American Exceptionalism in the State of the Union

"What’s more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea -– the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. That’s why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here. It’s why our students don’t just memorize equations, but answer questions like “What do you think of that idea? What would you change about the world? What do you want to be when you grow up?” "

"We are part of the American family. We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed; that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than those of our own children, and that they all deserve the chance to be fulfilled."

"It’s no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that’s a good thing. That’s what a robust democracy demands. That’s what helps set us apart as a nation."

"What we can do -- what America does better than anyone else -- is spark the creativity and imagination of our people."

Mr. Money Machine

It may not be well known, but one of the only reasons for a real American success in combat was due to the support given by the French. Secret stores of shells and shot traded hands between the colonists and these Frenchmen. These supplies were absolutely vital to the survival of Washington's army and their effectiveness in less-formal combat. I must also add that due to Benjamin's efforts as the American delegate, the colonies were able to rack in the Benjamins. Ha, ha.. get it?

Washington's Army Conditions

Another difference between Washington's army and that of the British was the condition. While the British were continually supplied by an ongoing naval bombardment of supplies, the colonial combatants had to scrounge for the resources of war. In fact, guns and powder were among the lesser of their worries. Sickness by dysentery, frostbite, and starvation were among the most common enemies of Washington. Nearly 1/3 of his army was put out of action due to the abundance of such horrific conditions.

The Land, The People, The, ha, Army

The contrast between these two pictures is fairly self-explainitory, but I shall explain anyway. The colonial militiamen were nothing compared to the military men of Britain. Unprofessional, unruly, and unsupported, it is laughable to even imagine such a contest. I find it funny to see the total difference between the two lands of North America and England. One country with superb leadership and no army; the other with awful leadership and a professional army. Not so stacked now...

The Man, The Leader, The Legacy

George Washington of Virgina was the leader that the soon-to-be American people needed: a man of sincere republican values; a man willing to subject his good fortune to the risks of open rebellion in the face of incredible odds. Such a powerfully built man with all the intent of success, yet few of the skills necessary to pull the task off... Washington was 23 when given the role of winning a losing war.

In the Beginning...

Washington was not named Commander in Chief until the collaboration of 56 delegates from the thirteen colonies at what we know today as the 2nd Continental Congress. Also, this group created the Declaration of Causes; basically, this was a document that described the necessity of a colonial militia to work towards reconciliation. Out of this squad of politics came the natural leader, who is still a renowned national icon today.