ClayBarham
08-08-2007, 03:43 PM
Tradition is something long established by the way a people have lived. There are only two established traditions in the world. The oldest tradition is the majority of people living under the rule of a few on the top. Starting from the family, to the tribe and nation, this is the longest established tradition in the world. We call this the Old World tradition, of kings, dictators and subjects. It is the tradition of least growth and change, since change disturbs life and order, something not easily tolerated by rulers. Abundance and prosperity center more at the ruler’s level and less at the subject’s level. National and tribal wars and rebellions are common, one group seeking power and profit from another. This well established tradition provides the greatest happiness to the least number, and the most misery to the most people. Is it worth retaining?
A newer tradition started in North America almost 400 years ago. It began with a small band of people escaping the Old World tradition. Living on a frontier facing challenges to survival, their tradition grew from individual freedom and responsibility to family and community. It evolved as a way of life from a people on their own, whose behavior followed a moral code, while striving to survive and improve their lives. Families grew into frontier communities, which became part of a state, whose states united as one nation, and people ruled themselves. Their tradition was completely opposite the Old World tradition and is a New World tradition. This tradition gave the greatest happiness to the greatest number, and the least misery to the least number. Is that a better tradition?
What does this mean today? How does it apply to what we are hearing on the campaign trail from both Democrats and Republicans heading toward the 2008 election? What is the prevailing sentiment in the nation today? Let us look at the last question first. Three things stand out. First, most Americans today have little understanding of their history and the position America holds with respect to its tradition. Second, many Americans today believe government is the arbiter of social standings, the source and hope of all things good. Third, many immigrants have flooded into America from nations experienced in the Old World traditions. These three elements challenge the American tradition.
The Democrats are now openly supportive of the Old World tradition, departing from its stand for American traditions a century ago. The Republicans, from who most would expect aggressive support for the New World American tradition, is unenthusiastic in its support. They, like the Democrats, are tempted by votes from Old World views brought here in the minds of immigrants whom they hope to attract. Few immigrants coming to America today have any enthusiasm to adopt the New World tradition, as was the case with 19th and 20th century immigrants who assimilated. Our tradition may soon be lost.
A newer tradition started in North America almost 400 years ago. It began with a small band of people escaping the Old World tradition. Living on a frontier facing challenges to survival, their tradition grew from individual freedom and responsibility to family and community. It evolved as a way of life from a people on their own, whose behavior followed a moral code, while striving to survive and improve their lives. Families grew into frontier communities, which became part of a state, whose states united as one nation, and people ruled themselves. Their tradition was completely opposite the Old World tradition and is a New World tradition. This tradition gave the greatest happiness to the greatest number, and the least misery to the least number. Is that a better tradition?
What does this mean today? How does it apply to what we are hearing on the campaign trail from both Democrats and Republicans heading toward the 2008 election? What is the prevailing sentiment in the nation today? Let us look at the last question first. Three things stand out. First, most Americans today have little understanding of their history and the position America holds with respect to its tradition. Second, many Americans today believe government is the arbiter of social standings, the source and hope of all things good. Third, many immigrants have flooded into America from nations experienced in the Old World traditions. These three elements challenge the American tradition.
The Democrats are now openly supportive of the Old World tradition, departing from its stand for American traditions a century ago. The Republicans, from who most would expect aggressive support for the New World American tradition, is unenthusiastic in its support. They, like the Democrats, are tempted by votes from Old World views brought here in the minds of immigrants whom they hope to attract. Few immigrants coming to America today have any enthusiasm to adopt the New World tradition, as was the case with 19th and 20th century immigrants who assimilated. Our tradition may soon be lost.