America: “land of the free,” “city on a hill,” and “beacon of light.” America: a nation that has been divinely charged with a mission to expand and spread the virtues of democracy and capitalism. These sentiments and ideas, although originating centuries ago, are alive and well today. Although we Americans might not be fighting Native Americans over land, we are fighting two wars to spread democracy. America continues to be the world’s most patriotic nation and as a global hegemony it occupies a unique and unprecedented position. Although patriotism and nationalism can be meritable in certain amounts, certain nationalistic views can lead to blindness. One of the tenants of Manifest Destiny is that due to the uniqueness of America it may take morally questionable actions in the pursuit of virtuous goals. In the recent War on Terror, this has become apparent in the suspension of civil liberties and basic human rights in the name of national security and the spreading of democracy. While America might condemn other nations for pursuing such actions, such as Iran, because America is exceptional and pursuing its’ mission, its’ actions are excusable. In response, I would say that one should lead by example and that if one betrays one’s basic principles to fight an enemy, is the fight a just one? Captain Picard commented that when basic freedoms are disregarded, it form a chain arounf all of us that grows and grows until freedom for all is damaged http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjJN08uqt70. For these reasons I do not adhere to the principles of Manifest Destiny. America is unique and has many good attributes; however, it is not the only nation with viable ideas and concepts. Norway and Canada are ranked as freer nations with higher standards of living and happiness than the US. We cannot afford to be narrow minded, not now and especially when we encounter extraterrestrials. I hypothesize that humans will form their own anthropocentric form of Manifest Destiny. This cannot be allowed to happen. If we treat the ways of other sentient beings as nonviable or inferior, it was cause conflict and perhaps leads to unjust conquest and xenocide, such as what occurred with the Native Americans. We cannot have the hubris to say that as humans we are inherently better. We are unique, but not necessarily the best. As Americans, we have much to learn from the other nations of the world. As humans, we have much to learn from other species when we encounter them. For these reason, I would argue against Manifest Destiny. As Americans we have a unique position to influence the world for the better, but this should not be done at the cost of the self determination of others or hypocrisy.
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