IS U.S. DIFFERENT? Absence of Hate, Once Our Hallmark, Fading?

August 7, 2013
By: Dave Rogers

The American ambassador to Germany during the First World War, had some interesting observations regarding why America was different from Europe at that time.

Ambassador James W. Gerard wrote in his memoirs, My Four Years in Germany:

"On my way from Berlin to America, in February, 1917, at a dinner in Paris, I met the celebrated Italian historian, Ferrero. In a conversation with him after dinner, I reminded him of the fact that both he and a Frenchman, named Huret, who had written on America, had stated in their books that the thing which struck them most in the study of the American people was the absence of hate.

"Ferrero recalled this and in the discussion which followed and in which the French novelist, Marcel Prevost, took part, all agreed that there was more hate in Europe than in America; first, because the peoples of Europe were confined in small space and, secondly, because the European, whatever his rank or station, lacked the opportunities for advancement and consequently the eagerness to press on ahead, and that fixing of the thought on the future, instead of the past, which formed part of the American character."

See: Gerard, James W. (James Watson) (2012-05-17). My Four Years in Germany (Kindle Locations 2575-2577). . Kindle Edition.

This viewpoint of a century ago may explain the dynamic of America which allowed this nation to grow and prosper despite our contrasting lifestyles, opinions and affiliations.

The absence of hate: is it still the case?

Or have political divisions, now more than ever driven by racial enmities, wealth and greed, changed our positive dynamic?

The recent actions in Texas regarding voting rights are as un-American as we can get, mirroring attitudes prevalent across most of the South for the 100 years after Reconstruction.

It should be more than distressing to citizens when some citizens are attempting to suppress the basic American right to vote.

The same deep-seated contempt for people displayed by the Ku Klux Klan, the White Citizens Councils, the Michigan Militia, skinheads and other hate groups is shown by the highest public officials in some backward states.

Make no mistake about it, the political uprising against the Affordable Care Act, so-called Obamacare, is a movement of the same ugly ilk.

Why would we not want fellow citizens to have health care unless we are so jealous, so fearful that somebody will get something for nothing, so paranoid about political power that we are willing to make millions, including many children, suffer?

Most of the countries in the industrialized world have some form of universal health care and benefit from it. Why is the United States different? Can we make the nation better by repealing Affordable Health Care?

Would that really fulfill the preamble to the Constitution's admonition to "promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity"?

It seems that even Mr. Mitt Romney has seen the light and, in an imitation of his admirable father, George, is supportive of the health care act, at least to the extent of keeping the government running. He said, wisely, at a fundraiser in Wisconsin the other day:

"What would come next when soldiers aren't paid, when seniors fear for their Medicare and Social Security, and when the FBI is off duty?"

He continued: "I'm afraid that in the final analysis, Obamacare would get its funding, our party would suffer in the next elections, and the people of the nation would not be happy. I think there are better ways to remove Obamacare."

That kind of leadership the Republican Party needs, not leaders who would trash the well-being of millions just to make a political point.

It's time to restore the traits that once made America different, and the envy of the world, as Ambassador Gerard learned in Paris.

Then we can all advance together. ###