Academics can quibble over how exceptional America may or may not be.  But ask most Americans – or most people, period – and among the things that distinguish us is the unique nature of our government as well as our identity.

By being much more forthright about which specific values we Americans adhere to, we would simultaneously bring about two very different kinds of liberation.  First, we would free ourselves from having to try to be all things to all people.  Second, the more distinctly and resolutely American the United States becomes, the more that frees people elsewhere to remain distinctively themselves.  Indeed, this gets at the ultimate quid pro quo reinvigorating sovereignty offers: don’t expect us to embrace your values in this country and we won’t expect you to embrace our values in your country; or to be even more blunt about it: we’ll be us.  You be you.

“You be you” means there would be no more government-sponsored proselytization of the American Way abroad.  There would be no more inveigling by the U.S. government to get others to change.  This buttresses the respect that sovereignty is supposed to accord, whereas self-respect requires a much more concerted focus by us on our domestic problems.

Of course, one additional advantage to building a more Indivisible America is that indivisibility itself sets a powerful example.  If the United States’ security depends on no one being able to use our differences against us, why shouldn’t we want to see others strive to achieve the same thing?  Washington claims to want to see a united, functioning Iraq and a coherent, stable Afghanistan.  But, an “Indivisible Russia,” an “Indivisible Kenya,” an “Indivisible Pakistan,” and so on, would be no less critical, particularly since the very quest for indivisibility may be the most powerful tool there is for reinforcing the social contract between people and their rulers.

Subheadings

We’ll Be Us, You Be You

Being American

Restoring Credibility

Why Civic Responsibility Matters