Looking for a City on a hill

I think most people that know me and have had political conversations with me, know that I have an ever-growing fondness for the 40th President, Ronald Reagan. His is arguably one of the most influential presidents of our – or any – time. Even more than that, he was a man of strong faith – a faith that he used as an unwavering guide; not a harsh arm of policy (hint, hint).

Anyway, two events on Sunday reminded me of one of the Gipper’s more memorable ideals. That ideal, of course, was his view of America as a shining city upon a hill. To be fair, the idea was not a Reagan original. Former Mass. Governor John Winthrop was the first to refer to America in such a way in 1630. However, it was Ronnie’s vision that I’ll always remember. Therefore, when our pastor’s Sunday morning sermon cited Matthew 5:14 (“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”), I immediately thought of Reagan’s use of the phrase. Somewhat later in the day, I sat down and read a recap of the Republican presidential debate in Iowa. In reading about, and even listening to, some of the candidates’ responses, I also thought back to the Democratic CNN/YouTube debate.

Why did this moment remind me of Reagan and his city set upon a hill? Had I found the new candidate of hope, faith and American patriotism – true patriotism?

Sadly, no.

I reminisced of Reagan because I longed for Reagan part II. I long for a return to the days when America really was a bright shining city on a hill. It wasn’t that long ago that most of the world looked upon our “city” with respect and admiration. They flocked here, not to take jobs that Americans decline nor to fly planes into buildings, but to seek a better life; a free life; a respected life. More importantly, everyday Americans felt an overwhelming sense of pride in their country. They too, looked forward to a rewarding life that was better than the generation before them.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost touch with that idea. Those “wind-swept, God-blessed” rocks on which our city was built have begun to crumble and decay. I know, however, that it is not too late. I have my own ideas on how to restore our greatness. On how to get there, a country with this much diversity will never fully agree. On the need to rediscover Ronnie’s vision of that beautiful city shining on a hill, we must all agree and commit ourselves to the effort, before the tough discussions on how to get there, can be had.