What's the Big Idea?

The worst thing about entertaining dystopian thoughts is that if it does not come to pass, we feel somehow cheated. Even if we all were locked away in some big sky gulag along with the like-minded, with Obama's brown shirts standing sloppy watch, there might still be the delicious excitement of planning escapes a la the cagey crew in 'Hogan's Heroes'.

I am reminded of my mother saying, “The soup is never as hot when eaten as when it's cooked." It might well be that all we imagine will not materialize in the way we expect it to. True, the Republican opposition has been all but wiped out. But there will always be other checks and balances in play, not the least of which is the Dems themselves who can be expected to mutiny at some point. I dare say, not all of them share Obama's totalitarian vision.

No doubt, it’ll take something big to turn it around – a fairly significant terrorist strike on American soil; a major economic event; an international event; a domestic disturbance - something captivating enough so that the media won’t be able to simply sweep it under the rug by blaming Republicans or by ignoring it completely.

I remember going somewhere on an Indian train back in the early 70’s when they were still using steam engines. The train was moving so slowly through the ancient countryside, people were actually getting off and jogging along while others climbed onto the roofs of the cars for the additional breeze. Luckily, the engine was at the back of the train, pushing it; so, we were not subjected to repeated blasts of black soot as had been the case on previous trips. The compartment was almost empty as most people had abandoned it to congregate elsewhere, leaving only the aged and an odd collection of nodding farm animals.

Looking out my window, I happened to see a pack of about a dozen strays (dogs) chasing along side the train in v-formation, barking loudly. The lead dog was the smallest – a white spindly-looking thing – that could have easily fit into a big man's hand. The larger dogs brought up the rear. It occurred to me that dogs must not regard mere size as a good measure of leadership; that largeness of spirit, inspiration and enthusiasm must rank much higher when deciding on who among many to follow.

If the dog community can teach us anything, it is this: America has clearly been the big dog on the farm for many years. But it has allowed the twisted enthusiasm for an Islamic Caliphate (for instance) to eclipse its own bigness. What ever happened to the big idea of America and all it has entailed? Why are we ashamed of it? Why have we allowed it to become chipped and tarnished? We still have our big bombs; our big skies; our big hearts. That much cannot change. But relying on those aspects alone does not make us first. The big idea of America will have to be revived if we are to survive as a nation. A big nation fights for that for which it stands. It will insist on its own rightful place. It will defend its borders – its citizens, at home and abroad. It will not apologize. And, above all, it will not attempt to deconstruct itself to appeal to no one.

Make it a big tent if you wish. Make it inclusive of all. God knows, everyone’s contribution helps. But keep out those who would undermine it. We know their names. They reveal themselves daily. Keep out the false prophets, the Marxists, the moral degenerates, the traitors, the deconstructionists, the jihadis, the apologists, the anarchists and the ones who just don’t care. And you will find there’s a lot more of us than there is of them to carry on the big idea of America for which so many have given their last full measure of devotion.

Shun the ankle biters who risk nothing; who stand for nothing. Recognize their existence, but marginalize them. Let them know in no uncertain terms that they are barking up the wrong tree; that they are free to seek their bliss in the likes of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Europe, Bermuda, Palau (wherever they may wish to go). We will be more than happy to buy their (one-way) ticket.