Is this article Sensible or Non-Sensible?
Vote at the end of this article to make your voice heard, and see what others are saying!
E Pluribus Unum was the American Motto chosen by our Founders at our inception. These men with the exception of George Washington were classically trained scholars. They were fluent in Latin and Greek and read the classical texts to guide their ideas about how to build a democratic republic. We no longer include these ancient languages in our curriculums. So, it comes as no surprise that when I ask my fellow citizens what this simple phrase means few if any know the answer.
E Pluribus Unum . . . . . . Out of the many one.
In 1956 it was decided that the new motto of our country should be “In God We Trust”. It was a reaction to the godless threat of communism. Unfortunately, it is now being used to imply that our country was founded on Christian Principles. In fact, the Founders were far better read in the Latin and Greek Classics than Scripture.
They chose this motto to persuade their fellow colonists that it was possible for thirteen diverse colonies to unite under one Federal standard. A model that had been successful in Greco Roman times. They would have been familiar with the history of those ancient attempts at Democracy.
They also chose it because they recognized that in a Democratic Republic there will always be different ideas, diverse interests, and contentious dialogue. They believed that an Aristocracy of Talent not ordained by Royal birth would through the process of ardent discussion and compromise discover a singular course of action that would provide and promote the General Welfare. A task they set forth in the Preamble of the Constitution and reiterated in Article I Section 8.1.
It is the essence of the American Experiment. In our 235-year history we have failed only once. The result was a war that consumed the lives of over 700,000 citizens. The challenges we face today are minor compared to what we have overcome in the past. E Pluribus Unum. Out of the many one. It’s not as tough as those who despise democracy make it sound. E Pluribus Unum. Out of the many one. A truly sensible idea.
Sensible or Not Sensible?
Learn how our readers determine whether a post in Sensible or Not Sensible