The concept of “broken windows” policing should apply on a national level; when we see politicians or bureaucrats ignoring the laws and traditions that have been the basis of our nation, we need to take corrective action. When our basic rights are abused, we need to act. When the very value of our citizenship is discounted, we need to respond. These are the premises and foundation of Victor Davis Hansons’ excellent new book, The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America.
I purchased the book because I have been increasingly concerned about the decreasing value of my personal citizenship. How is it that citizens can be mandated to limit travel, wear masks, show proof of vaccination while during the last year, two million individuals from over 150 countries have entered our nation illegally and be allowed to disappear into the vastness of our nation by the government officials who have sworn to uphold our laws? How is it that those who enter our nation illegally are not 100% assessed for Covid, quarantined, etc.? In a naked power grab, politicians in various cities decree non-citizens can vote in local elections thus decreasing the power of our citizenship. The supremacy of national laws? Worthless as hundreds of cities openly ignore Federal law, making tax paying citizens pay for the education, health care, etc., of those who decided that they and not we the citizens should decide our rules for living in our nation.
While I was mulling over how to write a solid review of this book, I was fortunate to read the review by James Pierson (see link below), who has created a more objective review. It is not only a question of illegal immigration or officials who ignore popularly passed laws, but also various interest groups who strive to create tribalism-at a profit to themselves, and social technology leaders who opening spend millions to influence elections. Unfortunately, our educational system has contributed to this loss of value with the end of civic education and the introduction of curriculum which strives to undercut the positive aspects of our history.
His review is comprehensive and will provide you, even if you never read the book, with a number of significant questions we should all be facing. Can we afford to continue our current path and if not, what do we as citizens need to do to force those who ignore us to understand that our citizenship is a special thing in our lives. If you do not believe it, then name one nation that you believe provides more opportunity for freedom. Your citizenship is under attack by those who are ignorant, or naïve, and by some who are malevolent. You must draw your own line for your future.
https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/ourselves-and-our-posterity/
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