PANDEMIC DIARY
IT’S THE NAME THAT’S WRONG
January 3, 2021
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally declares the name of the new nation to be the “United States of America”. This replaced the term “United Colonies” which had been in general use. Richard Henry Lee, by resolution presented to Congress on June 7, and issued the resolve on July 2 1776, “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States…” John Adams conjured that July 2 would be the “most memorable epoch in the history of America”. He was wrong. For it is on July 4, (our now celebrated Independence Day) Thomas Jefferson’s edited version of The Declaration of Independence was adopted. “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES.” (CAPS are replicated as originally written) These aims place a good-faith burden on States to recognize a benefit in acting firstly on behalf of the greater Union. Particularly in light of the “free and independent states” nomenclature, it would be difficult to be a ‘representative’ of a people (your people) and their local interests and disregard their pleas, assertions, alliances and support in lieu of a national program that may run counter to constituency preferences.
Herein lies the original sin that is now the basis and bedrock of our current problems. The founders created a country loosely united from an assemblage of colonies that were, in reality, unified in name alone. What the Founders got wrong was believing that the diverse motives, regional differences, philosophical divergences, and embedded prejudices could be successfully woven into a consolidated and homogeneous fabric whereby ‘the greater good’ of America could stand at the pinnacle of purpose and intention. That amalgam between local and State interests and national welfare and prosperity seem never to have congealed.
The American experience, as defined by its own genesis, lacked homogeneity. Indeed, it’s national and ethnic diversity were intended to be its strength, a kind of ballast against the exceptionalism which caused settlers to expatriate from their countries of origin. England and the rest of Western European societies were implicitly homogeneous with centuries of royalty in leadership, a unified Church, multi-generational wealth, long lineages of aristocrats with fabulous land holdings and a form of government that granted all-power to those of means and education. It wasn’t pretty, but it was homogeneous. That cultural adhesion insured that there was, before all else, national pride - a pride of place; a pride of custom; a pride of ethnicity; a pride of heritage; a pride of folklore and mythology; and, a pride of ritual - that coalesced a people. These were not, by far, perfect systems. But, even in an imperfect political structure under imperfect social rule, national adherence and patriotic fervor, in general, prevailed. For America, there never seems to have been a time of cultural coherency. There seems never to have been a symbol or marker or celebration so uniquely American that the average person feels deeply enough to support and uphold before and beyond their own local, political concerns and private aspirations. America has never been ‘de-factionalized’. Even July Fourth means different things to different people.
So, with the power vested in me, I set forth a declaration that changes the name of our country from the beleaguered title of The United States of America to:
THE UNITED AMERICA OF STATES
Furthermore, I propose a change to the flag which currently is comprised of “Stars and Stripes”. Fifty individual stars to represent each of the fifty states. Heretofore, the flag will retain its stripes and be changed to reflect a United America by having in its upper left-hand corner One Star, that star being segmented into 50 parts representing the constant compromise of 50 individual and free States on behalf of a national good.
In all ways States remain free and independent. In all ways except for National Security, the defense of freedom, and the cause of Social Democracy and Liberty. This starts with free, open and fair elections. Elections policies and procedures are to be managed and monitored by the Federal government, workers and officers and Election Day shall be a national holiday to allow for all peoples to vote without loss of earnings. There shall be a single voting methodology throughout our land while no state shall have the right to restrict, modify or change those regulations. Voting will be required of all citizens. Schools will re-institute Civics classes starting in the fourth grade. Children will be taught the distinction between consensus and agreement. In this way we alter the mindset, reference points and allegiances over time. To understand that principled movement takes us all in an allied direction over time even as it is a bumpier road.
If it is unity we want, we must act unified. There will be early doubt, disapproval, objections, opposition and resistance, perceiving that any change represents a usurpation of states rights and individual freedoms. Yet, over time, our citizens will realize that big “D” democracy depends upon this. The American experiment continues.