On our 250^th birthday, how are we doing as a nation?  This is what Americans say about our nation and its institutions in a recent Wall Street Journal-NORC survey:

40% of Americans are very proud of our history

56% of Americans say democracy is not working well or at all

51% of Americans say capitalism is not working well or at all

35% of Americans say patriotism is very important (down from 60% in 2019)

33% of Americans say religion is very important (down from 50% in 2019)

Is America falling off a cliff?  I’m fervently hoping and praying that survey is not representative of our Buhl community. There were no surveys during the early years of America for comparison but there were observers, the most famous one being a Frenchman, Alexis de Toqueville. In 1853, he wrote a book, still read today, titled Democracy in America.  Here are the major findings from that book:

Americans have an instinctive love for their country and take criticism of it as a personal attack.

Americans also love their country because it protects their individual rights and brings them wealth.

America is a land of equal opportunity.

Americans love to form associations to address community problems.

Americans frequent churches, which creates a moral nation.

What a contrast of America then compared with America now! It should also be noted that de Toqueville foresaw what could happen in the future:

As people gain equality, they will focus more on acquiring wealth rather than caring about their community.

Passive citizens will gradually turn to a helpful government that erodes freedoms but keeps them comfortable.

I think de Toqueville was incredibly perceptive about the strengths and weaknesses of America and that we are at a time in our history when we need to focus like a laser on restoring our heritage. Here’s a place to start: around 57% of Americans say they are addicted to their phones. Americans look at screens an average of 12 hours a day!  So, while we can certainly glean useful information from our screens, as I did for this article, what are we filtering out at the same time? Things such as listening, observing, eye contact, exercise, nature, relationships, church services, volunteering, voting, praying, reflecting, you name it! Is it any wonder that millions of Americans are lonely, anxious, and depressed? Maybe we could all get started by finding something to do that doesn’t involve just me. I can help with that: no one has ever asked me twice for something to do!

I look at the huge flag waving beneath Perrine Bridge and I think: this is my flag, this is my bridge, this is my river, this is my community, this is my state, and this is my nation.  I’m pledging my allegiance!  That means I proudly support patriotism, democracy, capitalism, and religion because that’s what made and keeps America great.

Priscilla Martens