One Nation, One Groove, One National Hymn

The past couple of weeks I have written about the current state of our nation in reference to politics, the economy, race, gender and the general attitude of the American people. I have concluded that we're a nation in transition. Sadly, the changing America is not one to be proud of. Our famed educational system, agricultural and industrial complexes, health care, highways and bridges, the American dollar and the strength of our reputation is in decline. Thus, in order to counter these changes and to reestablish American power and superiority we need a national hymn. That is, a common thought, feeling, a new sense of nationalism that can galvanize all sections of the American public. To understand the importance of a national hymn let us briefly look at two of America's greatest presidents--John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

At the end of World War II the United States was locked in a hostile ideological war with The Soviet Union. The two superpowers illustrated two polar opposites--democracy versus communism; freedom versus suppression; prosperity versus mediocrity; and the belief of a God versus atheism. The two powers literally divided the globe into two camps whereby the two powers fought proxy wars in South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In this mix of ideological warfare the Americans and the Soviets escalated the rhetoric in the creation of a Cold War.

The Cold War tested the American intellectual fortitude, social stamina, spiritual courage, and commitment to our way of life. In the 1940s and 1950s we, as Americans, where absolutely afraid of the Soviet Bear. We thought and believed that Communist spies and sympathizers had infiltrated our social, political and economic barriers. Many thought that it was just a matter of time that our way of life would fall to the Soviets. Former Kremlin leader Nikita Khrushchev, demonstrated our concerns when he stated in the United Nation assembly in 1956 while banging a shoe on a table and shouting to American delegates that "we [The Soviet Union] will bury you." By 1960 the United States needed a national hymn. The person to deliver that new song was John F. Kennedy.

John F. Kennedy won a hard fought presidential campaign against rival Richard M. Nixon, who later would become an American president. Kennedy, the young socialite; but, brilliant and energetic leader, took the oath of office on January 20, 1961 becoming the nation's first Roman Catholic president. In his first lecture to the American people he reflected on the needs and the strengths of our citizens. In this review he challenged us with a new hymn with the words, "ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." These simple words inspired us to overcome our fears, revisit the greatness of our nation, created a new sense of nationalism and to excel in all areas of pursuit to conquer and destroy all vestiges of Soviet control. President Kennedy's challenge inspired us to win the space race--landing the first man-made spacecraft on the moon, establishing the strongest military power on earth, and giving Americans a quality of life that was light years ahead of the lifestyle of citizens living in rival nations.

In 1981 another great American became president--former movie star Ronald Reagan. Reagan, the polemic and showman, became our new leader after four years of Jimmy Carter who was rocked by the Iranian student hostage incident. Iran embarrassed and crippled the United States as they allowed militant university students to storm the American embassy and take hostages. Carter, a dove on the military question did not know what to do in the face of having American citizens blindfolded and marched disgracefully on international television. However, Ronald Reagan did.

President Reagan believed in a strong military that must be utilized as a deterrent against terrorist organizations and hostile nations. However, he saw the the Soviet Union as a major force in the growth international terrorism and American enemies. Thus, his cause was to destroy the "evil empire." In 1987 in Germany President Reagan got the chance to openly challenge the Soviet's system and ideology that could possibly reduce the threat of future anti-American hostilities. In a wonderful and classic speech that sent excitement and chills through the veins of the most ardent Reagan critic, the President said: "General Secretary Milk ail Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberation: come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

President Reagan's comments gave new life, confidence and strength to Americans. The Reagan Revolution that it became known as, sparked a belief and a swagger that Americans are special and that they are driven by a special calling to lead the world to a better existence. Like Cotton Mather, who saw this new society [America] as a beacon, a city upon a hill; Reagan saw the United States as a divine country powered by God to protect and liberate states and nations from tyranny and oppression. Regardless, if you believed in Reagan's mission, he nonetheless, made Americans feel safe, proud and strong.

Today, we need a hymn, one like Kennedy's or Reagan's which can spark Americans to realize their great potential and their destiny as the leaders of the world. We need our next president--Obama, McCain, or Nader to understand that they must create a hymn that is loud, strong, and great that will unify our citizens. We need that president to excite and groove to a tune that will illustrate our love to the world; but also, our toughness to confront any enemy, domestic or foreign, that threatens our existence. We need a leader that illustrates our willingness to bargain while letting the world know that we're not afraid to stand alone. Lastly, we need a leader to show that we are not a shame to be called Americans, because that name stands for liberty, justice and equality. We need a national hymn!