World Should Give Thanks To America (Mark Steyn On American Exceptionalism Alert)

Orange County Register ^ | 11/18/2007 | Mark Steyn

[goldstategop]

It is said America is the exceptional nation. Europeans don't understand just how tradition-minded America is. This is underlined by the national celebration of Thanksgiving. The existence of the world's only real nation-state hyper-power has made the world a more prosperous, safer and freer place. Not only for the world but for America herself at home. As Mark Steyn would have it: "Happy Thanksgiving!"

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[VOA]

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[hsalaw]

Every morning when I put up my flag, I thank God that my grandparents had the courage and foresight to come to the United States from Germany, England, and Wales, and that I am an American.

[bajabaja]

I second MS’s sentiments, being the son of refugees from Europe’s most recent totalitarian phases; but Europe has a tendency to project many of its ills onto the US, its benefactor. (Those ills include festering/erupting Islamofascism and an undercurrent of anti-semitism.) There are hopeful signs too (e.g., Sarkozy) but the overall trend is not the direction we’d like to see.

[wastedyears]

I’m glad my great-grandparents came here, making me third-generation American.

[goldstategop]

Post modern Europe is a museum piece. There's storied history behind it but no real passion and no real life. The continent is like an animatronic display. In contrast, American history is always being made anew, even as it does revere its origins. Its a very striking difference.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

I am a first generation American and I am an offspring of the New World too.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Vision Thing]

Mark Steyn mentions that America and the world would be in deep doo doo if America copied the europeans and scaled back its military. He also states that the europeans have prospered under America’s protection.

With the recent exception of Sarkozy’s France, europe is just plain ungrateful for what America has offered. Which underscores the fact that none of those european countries has a Thanksgiving Day of its own.

[bajabaja]

Interesting comment in light of Europe’s (especially Italy’s) imploding demographics. I have to travel there in a few months. My impression thus far is that they have lost something spiritually, perhaps several decades ago. The media and contacts I do have seem to view the US as a place run by religious “extremists” who handle snakes. I expected a more educated and informed view of the US and its religious. Che, on the otherhand, gets plaudits — from European adults. Yikes.

[Cacique]

btt

[donna]

Europeans, because they've been so inept at exercising it, no longer believe in national sovereignty, whereas it would never occur to Americans not to.

Excuse me, but has Mark Steyn heard about the invasion from the south; the marches in our streets by illegal aliens; the border patrol agents in prison? Has he heard the President call the Minutemen vigilantes?

Someone is out of touch with what's going on around here.

[BlessedBeGod]

Awesome Mark Steyn BUMP!!!

[llevrok]

Having worked outside of the USA for a few years, I understand when people say "Oh THAT America again!!!". When you are not a super power, we can feel overwhelming.

However, I would always say to my friends - "So ask yourself. What would the world be today if there was no USA? That's not a self proud, arrogant boast. That's a comment on world security - past and present."

There will always be super powers with various agendas. I thank my lucky (50) stars that one like my country is one.

[Tennessean4Bush]

bumpity-bump

[Our man in washington]

A friend of mine at work just turned 50. Another friend was giving him a hard time and e-mailing the whole office that “Dave” had just turned 50.

I replied back “In 19 countries in the world, the average person is dead before they hit 50. It’s great that Dave can be happy and healthy when turning 50. It’s great that we live in this country!”

We have much to be thankful for.

[rickmichaels]

My tagline...

[goldstategop]

The American people are protective of our national sovereignty and demand our borders be secured. Our elites may have lost faith in America as a special nation but the American people still believe in the greatness of our country and in a destiny that has no limits.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Christian4Bush]

Steyn bump

[RJL]

Mark Steyn is Canada’s greatest export!

[redhead]

"I’m glad my great-grandparents came here, making me third-generation American."

I just found out my American ancestors are decended from the Mayflower groups. Exciting and interesting. Hubby, on the other hand, was third-generation. His people came from Bohemia in the 1850's and 60's. America is such a great place. I'm so proud to be American!