Download This PaperLiberal Nationalism
E Pluribus: Is America Still a Country? (Bradley Watson, ed., 2018 Forthcoming)
George Mason Legal Studies Research Paper No. LS 18-09
19 Pages Posted: 7 Apr 2018
There are 2 versions of this paper
Date Written: April 4, 2018
Abstract
Two-hundred and forty years ago America spoke itself into existence as a nation with a Declaration that proclaimed the inalienable rights of individuals and the just foundation of government. That foundation, Lincoln told us, was a government of, by, and for the people. And what he meant was a government of, by and for the American people.
Lincoln always put America first. So too did John Adams. When he presented his credentials as the first American ambassador to Great Britain, George III observed that Adams was not thought to be especially fond of France. “I must avow to your Majesty,” replied Adams, “I have no Attachments but to my own Country.” To which the King answered, “An honest Man will never have any other.”
And that was what Donald Trump pledged, in his Inauguration Address. “From this day forward,’ he announced, “a new vision will govern our land. From this moment on, it's going to be America First.”
Keywords: Trump, Declaration of Independence, American history, Americans, nationalism, ethnic nationalist, cultural nationalist, economic nationalist, white identity politics, cosmopolitanism, liberty
JEL Classification: H1, H13, H50
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Francis (Frank) H. Buckley (Contact Author)
George Mason University - Antonin Scalia Law School, Faculty ( email )
3301 Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22201
United States
703-993-8028 (Phone)
703-993-8088 (Fax)
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