The John Adams Society

A. G. Chin

Chairman

Joshua R. Regnier

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Katey Haflund

Chancellor

OCTOBER 2013

The history of empires is the history of human misery.

― Edward Gibbon

EXCEPTIONAL is how anyone would like to think of him, or herself, and by extension, the country in which they live.  In antiquity, the Greeks were certain of their superiority to the barbarians that surrounded them, and every empire since has held a similar view.  The unique origins of these united States, resulting from a battle for independence against the hegemon of that time, only adds to the hypocrisy of American exceptionalism.

The American empire, after its ascension in the 20th century, has used this newfound hegemony to preserve and expand it in the same way of its predecessors.  From the banana “Republics” of Central America to the Arabian despots who keep the oil flowing, the motives of this nation are clear.  The assertions that the objectives of U.S. foreign policy are to enhance security or to spread Democracy, whether genuine beliefs or mere rhetoric on the part of policymakers, do not seem to coincide with the results.

ON THE OTHER HAND, how can the unique origins of the U.S. be completely ignored?  As a country that arose from the belief in natural rights, the best of western philosophy, rather than a simple shared ethnicity or theology, is America not exceptional to its predecessors?  And perhaps the fact that the above criticisms of this country can be openly published is itself proof of this exceptionalism?

THE CHAIRMAN, frantically trying to conceal his Che Guevara t-shirt, has called a debate to settle the question

RESOLVED: Amerika is Not Exceptional.

The Debate will be held on October 16, 2013, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encourage to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures of about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 564-5185 or the Secretary at (651) 321-8414.