Honestly, I’ve hesitated to post this. I don’t want to sound like a communist or leftist scum or America hater. Because I’m none of those. (I don't think!) I love my country. Which is why some things happening bother me so much. Yet, the expression bothered me.
Am I alone on this one? Maybe.
But I couldn’t help thinking that it just didn’t seem right, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. So I stewed on it a while longer. And I realized what it is that bothers me.
It seems, well, selfish. Yes, I think we always must look out for America. And we should never put it down, or demean it. Obviously. But America is more than the world’s mightiest super power. I like to think that we are, or at least try to be, its moral compass as well. We help countries that can’t help themselves. We protect those who are helpless. And we give to those that are in need. And in doing all three of those things, we will not necessarily be putting “America First.”
Because almost by definition, acting for the greater good, sometimes means that you will not be helping yourself.
No really moral, and certainly no Christian individual, would ever say, “Me first, always.” I would doubt if any person who said that would be a particularly caring, giving, or even moral individual. Does this same thinking apply to nations, not just individuals?
I don’t know. But that’s where my trouble with that statement resides.
It could be that Trump was just talking in grand trends, and he doesn’t mean he will just forget and give up on those who need us. I hope that’s what he meant. But maybe not. I don’t know.
If I did know for sure, then maybe I would more readily cheer his sentiment.
America First.
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