In recognition of Independence Day, I'm presenting this excerpt from my 2017 book That a Man Can Again Stand Up: American spirit vs, sedition during the incipient Trump Revolution (Bromley Street Press).

chapter fourteen

A dream, in focus

"The American Dream is freedom, prosperity, peace -- and liberty and justice for all. That's a big dream. It's not always easy to achieve, but that's the ideal. More than any country in history, we've made gains toward a democracy that is enviable throughout the world. Dreams require perseverance if they are to be realized. Fortunately, we're a hard-working country and people. We're the luckiest people in history, just by the fact that we are Americans."

-- Donald Trump, 3/22/2007 Forbes interview

How to define the America of which Trump spoke so passionately?

Its founding was historic, an inspirational example to people around the world of men daring to stand in defiant renunciation of monarchical tyranny. America has to its credit landmark triumphs: An entrepreneurial economy that cultivated developments benefiting all. Medical technologies that draw global envy. Military might that bows to no one. World defense against the oppressive Nazi and communist ideologies (and, today, that of radical Islamic terrorism). Important strides toward equality for all of its people. And a boldly blazing torch of liberty that stirs men the world over to dream, attempt, and succeed.

Such was the proud legacy left us by our forbears. They crafted a Constitution whose arrangement of governmental authorities and processes, and guarantees of personal liberty not subject to authorities' beneficence, stands yet as a marvel among formal documents.

Like any nation, America has a cultural identity. Unlike many other nations, though, America's is a composite of influences. Some suggest that diversity is our strength. It is not. Our country's true strength is articulated in the motto E Pluribus Unum. From many, one. It is when Americans of all backgrounds unite in recognition of shared national interests that we are truly formidable.

The Donald Trump-Mike Pence campaign gave voice to an all-American sense of citizens bonded together by common cause perhaps unseen since the WWII era. During the incipient Trump Revolution, it was again thought admirable to be unashamedly patriotic. 

And the Trump Revolution rekindled something many may have forgotten: That it's OK to believe in something bigger than yourself. A spirit with roots in yesterday, a reawakened resolve today, and confidence that tomorrow holds the potential for wonders that we can, as a free nation, make real. 

We're a unified people whose courage, wisdom, inventiveness, and indomitable independent nature mark us as exceptional.

It may be that President Donald Trump's resurrection of that truth in American hearts will go down in history as his finest accomplishment. 

But then, only time will tell. 

"Together, we will make America strong, again. We will make America wealthy, again. We will make America proud, again. We will make America safe, again. And yes, together, we will make America great, again!  God bless you."
- President Donald Trump, 1/20/2017 Inaugural address

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