What does it mean to be an American in a postmodern world? This is the question that Congress and many others have been grappling with when it comes to finding a solution to US Immigration Policy. Is that an over simplification? Yes, of course it is. The “war” on immigration policy rages on and spans across all the political and socio/economic spectrums leaving no stone left unturned.
At the end of the day this is the single over-arching issue as I can see it through this complicated mess. Whether it comes to enforcing our current laws, creating new ones, protecting our national security or cultivating a prosperous economy we need to answer the question. Who are the laws enforceable against? How are we redefining or refining our definition in creating new laws? Who and what are we protecting as part of our national identity? How are we able to maintain a stable US economy in light of more and more internationalization – a smaller world?
What’s the answer to the overarching question? Define what it is to be an American in a postmodern world. The difficulty here is that the basis for truth, our compass that guides us through the changing world and still points north has been dismantled. Postmodernism attacks every basis for truth and we are left with a relative definition. If the exact location of north were always relative to a single person’s thoughts and desires – there would be no north.
To answer the question we must first recognize truth, we must first recognize an existing culture – an American culture. It is the pot that makes up the framework for all societies to come together and melt; creating the most prosperous country in the world. If we define what an American is too loosely, we quickly discover there is no definition at all. And if we define who we are too narrowly we risk destroying that which has made us so prosperous. The balance between the protection of our sovereignty and the exportation of our economic prosperity to the world defines an American as both law abiding and compassionate – moral and gracious – obedient and loving.
So, what does it mean to be an American in a postmodern world?
Jeff...
If you would like to understand what I believe on the Illegal Immigration issue then please read my latest blog entry. I have included two articles written by a Washington Times columnist that demonstrate what I believe precisely. He made a lot of the points I've made.