by digby
A right wing lamentation:
Unfortunately, each passing year brings fresh evidence that fewer people have faith in the ideals of America. The pursuit of individual happiness is giving way to pursuit of an entitlement, a demand that someone else make you happy.
There’s no majesty in that.
Instead of hiring a political class that inspires our better angels, we increasingly elect people devoted to stoking resentment and grievance. Too many of our so-called “honorables” talk the country down and convince people they are victims. Some even preach that America is “broken,” a code word that gives them license to sweep away all the good with the bad.
America isn’t broken, but as measured by the quality of public servants, we live in a time of absolute squalor. The fact that the president of the United States disrupted wedding plans by two soldiers so he could play golf is a perfect metaphor for our political rulers. They serve for their own pleasure.
Where’s the majesty in that?
There is none, with the result that our historic prosperity looks and feels perilous. There is a growing sense of impending disorder, a fear that life could spin permanently out of control at any time. Some days, a tragic end feels inevitable.
[...]
[Majesty]is rectitude forged by devotion to duty and honor. It expects success and brooks no excuses for failure. There are no trophies for attendance.
Remarkably, I am aware of just two American institutions that still try to live by those standards. One is the United States military, the other is the New York Police Department. Both are widely respected for their professionalism and trusted for their devotion to causes higher than themselves. It is a measure of our warped era that both are under vicious attack.
So far, both institutions are standing their ground. Their strength is not a reflection of super-human courage, but rather evidence of the power of mutual commitment.
The military and the NYPD are made up of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, day after day, quietly, without seeking the limelight or acclaim. They do what they do because it is right.
That is absolute majesty.
You know who else was into majesty?
Not that this is anything like that. Of course not.
*I do have to giggle at the idea that the NYPD doesn't seek acclaim. Or the idea that our culture isn't patriotic or doesn't celebrate the military.
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