To the editor:
For a long time, the Republican Party has been one of the loudest voices of American exceptionalism. No more. Their collective voice is silent as the execution of dismantling American exceptionalism has begun.
No country in the history of mankind has provided and improved the lives of so many. The United States of America had taken the mantle to lead the world in human rights, capitalism, democracy and freedom. We have saved millions worldwide with food and medical assistance, with defense to protect growing and thriving democracies, spreading ideals and principles of liberty and the power of societal advancement when all people participate. America has lifted more people worldwide out of poverty than any civilization before us.
Now, we have a great contraction of American exceptionalism. We have become so spoiled in our own success [that we] ignore and forget our vital and important role as the world’s leader for humanity. We are attacking the very foundations of what made America exceptional. We have placed extremely unqualified incompetence in positions of immense power. We attack American health, which made historic advancements in human survival. We attack education, which has provided America with technological and scientific advancements beyond anyone’s imagination. We attack human rights and law.
What have we become? Why are we tearing apart American exceptionalism and sacrificing our world leadership?
Where are we going? After this last election, I find myself alienated from half of America that has reversed course and is supporting anti-American principles and values. You cannot [say] “In God We Trust” and go acting all ungodly.
Time to sit back in silence and reflect and who America really is and if we are in good condition as a nation — the greatest nation that has contributed to the free survival of humanity.
John F. Orlando
Van Buren
