The U.S. currently struggles with a divide portrayed by the media as political. Certainly, Republicans and Democrats are at odds with one another about numerous issues, but the divide begins at a deeper level – at a cultural level. Is our culture changing from within?  Under attack from afar? Or both? What is Culture?   Webster definition:  ‘An umbrella term encompassing the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, language, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals within these groups.’ (Even the food we eat and the beverages we drink.)

Most cultures defy attempts to name them, except of course, by country. Some examples: German discipline, British stiff upper lip, French cuisine/art, Italian laissez faire, etc. The differences are detectable even at a glance when one travels the world.

America’s culture has evolved over time and is now defined by its’ openness, freedom and opportunities – even our ability to laugh at ourselves. These qualities have defined us as a nation since 1776.  But culture is not stagnant; nor is it meant to be. Ours has evolved with time, during which it was influenced by war, disease and technological advances. Most changes have been peaceful, beneficent and induced by an expanding diversity of population.

Can cultures be changed by fiat?

France, perhaps the democratic world’s most proud defender of national culture, is responding to recent  Islamic terrorist acts on its homeland by educating young children, even some in pre-school, about its culture of liberté and laicité (liberty and secularism) which are core values of the French Republic. Classrooms are being used as a front-line in the fight against what French President Macron calls “Islamic separatism;” stemming from a Jihadist beheading a teacher who had the temerity to lead a class discussion about a cartoon mocking the prophet Mohammed. These immigrants never fought for France’s defense, and resolutely refuse to adhere to the laws of their adopted country, particularly religious rights. Their intolerant zeal condones (even encourages) the killing of perceived religious enemies. France is not alone in this reaction: Germany, Italy, the U.K. and all nations surrounding the Mediterranean are similarly struggling.

What should the U.S. do (if anything)?

The French government is establishing a roadmap for others to follow: EDUCATE  youngsters at the earliest opportunity about their nation’s core values and instill within them the desire to perpetuate the civic and legal responsibilities that have permitted their country to thrive for generations (or centuries).

Laws and protections periodically need change. If they need changing, do so by the consent of the governed, not by rioting, looting and shouting obscenities. NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR PRESUMED INEQUALITY WHEN YOU SCREAM IN THEIR FACE WITH THREATS.  These protesters offer no alternative except anarchy and/or violence. That won’t fly in U.S. airspace! So, if protesting will not stop the agitators, what should a civilized society (nation) do?

Some suggestions for an incoming Congress:

1. Mandate English as the national language.  How can we truly communicate when multiple languages and interpretations abound? Look at the difficulties of NATO, SEATO, UN, WHO. Their members constantly talk around and over issues but never solve anything. Let’s not complicate communication within the U.S. Politically incorrect, but effective.
2. Enhance education opportunities at all levels. Ban self-serving teachers’ unions and ‘rubber rooms’ that only perpetuate incompetence. U.S. History and Civics must be restored in middle and high schools. Ensure that all voices are heard on college campuses- not exclusively socialists. Simultaneously, we should monitor and control the entertainment industry which promotes sex and violence through games and films directed to youthful audiences.  Young people need to be properly informed – not entertained ad nauseum. If educational norms continue to decline the populace will suffer. One’s inability to discern right from wrong and to learn from history leads to authoritarian diktats from false, corrupt leaders.  The nation’s education system appears dedicated to “dumbing down” the people, eliminating this swamp dinosaur should become a critical demand.
3. When speaking of False, be aware that misleading ads permeate our daily print, video and on-line outlets. These deceptions fall on the ever-increasing malleable minds of youngsters. The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 remains basically untouched since its founding. This agency with a budget of $330.2 million (2021 request) is incompetent at best and corrupt at worst. It was intended to monitor and punish deceptive advertising in all media. That is: ‘Advertising must tell the truth and not mislead consumers.’ IT DOES NOT. Truth in Advertising is a joke. The FTC occupies a large part of the SWAMP and should be either fixed or eliminated.
4. Continue stepped-up border security. It makes no sense to have wide-open borders that attract primarily people with no skills, nor any ability to contribute to science, the arts or workforce. Freeloaders do not make good neighbors. Certainly, however, continue to admit anyone with a strong desire to assimilate with existing customs and to accept the country’s laws and regulations.

Make no mistake, America’s culture is also under attack from abroad. Cyber warfare, germ warfare and attack by foreign potentates are existential threats over which we (and our government) have only limited control. Past U.S. presidents have used various means to defuse past attempts.   Truman– nuclear attack, Carter– appeasement, Reagan–intimidation, Bush-promote democracy, Obama– ignore, Trump – negotiate.

But most recent threats come from radicals and religious-inspired Jihadists, not necessarily from sovereign countries. It is time for more innovative thinking, not more ‘politically correct’ reactions.

In America, our president-elect is a doddering, confused old man – and his back-up a weak-kneed socialist with a Hindi first name – we’re going to need an iron-willed Secretary of Defense (or war) – a native-born with an American first name we can all pronounce –  someone with backbone, willing to stand up to the politically correct weenies and reverse the self-inflicted cultural malady.

John Wayne is no longer with us – so, once again, I stand ready – at your beck and call.

You are welcome.

Jimbo