Yes, Mr. President, America is an exceptional nation. To whom does the rest of the world look with trouble strikes? America. Nothing refreshes our memory as well as the rescue of the miners in Chile.
American knowledge - NASA, in particular - and drilling experts in Pennsylvania and Texas - is responsible for much of the success of the safe rescue of the miners. Thirty-three miners were trapped 1/2 mile underground and the unthinkable happened. After a record breaking 69 days, all survived.
In Copiapo, Chile at the San Jose Mine, it was an American driller that first punctured a relief hole to provide access to the miners. Lead Driller Jeff Hart watched from a hotel room with three other of his team as the first miner was raised in the rescue capsule to land on solid soil. He was brought in from his work in Afghanistan and worked with a hand-picked team of American drillers.
Chilean President Sebastian Pinera is fluent in English - educated in New York and East Coast schools. He is described as the "right wing" President "democratically elected". His popularity has only risen since this tragic mine shaft collapse. He has shown leadership and steady guidance throughout this process. He was there on the scene as the miners were pulled up to the earth's surface. He and the First Lady hugged each miner's family present and then each miner as they exited the mine. It was impossible not to be caught up in the sheer joy of the scene, each time. Each miner was met with the Chilean chant and a cheer from the crowd.
You see, when President Obama made a speech and stated that America was no more an exceptional nation than any other nation on earth, it offended a large majority of Americans. Perhaps Obama is simply blinded by his own ideology but to not realize the silliness of his statement is odd. Humility is fine but facts are facts. Our very young nation is indeed the most exceptional on earth. No other country has fought for and maintained a democratic republic for the length of time as have we. Shame on him for downplaying our achievements. The rest of the world looks to us for help in times of need and we provide it.
It is who we are as Americans.
From Forbes.com: NATO Summit in Strausbourg, France, in 2009 Obama said, "I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism." What a silly statement from the President of the United States. Was he simply pandering to the world leaders on the world stage? Doesn't matter. The damage was done.
America is still the shining light on the hill. We are the beacon of liberty and goodwill. We are the extended hand of friendship and assistance.
It is who we are as Americans.
We were all in need of a feel good, happy ending story. Good luck to you, Chile.
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