--American Exceptionalism is the belief that the United States is the greatest country on earth,

  the belief that we set an example to be followed by the rest of the world, th belief that we are, as Ronald Reagan said, “A city on a hill”. The United States is the greatest country on earth, we were the first country to guarantee our citizens the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

  As put by the Heritage Foundation, “America is exceptional because, unlike any other nation, it is dedicated to the principles of human liberty, grounded on the truths that all men are created equal and endowed with equal rights.” All Americans are born with immense opportunity, and the chance of great upward economic mobility. They are born with a right to self defense from criminals and tyranny with the second amendment. They are born with the right to be an individual and express their innermost values with a right to free speech. They are born with a right to privacy that protects them from spying and surveillance by the government. All of these rights protect the people from a tyrannical government. The power is in the hands of the people, which is what makes America exceptional. 

  The freedoms Americans possess offer a beacon of hope for anyone around the world who wishes to be free. Migration policy reports, “In 2016, 1.49 million foreign-born individuals moved to the United States."  America is the most sought after nation in the world. The US offers the most opportunity to anyone who’s willing to work hard and play by the rules.

  The American dream is alive and well. Immigrants from across the world travel here to make a better life for themselves and their families. Anyone living in the United States can achieve their dreams. With the right work ethic and mindset, our free market system allows anyone to move up the economic ladder. The freedom to pursue your dreams is impossible in countries like North Korea, however. As the government is in control of every aspect of the people’s lives. Artists, scientists, businessmen and anyone willing to put in the work can find success in this great nation.

  America offers exceptional opportunity that cannot be taken for granted. Ordinary Americans have the right to assemble and voice their concerns with the government. Already in Europe memes are being banned. Mashable reports, “The European Parliament legal branch voted to pass a new copyright laws today that could possibly kill internet culture as we know it: no more memes and no more GIFs."  Memes and GIFS are joke pictures and clips that usually are used to prove some kind of point or simply make a joke. However, memes are one of primary factors that lead to the election of Donald Trump. As Americans used memes like Pepe The Frog and others to express their political beliefs and distaste with the current state of politics. Europe is set to ban a primary tool for citizens to criticize their elected officials. Luckily in America, the first amendment protects the people from legislation banning their self expression. This is because of the principle of individualism that America takes so much pride in. The individual is the most protected entity in America, anyone can think any way they want to.

  Freedom of expression is the most important defense against tyranny. George Washington said it best saying, “If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” Washington understood that without a freedom of speech the populous would end up uninformed and helpless to whatever the government wanted to do. The right to self expression is kryptonite to tyranny.

  American exceptionalism is defined by the pride we take in the individual and their right to express themselves. Limiting American Exceptionalism to the roots of America does a disservice to the great international triumphs of this nation. Whether it be the World Wars, defeating the Soviet Union in the Cold War or protecting democracies across the globe America has been a guiding hand shaping international relations for a little more than a century.

The United States willingness to protect human rights across the globe makes us an exceptional nation. We bare the responsibility to keep the world safe and free. As the strongest military power in the world, we have the chance to protect individuals across the globe from tyranny. The extraordinary rights of American citizens are granted are granted by God, not by government. As children of God it’s our responsibility to protect our fellow man from the malicious chains of totalitarianism. This new American century can be one of freedom and prosperity for every person. As long as the most exceptional nation in the world continues to lead the way in protecting human rights across the globe.

  What sets America apart from the rest of the world is our consistent and persistent fight against tyranny. Whether it be domestically or internationally tyranny is intolerable by the American public. It represents the weakest most malicious characteristics of man. Seeking power over others is a weak characteristic that often coincides with tyranny. Strength is personified by the willingness to help your fellow man. A trait Americans have proven to have through all of its tribulations. Whether it be a hurricane, a forest fire or simply seeing someone homeless on the street, America’s heart leads its citizens to help their fellow man. 

  Americans recognize at the end of the day, that they are all Americans alike. Like a thousand points of light, each American’s heart shines bright. No matter their political affiliation, race or religion, when someone is in need Americans count on one another to help. America is one big family, with a collective yearning to help one another. The collective heart of America proves the exceptional character possessed by the American public.

  The United States is exceptional. This country was founded on the principles of equality under the law, liberty and individualism. This set a precedent that would inspire nations around the world to adopt constitutional republicanism. America’s system of governance has proven to be the most effective in the history of the world. Continuously having peaceful transfers of power, America’s system of governance stands above the all too common military coups that sprout from less developed nations. We only needed one revolution to guarantee our citizens their natural rights. The American experiment has withstood the test of time and together Americans stand proud of the values this country represents: Liberty, individualism, a genuine care for for their fellow man and the fight against tyranny.

American exceptionalism is encompassed by the values America stands for and fights for across the globe.

PUBLISHED BY THE FREE MEN REPORT 12/18/2018