As we roll into another election season, I would like to share with you a few uniquely American values.
1. Freedom to Associate: As Americans we have the Right to choose who we wish to associate with, socialize with, and spend our time with. Except for the rare period of National Emergency the government cannot interfere with that Right. Even during such an emergency, the government is limited in how it can limit those Rights. Even in many of the world's other democracies the citizens are not as free as even the poorest American is in this regard.
2. Freedom of Religion: Americans are Free to choose their own beliefs, even if they should choose to believe in no religion at all. In far too many countries, if you do not participate in the State supported religion, you can find yourself oppressed, confined, and in some circumstances even killed by government authorities. America's founders were wise enough to ensure that the citizens were Free from government control of their spiritual health and well-being.
3. Freedom to Self-Defence: The American Constitution protects the Rights of citizens to own weapons and use them in self-defence. The ability to protect life and limb from assault, whether by criminals or the government, is an extremely unique American value. One that is used to protect and defend lives hundreds of thousands of times per year.
4. Freedom to Criticize the Government: Few other places in the world allow citizens to openly criticize the government and its leaders. Americans are among the most privileged in the world in this regard.
5. Freedom of Person: In many countries on this planet, citizens must allow themselves to be searched by government personnel without recourse. Not in America. Here there has to be a much higher level of cause for a citizen or their property to be searched.
There are many more American values that have made America the greatest land in the world. But for now, I will stop here and not make you keep reading. I am sure that you can add many more uniquely American values yourself. Am I right?
