I was about to say there are two types of countries –
Those that see themselves as the future,
And those that glorify their past.
But then I realized both are true of every country,
Only some think the future should look like their past.
So where does America fall on that spectrum?
For a long time, we were the debutante,
But most today believe we’ve reached a crossroads,
Arguing amongst ourselves about which way to turn,
As though going forward were not an option.
Some of us would turn back,
Even if it means turning our backs on our ideals;
But then that’s nothing new –
We’ve a history of ignoring our most cherished principles
Whenever they prove inconvenient.
We all know equality didn’t grow in the southern soil
Where Washington, Jefferson and Madison plowed –
But history teaches hypocrisy thrives in every clime;
You can still trace today northern bigotry’s red lines,
For segregation was never a uniquely southern sin.
Likewise, some believe freedom of religion only guarantees
The right to be any type of Christian you please –
Although, let’s be honest, Jehovah’s Witnesses,
Not to mention the Amish, Mormons, and Papists, too,
Come uncomfortably close to the line.
And yet we proclaim America remains a city on a hill –
As though we can be slaves to prejudice and tradition,
And yet somehow still perpetually new.
I guess if you stand far enough from the mirror,
The blemishes fade from view.
The Yankee Poet 