Towards an American Creed

by Jack Le Moine

From the latest happenings in things historical. This article Do We Need an American Creed? was published 6 days ago in History News Network. The article’s author is Fred Zillian.

You may have heard of the Apostle Creed or of the Nicene Creed. These are statements of fundamental Christian beliefs. Zillian wrote:

Successful, resilient countries also need creeds. In his farewell speech, President Obama referred to such an American creed. In referring to earlier immigrants, he said: “they embraced this nation’s creed and it was strengthened.”

So, he had his class come up with a creed for America. Their statement is in the article. I agree with all of it except for the FDR “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

How is it that one of the most stupid things ever to come out of a President’s mouth has been so enshrined in American lore as one of the great saying in history? At the time Roosevelt said this, Hitler and the Nazis had come into power just a few weeks before. Fascists ruled in Spain and Italy. Militarists had murdered their way to power in Japan. Communists ruled in Russia. Nothing to fear? Really?

Then there’s today. If you’re not worried about global warming, there’s always nuclear winter available. Iran, North Korea — who’s next?

Roosevelt then described fear as paralyzing but fear can be a good thing. It helps motivate people to focus on things that matter. The teacher could have reminded his students that flunking out is something to be feared. Fear could motivate study.

Delete this item from his proposed American Creed. Otherwise, good job.