AMERICAN VALUES

AMERICAN VALUES

By Andy Weddington

Thursday, 18 February 2021

A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people. - John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States

During a news segment on radio a couple days ago the reporter commented something about President Biden did not believe the topic at hand (whatever it was does not matter) " ... aligned with American values."

That comment struck me odd. And on mind since. 

What American values?

Equal justice under law?

Is that not the ultimate value - everyone on the same scales?

That's not the case in America.

At our highest level of federal law and order there is not equal justice.

That is clear to any and everyone.

They have self-destructed. 

So why should there be expectation of equal justice downward? 

Who enforces law on the ultimate law enforcers?  

And without justice, equal justice, for all, what point is there, really, to any other "value"?

Three (other) values have been occupying thinking.

Honor. Courage. Commitment. 

One value encapsulates them.

Integrity.

But it, too, only has value if equal justice.  

Yesterday was reported the death of an American radioman.

He had values.

He was all about equal justice.  

He was all about integrity. 

American values.

Rush Limbaugh spoke to them; anchored in his admitted belief in God.

Last night watching a public television program on NOVA about atoms, molecules, photosynthesis, and creation of life, a smiling scientist said the answer as to how we all got here must be simple; if they can just find it.

His comment struck me odd. And on mind since. 

For as God is Supreme, how could mere man ever unlock His mystery?

Mr. Limbaugh, whom I never met but by all reports from those who did meet and come to know him, was not of the arrogance that scientist seemed to ooze (to me). 

In fact, humble, gracious, and generous common descriptors for the man monikered 'el Rushbo.' 

This morning thinking about that NOVA program, Mr. Limbaugh, and America's need for equality under law as core value, and though not a cartoonist, I fashioned on iPad tribute to the man who - for truth over falsehood - mastered his craft and reigned for decades without peer. 

Hush now. 

Listen.

God knows Rush is not done.