An Unserious Nation
They say a convert is often more Catholic than the Pope. Likewise, a naturalized citizen often feels more American than a native-born. I speak from experience and remain bullish on America: its dollar, military, economy, people, science, and boundless potential.
The greatest strength of the American experiment is the First Amendment, which grants us the freedom to question, debate, and critique how this experiment is unfolding. Are we still on the right path as a nation? Can we still see that shining city on a hill? Do we still honor the cycles of history, trusting that creative destruction leads to renewal and rebirth?
In a previous column, I likened President Trump to Kali, the Hindu god of destruction and rebirth. As we approach America’s 250th birthday—having survived and flourished through three full 80-year historical cycles—it feels like the fabric of our national identity is fraying.
A casual observer may be baffled by how we’ve gone from the Greatest Generation, which fought and won WWII, to a generation that appears soft, confused, depressed, and directionless. Are we witnessing what Samuel Huntington described in The Clash of Civilizations—the unraveling of Western resolve from within?
An unserious nation loses the ability to distinguish between men and women, defunds its police, refuses to enforce basic laws against panhandling, urban camping, and petty theft, and celebrates the brutal massacre of 1,200 innocent Israelis. It permits students at elite universities to openly practice antisemitism and flirts with lionizing Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The American experiment is undergoing its fourth great stress test. Let us hope we emerge from this trial with minimal damage—stronger, wiser, and worthy of our inherited freedom.
America’s promise has always been its ability to renew itself. Let us rise to meet this moment with clarity, courage, and conviction. We have weathered darker nights and emerged stronger—may this trial, too, give birth to a new dawn for the American spirit.
— Sina.