“People can have the Model T in any color – so long as it’s black.” – Henry Ford

Sometimes I wonder if we live in a society that promises freedom so long as you use it the way you’re supposed to. While that may sound dark, it provokes a line of thinking that I believe has to be expressed and questioned. Often a candidate is slammed for not believing in our core American values. It’s a successful tactic – and I’m not entirely sure it’s an illegitimate one – but it raises a question.

What are American values? The question is not a rhetorical one. No two people seem to agree on a single definition for what exactly the core American values are. When my fellow conservatives and I sit around the table and talk politics, I often hear mention of “traditional American values.” When you read between the lines, those values are fundamentally Christian family values.

I can’t help but wondering if these really are the traditional American values we all share. While over 75% of Americans are Christians, there is no unity among the faith. 24% of Americans are Catholic, 16% are Baptist, about 7% are undecided about what denomination they belong to, 7% are Methodist, less than 5% are Lutheran, and the other denominations boast less than 3% of the population each. (source)

The inquisition and the persecutions of Europe weren’t started “just because.” There are significant differences between the denominations. Gay preachers? Women in the church? How aggressive should the evangelical efforts be? Are Unitarians good Christians? Are Pentecostals? Are Mormons? Given that you’re reading this blog on a computer fresh off the internet, I’m sure the Amish would like a word with you about your Christian values.

The first colonists came to this country partly to escape religious persecution in Europe. The constitution guarantees us a separation of church and state. Depending on what statistics you believe, the divorce rate is between 40 and 50 percent. According to the census bureau, 83% of women in America who gave birth to a child went back to work within a year. Yes, there are some women who stay pregnant and in the kitchen, but by and large America doesn’t work that way.

So again, I ask you, what are traditional American values? Alright, that question may be too broad to tackle all at once. Let me simplify by asking more specific questions.

• Where does sovereignty rest in America? In other words, please name the person or entity in control of our government.
• Are Americans immigrants? Are immigrants Americans?
• Do patriots protest against their government? Do honorable men “look the other way” for those they have sworn to serve?
• According to the US Census Bureau, 83% of women who gave birth to a child went back to work within a year, and 81% of women over 40 were mothers. This means that only 13% of women will be stay at home moms. Does only 13% of the population practice traditional family values? Does 13% a majority make?
• If two women are unfit to raise a child together, should we take away the children of single mothers?
• Does the constitution protect all people? All people in America? Only citizens? Only citizens on American soil?
• Are law, justice, and order the same concept? Are they completely separate? If they are separate, can they reasonably and rationally conflict?
• Can we display the 10 commandments in a secular society? Is it censorship or persecution of religion if we can’t?
• Can we display the Confederate flag in a racially harmonious way? Can we deny our past just because it’s ugly?
• Can free speech be too free?
• In a free market economy, should you pay more for local business? If a company can’t find what it’s looking for in town, what is the maximum distance a company should be allowed to outsource to?
• Is it immoral to charge more when supply is low?
• Can money “buy” an election? Can you win an election without money?
• If you’re faced with an election between a scumbag who votes the way you want him to and a morally upstanding person who you disagree with, which do you vote for?

The purpose of this post is to inspire thought. If you have a thought, leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.