America's Greatness is Repairing Faults

In times like today, where turmoil and conflict serve as the daily backdrop to our everyday lives, and in a week where many Americans turn our attention to the USA's significant liberties and freedoms afforded by our country's Constitution, I'm reminded of the following words from an outside witness to early-American democracy by French political savant Alexis de Tocqueville:

"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her fault."

By no means do I suppose that the USA is without its imperfections or weaknesses, not to mention the many societal wrongs that historically have been and presently are being fought over. But where I believe de Tocqueville gives some timely insight is that the USA's real "greatness" doesn't lie in being the perfect "City on the Hill" that many former USA Presidents dreamed and spoke of, rather the USA's greatness lies in its ability to change.

I am proud to be an "American" and I am proud to know that the Constitution of the USA, although applied imperfectly throughout our country's history (and even presently), still affords our country and it's diverse citizenry the opportunity for change or as de Tocqueville said, the "ability to repair her fault."

The repairing of these faults doesn't come easily or without much debate. And unfortunately, sometimes these repairs don't happen overnight. But happen they must.

What can be done to support this "greatness of America" to positively build and "repair" where we need to do so? That's a personal question I believe each citizen of the USA needs to ask themself. But I believe in asking that question all Americans, whether they perceive themselves great or weak, can take confidence in the words George Washington humbly spoke when he accepted the Continental Congress's commission to be the Commander in Chief of the Continental army with great reticence, despite the many obvious more-experienced professional soldiers and leaders that were available for such a charge:

"Tho' I am truly sensible of the high Honour done me, in this Appointment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important Trust: However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, and for support of the glorious cause." (June 16, 1775--George Washington)

Much work needs to be done, but like Washington and the many other courageous and visionary Founding Fathers and Mothers of the USA, we all should exert "every power" to support the "glorious cause" that these Founders started. And while we might not think much of this effort at the time, I believe the cumulative humility and good works each citizen of the USA can make to affect the changes needed adds up to what I believe can be called true "American greatness."

I hope during this week of celebrating the USA's Independence, that my friends and colleagues will find the courage to know that America's greatness isn't a finished product, but that our country's greatness is to grow, evolve, and become, in time, the living embodiment of the "City on the Hill" for ALL citizens in this country.

The Founders of the USA, and the many men and women who have fought to preserve this country's freedom, did what they did for their families and for all future generations, including our present generation. And we should be no less afraid to use these Constitutional tools of freedom and liberty that they sacrificed so much so we could continue to further the opportunities of every citizen of this country.

The USA isn't a perfect country--that is obvious. But how great is it that our country's citizens have the Constitutionally-granted ability to affect the changes needed in order to "repair" those many faults that this country has.

How grateful I am as a business person, a father, a husband, friend and a citizen of the USA to know that this country's Constitution, though oft applied incorrectly for certain members of our society, can allow us to mend these misapplications and to chart future and better paths for all Americans, no matter their race, religion, gender, sexual preference, or ethnicity.

Being "great" as de Tocqueville implies then, isn't based on being "better" than any other country or person. But being "great" is acknowledging our faults and using the freedoms and liberties granted to us, to "repair" those faults with the same zeal, humility, and commitment that Washington and the countless others that followed him displayed in support of their vision on the "greatness of America."

I hope my thoughts offer you a chance to think on what you can do to help further this "glorious cause." Our future health as a society and as businesses depend on not just politicians but on everyday people like George Washington when humbly accepting an overwhelming challenge that understand de Tocqueville's wisdom that America is a never-finished product and is meant to be refined and improved by current and future generations.

In other words, this is the challenge we have today: to carry on the "greatness of America" by humbly working for change.

Have a great Independence Day this weekend! I hope the hot dogs and burgers are great, but more importantly, I hope you take a chance to consider how you can connect with your own American "greatness" and help affect the changes our country needs and deserves.