David MartinIn a column the other week, I noted I used to intern in Washington, D.C. In response to that brief reference, I had a couple of friends reach out and tell me they never knew that about my past.
I don't mention it much anymore because, I suppose, that experience is slipping farther back in the rearview mirror. But I do reckon it is worth bringing up now and again, as the man I interned for back then, U.S. Rep. John "Jimmy" Duncan Jr., left a lasting imprint on my political views, particularly when it comes to what I consider as the proper role of American government.
I may not agree with him on every matter, but I'll always share Congressman Duncan's small-government philosophy. On more than one occasion, I've heard the man quote Ronald Reagan's quip, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."
Jimmy's son, John, is a lifelong friend of mine, and my memories, especially from middle school through my college career, are peppered heavily with hilarious (mis)adventures with him. To this day, one of his lines that I regularly steal - I mean "borrow" - is when I'll tell someone in parting, "You're a great American."
It always, and I mean always, ends a conversation on a good note. Because really, who born in this country doesn't like to think that they're a great American? I can't think of a single person I've ever met in the good old U.S. of A. who wouldn't take that as a compliment.
I'm assuming you'd be hard-pressed to think of one, too.
The reason for this, I believe, is that folks tend to have high opinions of themselves, and we probably think - or, at least like to think - that we, respectively, embody the lofty principles our country was founded upon.
Progressives, conservatives and centrists all imagine the best way for America to reach its fullest potential is to enact policies based on their preferred ideological slants. Achieving fully realized "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" typically looks, for each of us, more possible if only enough people would get on board with our own thinking.
For a liberal, this might mean the greatest America will only be grasped through social justice, multiculturalism and lavish entitlement spending, among other things.
For a conservative, on the other hand, the greatest America may be best attained by limiting regulations, promoting individualism, and reigning in taxes and public expenditures.
For a centrist, well, they probably just want everyone to stop yelling at each other.
No matter one's thoughts on whether our country is actually functioning as it should, only few would consider the aspirational spirit guiding our founding documents as bunk. Those ideals are, indeed, excellent.
Two hundred forty-one years later (next Tuesday), we're still trying to figure out how best to become the nation originally envisioned. And though we don't seem to be able to agree on much of anything - man, it's getting more painful by the week - we all want the United States to be great.
Of course, it would get greater quicker if our own beliefs could set the pace. Right?
Anyway, give it a try now through Independence Day. Tell anyone who'll listen that they're a great American. Tell your friends. Tell your neighbors. Tell your boss. Tell your dry cleaner. I promise it'll make their day. Or at least it will make them smile.
And as for you, dear reader, I want you to know that I truly think you're a great American.
Happy Fourth, friend.
Contact David Allen Martin at davidallenmartin423@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @DMart423.