Public Outcry Over the Erosion of Core American Principles

To the Editor:

The recent column titled “How to Make a Mild Guy Really Angry” resonated deeply. The author’s frustration is well-founded.

Reducing patriotism to nothing more than tribal allegiance and dismissing the notion that soldiers fight for ideals is not just historically inaccurate; it also undermines the moral fabric of society. The column rightly identifies this trend as a rejection of the nobler aspects of our national character.

For the current leadership to regain moral clarity, a renewed engagement with the principles of Catholic social teaching could be beneficial. As Pope Francis emphasizes, genuine social harmony cannot be achieved through exclusion or blind nationalism but through a compassionate love that pursues the common good. Human dignity transcends group identity or heritage and must serve as the cornerstone for all political decisions.

When those in power employ dehumanizing rhetoric or enact harmful policies, they diminish not only the dignity of their office but also the very ideals that countless Americans have sacrificed to defend. The United States is indeed a homeland, yet it is also a profound idea—rooted in liberty, justice, and equal respect for all. Without this vision, the nation risks becoming merely another faction waving flags.

Robert Stewart Chantilly, Virginia

To the Editor:

The anger expressed in the commentary about the degradation of American values echoes the sentiments of many citizens protesting in the streets and engaging in public forums. However, if the nation is to address this moral crisis, it is imperative to recognize the role of the electorate.

The election of Donald Trump and a congressional majority aligned with the Make America Great Again movement signaled a departure from historic national ideals such as democracy, empathy, and collective welfare. Instead, a culture emphasizing individualism, grievance politics, corruption at the executive level, and tribalism has taken hold.