This excerpt from JFK’s speech in Berlin in 1963 reminds me why America’s leadership in the world goes beyond arrogance or immaturity. Reagan “bragged” on his country more than probably any of the U.S. presidents, and he called for the Berlin Wall to be torn down. Interestingly enough, it was.

I believe greatness is recognized, if not openly acknowledged, by almost everyone.

On an international basis, when a nation is “the greatest”, other national leaders will know it and some will SAY it and the leaders of the “the greatest nation” can very humbly say “thank you very much”.

Domestically, I believe our constantly being told we are the greatest nation is a manipulating tactic used by politicians – tho Barack Obama may have used it to defend his patriotism – I believe the lapel flag pin had become a symbol of support for President Bush’s war rather than a symbol of patriotism.

We may be the greatest nation – I don’t know.  I know we are not at the top of the lists in making education and health care available to all citizens. We’ve given away a lot of money.  I don’t know what our leaders motives were or if the money was used wisely.

My concern is not only with our arrogance unnecessarily riling the terrorists, but that our arrogance unnecessarily damages our relationships with allies as well.  Remember Freedom Fries?

Pride is weakness, but humility is strength. – the Bible.

Nations are populated with people.

So, which of the three Israels is God’s chosen people?  In my only mildly informed opinion, the nation of Israel today is not it.  Does that change our obligation to them?

I may have overstated your words, and if so I apologize. But I believe your quote above is an example of what precipitated my response.

If it’s “dangerous” to use words of national pride in political speeches, wouldn’t an underlying fear of reprisal naturally play into the decision to cut them from the text—to avoid the “danger”?

True, the political cartoons in Europe about Islam/Mohammed were “poking crazy with a sharp stick,” too. (Great phrase, by the way!) But when the international media suggests such political words and pictures are too dangerous for today’s world, I mourn the disappearance of free speech and creative types of dissent.

On an individual basis, it may be “immature” for a person to say “I’m the greatest ever,” but it may not really be unproductive if it’s Muhammed Ali and he’s trying to show his opponent that he is strong enough and has sufficient confidence to win the next boxing round. And among nation-states and terrorist groups in today’s world, words of confidence do matter. Words of strength become something to aspire to, and even prophecy to fulfill. If American leaders stop calling this nation “the greatest,” then it will be sign of a weakening condition, a lack of confidence on the international scene.

I do despise personal arrogance. But I accept the necessity of clearly spoken words of national pride for international survival.

I agree that the meek Jesus never tried to change his political world, even though his disciples begged him to do so. I agree that he was not weak; instead, he was focused on his true mission. And even so, his words were often taken as “arrogant” by the religious leaders because he said flat out that he was the Son of God. Jesus knew words mean things, and that fallen human beings often need to hear strong statements. Our political world needs to hear strong statements today, as well.

Who said anything about placating anyone?

But humble words that grow from fear of reprisal are to be pitied.

Who said anything about fear being the motive?

It is rightly perceived as weak.

Weak or meek? One time those two words got misappropriated and then the weak guy conquered death.

political leaders who try to please everyone are widely unpalatable and disrespected.

Who said anything about trying to please anyone?

Your comment is eloquently written – you are a gifted writer for sure.  I enjoyed reading your words.  I read them twice even.  But many of them aren’t written in response to my post, but could possibly be written in response to thoughts and values assumed to be behind my post.  I don’t know that.  But it seems possible.  All I know is I didn’t say a lot of what you’re taking issue with.  Please be sure you’re reading the words I wrote without filling in the spaces between them.  I’m not as good a writer as you so that might prove difficult sometimes.

However, trying to edit and censor words of pride and confidence about a nation—in an effort to placate a terrorist group—does not fit that admonition.

I understand your cringing at statements that sound arrogant; humility coupled with strength is a beautiful thing. But humble words that grow from fear of reprisal are to be pitied.

Specifically, when it comes to statements made in the public arena by leaders who are trying to use strength to balance power among nations and people groups, it is counterproductive to parse and moderate every statement. It is rightly perceived as weak. That’s why political leaders who try to please everyone are widely unpalatable and disrespected.

Otherwise, why stop at eliminating the use of a phrase like “the greatest nation” in speeches? Let’s just make a list of ANY words OR activities that could offend Al Qaeda. Then we’ll make a list for Hamas. And a list for every other angry people group, terrorist or not.

Bottom line:

Our leaders’ words could be perfectly diplomatic and appropriately humble, but to no avail. But our simple existence as a nation would still be an offense to radical Islam. We lean on the merciful hand of God for our existence, both individually and corporately as a nation.

So let’s stop carrying a burden for the words of politicians in fallen world system. Let’s keep our focus on the hearts of individuals, where God’s work begins.

If so, I would like to learn more about that believe from you.  Can you elucidate a little more on the biblical basis for this belief?  It’s not one that I hold at the moment.