American Values

The health care reform debate strikes me as different from past policy fights for what it says about what we as a people value...or don't.

The American system did make good on its promises for Jews; this is why so many Jews refuse to support the conservative politics of exclusion and fear. Podhoretz would have us chop down the ladder behind us.

When people become polarized, there is no common ground from which to build a common future.

Why take the "chance" by bringing additional Guantanamo detainees to our shores? Because it is essential to our national security that we close it down -- and this step is necessary to make that happen.

It is necessary to take a deep breath and ask ourselves if we are endangering America while we reform her by exercising too much government power, however idealistically.

In Strasbourg yesterday, the president was asked about American exceptionalism. "I believe in American exceptionalism," he began, "just as I suspect the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism." Leaving aside that we Greeks believe our exceptionalism to be exceptional and exceptionally old, the president's answer was masterful as he went on to talk about America's core set of values, quickly pivoting to the need to recognize "that we're not always going to be right" and "that other people may have good ideas." So basically, yes, we are exceptional -- when we live up to our exceptional values. It's going to take a while to repair America's reputation -- and thus its ability to lead in the world -- but in Europe this week, Obama made an exceptional start.

Most of us live overstressed lives and enjoy relaxing with music, sports, even the mindless mischief of Paris Hilton. But is this really what we mean by The American Dream?

Sarah Palin is right about one thing: this election is in fact a battle between the "real America" and a pretender. But it's not quite the battle she imagines.