FROM THE BARREL OF MY PEN
By Gonzalo “Jun” Policarpio



“AMERICA IS GREAT BECAUSE SHE IS GOOD”


As we have been celebrating the founding of America on July 4th every year since her Declaration of Independence from England in 1776, let us always look back as to why the “founding fathers” came here. IT’S FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.

All the signers of the American Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were religious persons whose families were persecuted in their home countries in Europe. Examine every official document related to the founding of the American nation and you will find references to God or Divine Providence and the value of freedom of worship.

It was a French historian named Alexis de Tocqueville who in his book , Democracy in America, written in 1835, said that “America is great because she is good… if America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.” Here’s Tocqueville’s full quote:

I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of learning, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good America will cease to be great.


During one of last year’s congressional candidates’ forum I attended in Bayside, Queens, I raised this historical quotation without mentioning the author. And I was surprised when New York State Senator Toby Stavisky volunteered to shout the name of Alexis de Tocqueville. That simple gesture made me think later that although she belongs to another political party, she deserved to be reelected.

It is indeed in America’s religious convictions, not in her material wealth, where America’s greatness lies.”

Now we see history repeating itself with the influx of persecuted Christians and other religious groups in our shores who fled China, India, and Russia

As long as America remains faithful to the ideals of liberty and equality, America will always be great. GOD BLESS AMERICA!


End