The Shining City on a Hill: A View From Malaysia

Liberty Juice ^ | 09/22/2010 | Martin Wysocki

[ChrisBoundsTX]

If you’re like me, you’re pretty sick of the biased, left-leaning, mainstream media which goes way out of its way to paint a very negative picture of a world that hates and despises the United States for everything we are. Our global image is said to be that of a nation driven by greed and power. It is reported that the world perceives us as a nation who exploits the people and the resources of the world purely for selfish, greedy desires. We are told that the world’s citizens suffer under the power and might of the United States military and economic system. America is urged to make drastic changes including surrendering our standard of living, abandoning our system of free enterprise, and giving up personal freedoms all for the sake of improving its image abroad and becoming better global citizens. They warn that if the United States does not make radical changes soon by aligning our ideologically with the European Union et al., we could see our socio-economic ties increasingly fracture and break over time. Bearing that message in mind, I was curious as to how it would go for me as an American after moving to Malaysia a year ago.

Malaysia is officially a Muslim nation and no doubt the press would have me believe that I would most likely be cast as the ugly American in Asia, only there to exploit its resources for personal gain. However, what I experienced was a pleasant surprise! I discovered that the United States continues to be held as the Shining City on the Hill. It is still viewed as the standard to aspire to. We are still the Light of Freedom and Individual Liberty and the world still recognizes and yearns for that! We are a nation watched and revered, seen as the source and standard bearer of boundless opportunity.

After developing several close relationships with several Malaysians, I was asked about real life in the United States. Everyone was curious if their vision of the United States held true. To a person, both Malaysian, as well as ex-patriots from other countries encountered, hold America in very high esteem and quickly point to their national flag which resembles the design of our Old Glory out of respect for American ideals. When Malaysians discuss world politics, they express concerns when the subject turns to any changes in the United States government that could lead to loss of liberty. They know that if freedom is wrenched in the United States, then hope for the rest of the world will be lost.

Our political system both fascinates and confuses them. Questions are voiced as to why we would elect a President who is, in their view, weak in experience and substance. They are perplexed as to why our government would take action to change the free enterprise system that helped make us great– a system that gave birth to a large and prosperous middle class envied by the world! Confusion as to why the United States is allowing its national debt to rise out of control is regularly discussed. When I tell of poor voter turnout, they are shocked and dismayed as to why we do not have full participation in our self-governance!

As I have discovered, we, indeed, are not hated by all in the world! No change is needed in our fundamental founding principles for America to become The Shining City on the Hill. We already are! Ronald Reagan spoke of this Shining City whose Beacon of Light guides freedom-loving people everywhere. His words were as accurate then as they are today! Reagan encouraged Americans to be proud of our nation and to never forget that we are the only hope of freedom in this world. We remain the world’s Shining City on a Hill and we must work tirelessly to secure this beacon for all generations coming behind us.

[LetMarch]

Thanks for Posting!

[Mr. K]

"When I tell of poor voter turnout, they are shocked and dismayed as to why we do not have full participation in our self-governance! "

Thanks, McLame!!

Fortunately the Tea PArties are sparking some excitement

[ChrisBoundsTX]

Hopefully that will spark more educated voters to the polls. Historically though, voter turnout does not change much year after year. I pray this year is different!