America gives us a shared national bond. Teaching it teaches civic responsibility, respect for the flag, and answers why our communities unite during crises.
I believe teaching core academics and what unites us as Americans in schools are both vitally important for our future as a nation. There is nothing wrong with schools starting the day with the Pledge of Allegiance, teaching the importance of Civic Pride, and focusing on our shared national values and our founding principles. They should be taught that our values and founding principles together make the glue that holds us together and makes us stronger as a nation.
More and more Americans today are concerned that classrooms have become too focused on Leftist identity politics. Our 250th Birthday as a nation is here and children should have an idea why America as a nation is the envy of the world. That's not Right-Wing propaganda, that's the truth.
Tom Correa
