U.S. Exceptionalism
On July 4th we overlook a significant chapter in the history of U.S. exceptionalism. What remains unacknowledged, as it does each year, is a little-known anniversary that falls on the preceding day.
July 4th message from Tehran is unmistakable: We are here. We are proud. And we will not be broken. IRAN ZINDABAD! Today, is the anniversary of the downing of Iran Air & the American Exceptionalism.
There are three days remaining until Ashura, and speaker after speaker along with poetry reciters, have emphasized that these rituals (Azadari) and the assemblies (Majalises) will persist eternally.
Shi'ism, with stance against Zionism, genocide and occupation while consistently championing justice and oppression, is regarded as the sole representative of Islam.
As Shias, we instill in our children from the cradle to the grave a profound love for the Prophet and his family, particularly the Prophet's grandson, Hussain ibn Ali. While nourishing our infants with milk, we recite hymns of Ali and Hussain to cultivate their love for the Prophet in their hearts.
The Umayyads, the Abbasids, Saddam Hussein, Arab monarchies, dictatorial regimes, and now the Anglo-Saxon colonial imperialist Zionists have all attempted to but failed to suppress the revolution of Imam Hussain, which has grown significantly. The blog " Speak Up! Silent No More!" over 35,000 subscribers, most of whom are not Muslims. I urge you to search for “Who Is Hussain” and “Ashura” online. Why are the Zionists and Zionist Arab media so determined to prevent commemoration or televised the event? Over forty million people visit the shrine of Imam Hussain during the month of Muharram. Why?
Colonial settlers arrived, asserted their superiority over Indigenous peoples to acts of genocide, seized their land, and violated treaties—all under the guise of "exceptionalism." Similarly, Zionists have enacted actions in Palestine.
July 4th is marked by patriotism and the celebration of independence. Television broadcast war films, newspaper columnists publish patriotic editorials, and politicians deliver eloquent speeches extolling the sanctity of what is often referred to as U.S. exceptionalism.
My Perspective, My Turn & My $0.02 cents on US. Constitution & Independence Day.
At no other time in human history has our Creator brought forth a generation of freedom fighters, civil rights leaders, and resistance fighters devoted to pursuit of martyrdom.
It is no exaggeration to claim that the current generation of American Muslims is largely unaware of one of the greatest generations of freedom fighters in history, exemplified by Bilali Mohammed, an enslaved Muslim who resided on Sapelo Island, Georgia, alongside the founding fathers.
It is not a coincidence that Thomas Jefferson owned a 1734 translation of the Quran, which he examined as part of his legal studies and commitment to the principle of religious freedom.
He regarded the Quran as pertinent to understanding international legal systems and actively campaigned against discrimination towards Muslims.
Similarly, John Adams explored Islamic philosophy and acknowledged its significance on a global level.
Overall, American public has increasingly perceived the government through a limited and biased perspective, shaped by political partisanship (symbolized by elephants and donkeys) and the influence of prominent personalities, including billionaires.
The constitutional principles upon which America was founded appear to be largely forgotten by this generation. Furthermore, neither Biden nor Trump embodies the essence of America, nor do the Republican or Democratic parties.
America is shaped by its foundational principles, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Every president, congressperson, and senator is held accountable to the Constitution.
Anyone, regardless of political affiliation, who prioritizes a politician or political party over the Constitution undermines the foundation of our republic.
If July 4 represents the celebration of independence from oppressive British rule, it appears that Americans may face challenges in fully acknowledging and honoring the more complex and difficult aspects of our history, including slavery, Jim Crow laws, and the civil rights movement.
July 4th symbolizes U.S. exceptionalism, while Juneteenth marks the emancipation from slavery. However, slavery has transformed into the Prison Industrial Complex, which incarcerates two million Black Americans. Although human beings are born free, yet throughout the U.S, many remain in chains.
For more than a century, the chains of chattel persisted, confining, oppressing, and dehumanizing of African Americans. Even today, many hear the haunting echoes of those chains, endure the solitary confinement, and the enduring pain of their legacy remains palpable.
The portrayal of the Fourth of July as a symbol of America's pursuit of freedom and equality is a fabricated narrative of celebratory history authored by the victors.
While this narrative may resonate with white individuals, the Declaration of Independence was composed during a period when slavery remained a legal and institution in the colonies, underscoring a profound contradiction.
The Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, famously proclaimed that "all men are created equal" and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
While above statement was powerful and revolutionary for its era, it was not universally implemented in practice, especially considering the presence of slavery in the colonies.
July 4 fireworks and barbecues symbolize a celebration deeply intertwined with the historical oppression of Indigenous peoples, the institution of slavery, and of U.S. exceptionalism.
U.S. exceptionalism encompasses actions such as regime changes or bombings, the justification of interventions, the disregard for other countries' sovereignty, and the frequent violation of international norms and laws.
U.S. exceptionalism is endorsed by Congress, the White House, and Christian right evangelicals, as evidenced by the current events in the Middle East.
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are viewed by some as figures comparable to King David, implying that they should be exempt from international norms, impeachment, and permitted to act unilaterally.
The notion of "exceptionalism" is deeply ingrained in both our genetic makeup and cultural identity. The overthrow of sovereign governments has become a recurring practice, while characteristics such as arrogance and coercion remain prevalent.
The epitome of arrogance is illustrated in Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's renowned statement: “We are an indispensable nation; we stand and see further than other countries.”
The concept U.S. exceptionalism is firmly embedded in the history of the United States, originating from the idea of the nation as a "city upon a hill," envisioned to serve as an exemplar for the world.
This concept, however, can be deemed both hypocritical and illusory, especially when considered in the context of contemporary conflicts in the Middle East.
Historically, the colonial European states have failed to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, human rights, and equal opportunity, instead leaving a legacy characterized by racist Anglo-Saxon imperialism.
Recognizing the impact of U.S. exceptionalism on the military-industrial complex is crucial, as it significantly shapes U.S. foreign policy, often prioritizing the interests of Israel over those of America.
A significant number of Americans do not actively engage in reading books and exhibit deficiencies in understanding of civics, history, and governance.
They demonstrate a limited understanding the nation's historical context, the legislative framework, and the injustices that have been or are currently being inflicted upon their own citizens.
Blinded by accusations of Zionist-colonial-imperialist ambitions, Putin faces condemnation for his alleged 'expansionist policy,' portraying Russia as an evil empire.
Republican Senator Graham publicly advocated for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Trump and Netanyahu suggested targeting Iran 86-year-old supreme religious leader.
Do they possess the audacity to consider eliminating Pope Leo or King Charles? Such notions reflect Islamophobia.
The double standards and lack of response to the actions of Zionist Israel, including genocide, occupation, the pursuit of a greater Israel through ethnic cleansing, and the bombing of Iran targeting its military, civilians, and scientists, are profoundly troubling.
Injustice threatens justice universally, yet the Global North has consistently shown blatant disregard for the injustices faced by the South, fostering a harmful blend of resource exploitation, incitement of sectarian conflicts, and tyranny.
Highlighting the history of U.S. exceptionalism in East Asia, South America, and Africa is crucial. The CIA played a significant role in orchestrating regime changes in Iran (1953), Syria, Iraq, Libya, and multiple African nations.
Substantial changes in foreign policy toward Zionist Israel or the cessation of taxpayer funding for the occupying regime are unlikely to materialize without a political transformation in Washington similar to Mamdani's victory in the New York mayoral race.
A U.S. embassy is sometimes regarded as a potential threat to their sovereignty. Countries without U.S. embassies are often perceived as being under a constant threat of war.
Currently, three countries lack a U.S. embassy: Iran, North Korea, and Bhutan. These nations are often linked to risks of regime change and the imposition of sanctions.
The BRIC alliance serves as a model for other nations to join and counter Washington's hegemonic policies.
Nations and individuals are to recognize that U.S. exceptionalism is rapidly declining. Sanctions continue to demonstrate their ineffectiveness as a tool, with almost no country remaining unaffected by sanctions or threats.
Today marks 37 years since the tragic downing of Iran Air Flight 655 by the USS Vincennes, resulting in the loss of all 290 lives on board, including sixty children.
An entire family of sixteen, enroute to a wedding in Dubai, tragically perished, with the children adorned in their wedding attire.
Nevertheless, for this deplorable act, Captain Rogers received the Legion of Merit in 1991 for "exceptionally meritorious conduct as commanding officer."
Just another chapter in the history and the narrative of U.S. Exceptionalism.
Frederick Douglass: “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
Celebrating the 4th of July?
DISCLAIMER For the record. .... opinions expressed are strictly my own and solely belong to me. and do not reflect intended to malign any religion, nor deny the historical event.…all good come from Almighty Allah and all the deficiencies are my own…I simply enjoyed the fireworks If my post offended you, I apologize, and I am learning and always reflect…
Frederick Douglass’ July 4th speech still rings true for many Americans
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2020/07/frederick-douglass-july-4th-speech-still-rings-true-for-many-americans-letter.html
Militarism and US exceptionalism at the heart of America’s woes.
https://www.dailyparliamenttimes.com/2021/04/01/militarism-and-us-exceptionalism-at-the-heart-of-americas-woes/