What makes the United States different from other countries founded and populated by British settlers? Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, for instance.
We Americans purchased our freedom with the blood of patriots and tyrants. The others tamely accepted whatever scraps of freedom the British were willing to bestow on them.
The Battle of New Orleans, in 1959, was a No. 1 hit song when I was a boy. We still remembered, back then. Remembered the War of 1812, Chapter Two of our fight for freedom against the British Empire. 2014 was the 200th anniversary of that battle.
Do we still remember what we had to do to win our freedom? Our place in the world?
I think this year’s election will answer that question. One way or another.