The Indispensable Unity of the American People: A Bulwark Against Governmental Uniformity

Be stubborn about American Unity.

By #SubPopCult

In all of American history, unity among the people has proven time and again to be a vital force that counteracts the potential for uniformity among government officials. This unity, born out of shared values and a common vision, communicated through culture and tradition, has been the bedrock upon which the nation has weathered storms and emerged stronger.

The Founding Fathers, in their wisdom, recognized the importance of unity among the people. In Federalist Paper No. 10, James Madison wrote about the dangers of factions, arguing that a well-functioning democracy requires a broad, unified populace to prevent the rise of tyranny. He believed that a diverse and large republic would be less likely to fall into the trap of factionalism (balkanization), as the multitude of interests would check each other. This vision of unity was not about uniformity of thought, but rather about a shared commitment to the principles of liberty, justice, and the common good.

Those principals are always kept alive and present though popular culture, storytelling, songs and books. Folk art is the true art of the people and that has not changed. What changed is our perception of ourselves by art and culture that was created by corporations and not people.

The unity of the American people was tested during the Civil War. The nation was torn apart by sectional interests and the question of slavery. Yet, even in this dark hour, President Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address, appealed to the unity of the American people. He spoke of a "new birth of freedom," and the hope that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln's words were a call to unity, a plea to the American people to come together and uphold the principles upon which the nation was founded.

In the 20th century, unity among the American people was crucial in the face of external threats. During World War II, the American people rallied together to support the war effort. This unity was not just about supporting the troops overseas, but also about maintaining the democratic ideals that the nation was fighting for. The unity of the American people was a bulwark against the totalitarian regimes that sought to impose their uniformity of thought and action and in turn, replace cultural norms.

However, unity among the American people is not just about facing external threats. It is also about preventing the rise of uniformity within the government. The American system of government, with its checks and balances, is designed to prevent the concentration of power. But this system only works if the people are united in their vigilance and commitment to democratic principles shared and understood through culture.

In recent years, the unity of the American people has been tested by deep political divisions put upon Americans by corporations and politicians forming one team with one goal — the consolidation of power away from We the People.

Yet, the lessons of history remind us of the importance of unity. It is not about agreeing on every issue, but about maintaining a shared commitment to the principles that define us as a nation. It is about recognizing that our diversity truly is our strength, and that our unity is our shield against the dangers of governmental uniformity.

As we look to the future, let us remember the words of President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address: "United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do - for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder."

The unity of the American people is not just a historical ideal, but a vital force that we must nurture and uphold. It is the only force that can prevent the unity of government officials and ensure the survival of our democratic ideals.