AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? JUDGE DAN HINDE: "No country, no nation in history was ever founded on an idea—not Athens, Rome, nor Egypt; not England, France, Germany, Russia, nor China. No nation was built on an idea, that is, until the United States declared its independence in 1776. And what an idea it was! All men are created equal and endowed by God with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My pride in America begins with that great conception of our nation, but it does not end there. The Framers wrote a Constitution to establish a national government designed to protect our freedom and liberty. Then, our nation fought a terrible civil war to preserve that then-radical form of government—government of the people, by the people, for the people—and to cleanse it of the horrible stain of slavery. But in the rebirth that President Lincoln described, our freedom and democratic manner of government nourished and nurtured a society that has advanced not only its own population but all of humankind beyond belief. Our society developed an economy that has lifted millions out of poverty, hunger, and illiteracy, not only at home but abroad. Our country led the effort to vanquish the twin scourges of fascism and communism, giving the lie to the totalitarians’ pretensions to utopia. The United States remains a shining beacon to the world—a safe harbor in times of difficulty and a light to guide the world. Our nation always—always—sends aid to countries suffering natural disasters, whether friend or foe. Our people generate new ideas in technology, industry, the arts, and music. We are what other countries strive to be. And I am proud to be a citizen of such an amazing, sublime country. God has blessed America, and may God continue to do so!"
Q&A with Judge Elect Schmude AUBREY R. TAYLOR: How important are our rights as Americans? JUDGE ELECT JOHN SCHMUDE: "I believe that the fundamental rights of individuals do not originate from government or from courts but from a higher law that is written on the hearts and consciences of all by our Creator. This principle, which served as the cornerstone of the common law system for centuries, is sadly being lost, and the inevitable result is a subjective system of jurisprudence grounded in nothing more than the whims of judges and legislators. Governments have no natural right to abolish or to compromise the rights of the people because such rights are
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Q&A with Attorney Franklin AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? ATTORNEY RAMONA FRANKLIN: "I am proud to be an American because of the rights we are all afforded. As an American I have the right to vote and the right of religion. I do not take my right of religion for granted. So many other people in other countries do not have the right to worship their appointed gods. Here in America, I have the right to worship my God who provides for me and my family daily without any interference. I am proud to be an American because I am able to pursue my dreams, goals, desires and ambitions without restraints."
Q&A with Judge Loyd Wright AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American? JUDGE LOYD WRIGHT: "I am proud to be an American because I believe in the goodness and greatness of America. Alexis De Tocqueville said, “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there.... in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there....in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there.... in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great." De Tocqueville also said, “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” The concepts behind this ability to repair her faults are primarily contained in three documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These revered documents, along with a historically Judeo-Christian philosophy, continue to provide the foundation for America to be the greatest force for good the world has ever known. Rush Limbaugh defines what he refers to as American greatness as follows: “American Exceptionalism and greatness means that America is special because it is different from all other countries in history…..It does not mean that we Americans are better than anyone else. It does
Loyd Wright
Q&A with Judge Dan Hinde
rooted in a higher order, and recognition of this principle, which was universally accepted by our founding fathers, serves as a strong check against intrusions by the government upon the liberty and dignity of individuals."