Self or Community?

The American Ideal - is it the embodiment of "rugged individualism," where the citizenry is encouraged to be self-centered, or does it institutionalize a belief that we are one people with common goals. Here's one woman's opinion.

This, I believe.

I believe that our Constitution is the most unique document in the world because it is about society; creating a more just and equal society, for all people. – Our Preamble begins with the words We, the people, not I, the individual. America’s Constitution, introduced by our most unique Preamble, was meant to bring a new order of relations among people.

I believe that we must strive to provide conditions which are beneficial for our society, and for our posterity; that is a good life – a life well lived; so that after you are gone- you will be remembered for the good that you have done.

This nation was formed to change forever the relationship of people to each other; to create true justice, equality, liberty and happiness; that a life worth living is one of giving of one’s self, for in that alone do we find true happiness

I believe that money is only a tool, and even that distinction is a given; Value, real wealth, does not flow from paper, or gold or possessions, but from economic activity. Economics is not price theories. Economics is about people; the value of human beings.

Government is not legitimate unless it truly encompasses and protects the lives of people – all the people. Government needs a well-organized, well regulated money system – but the money system must be intended to meet the requirements of society’s security; as Roosevelt’s successful Social Security system typifies this.

I believe that our Founding Principles have been perverted by those whose power is challenged by our greatest Principle – the General Welfare clause of our United States Constitution. We must rise to the challenge, as Roosevelt did, of crushing those intentions.

We will never fulfill the ideals that guided our founders hands in writing our Constitution by succumbing to greed and arrogant power. We must rise to the occasion by uplifting, inspiring, and invigorating our fellow man to act truly human toward all people. The ‘advantage of the other’ must be our guiding principle.

This, I believe: I believe that this nation and its people will return to our founding principles - to government of, by, and for the people. The world is headed for a new rendezvous with destiny, for as the immortal Schiller said, “There are limits to a tyrant’s power.” We are working for a Global New Deal for all mankind.

- Carol Smith