A Hope for America

Posted on August 17, 2004 in Courage & Activism Morals & Ethics

I just wish that Americans would get over their jealousy of those among us who have done the right thing, who have championed principle over short term self-interest, who have had the guts and the courage to speak their consciences and live by them, who do not just go along. It’s time for us to stop hating saints just because most of us haven’t yet found the nerve to be one, to stop treating as blasphemy the idea that raw human beings can with effort become more godlike and virtuous by making an effort. Many Americans have no faith in goodness: you can tell by the way they attempt to buy it cheaply with mere declarations of salvation and their contempt for those who show genuine compassion and worthiness.

I do have faith in goodness. I believe that most people do good most of the time. Here is an earnest hope that they stretch a little farther and begin by celebrating those who are doing better than they.