Exceptionalism

It is easy to place ourselves at the center of the universe. Everything seems to revolve around us and our concerns of the moment.  But rarely are we the key players in the final seconds of some championship match, and no earthly game is truly of consequence to the universe. Placing our personal values at a universal center relegates other people’s concerns to the horizon, where they are smaller and matter less. This breeds exceptionalism.

The American flag is a potent symbol for people who consider themselves to be Americans.  It serves as a rallying point. It calls us to be our better selves. In reinforcing bonds within our broad demographic, we must remember that the flag belongs to all of us.  We are all Americans.  Our strength is that we have each other.