“That is not a universal ideal, but rather, a product of Western Civilization. And the role of Government can be defined by either a Hobbesian or Lockeian view of man and the state of nature. Historically, the ideal of human liberty has not been widely held.”
Very true, but all too many Americans hold the simplistic view that all mankind yearns for American style freedoms. Many don’t. Unfortunately, our current president and many other top officials hold that simplistic view.
But the Muslims and others prove them wrong. Both Iraq and Afghanistan based their constitutions upon sharia, with huge support (or insistence) from their populations. Many peoples prefer to retain their traditional cultures and values. It’s time more Americans learned that.
I wish more Americans felt that way. With the ever increasing influx of Hispanics into the country, the question is can the US maintain our national identity and a sense of shared endeavor.
Immigrants account for one in eight U.S. residents, the highest level in 80 years. In 1970 it was one in 21; in 1980 it was one in 16; and in 1990 it was one in 13. In a decade it will be one in 7, the highest in our history and by 2050, it will be one in five.