America has problems. You hear all about them as we are in the midst of a presidential primary. The issues are top of mind, and front and center. One of the key issues is Ron DeSantis’ position on the Israel-Hamas War and how or why it impacts the Russia-Ukraine War, as well as the current and future relationship between America, China, and Taiwan. Actually, that isn’t true. Those aren’t the issues being discussed. At least not on Twitter, Fox News, or Politico. 

The far more important issue of Ron DeSantis’ boots is what is mostly driving the political news cycle. 

Bootgate is going viral:

“By this time next year, DeSantis is unlikely to be the Republican nominee for president. He may, instead, be the Florida governor who is eventually remembered for his shoes” https://t.co/QKYabQ7VFs

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) November 1, 2023

I was both surprised and pleased that this morning on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, of all places, in what was a nearly 15-minute segment with the Florida Governor, there was no mention of his boots. Who’d a thunk it? MSNBC has eclipsed Fox News as a source for substantive political discussion. 

@RonDeSantis kicked major ass this morning with @JoeNBC, and @morningmika on @Morning_Joe.
His ability to go 10 levels deep on every issue, including and maybe even especially foreign affairs, is extraordinary for a 45-year-old Governor. There is simply no substitute for brains.

— Manic Contrarian 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 (@ManicContrarian) November 2, 2023

The quality and integrity of our politics are in serious need of examination.    

I think the first time I heard the words integrity and charisma used in a way that had any impact on me was when I was in Junior High. My parents used the words to describe a man they had great admiration for. That man was Richard M. DeVos, President and co-founder of Amway Corporation. 

If you don't know who Rich DeVos is, or what he accomplished in business and philanthropy, rather than explaining it here, I refer you to the following source.  

My parents were lifelong Democrats until 1980. Reagan was the first Republican they ever voted for. And it’s no wonder they voted for Reagan. Like Rich DeVos, Reagan personified integrity and charisma. But he also represented a major shift in the thinking of millions of Americans who were sick and tired of the economic malaise and austerity of the Jimmy Carter years. 

Rich DeVos, as much as anybody, had a huge influence on my thinking. He was considered by many as the father of “compassionate capitalism.” His 1967 speech “Selling America,” which is a testament to free enterprise, was perhaps his greatest speech of all. It is perhaps the greatest defense of capitalism’s moral superiority over socialism that you’ll ever hear. I listened to the speech this morning, and it moved me to tears, and it inspired me to write this column.  

You see, as I listened to the speech, it occurred to me there’s never been a greater need to remind ourselves that all Americans have a responsibility to encourage each other and to sell America. And this has been something that has been on my mind for a while now. 

One of the things that happens during political campaigns, especially presidential campaigns, is the tendency to run America down. We constantly hear about how “they” are destroying our country. How America is in decline. We also hear a lot about how our once respected institutions have been weaponized or are irreconcilably corrupt.  

Don’t misunderstand me. There’s no doubt the country has problems today. Homelessness, crime, the opioid epidemic, the cost of everything rising faster than average wages, out-of-control illegal immigration. Even home ownership is on the decline, and clearly, our politics have become dysfunctional, as Americans grow more alienated from each other with each election. 

And yet, despite all of these things being true, there’s nobody calling for a wall to be built to keep Americans in. Despite our problems, millions of people throughout the world still want to come to America. Why is that?

Well, for starters, America has the greatest Constitution. Indeed, it’s been called by many around the world as the greatest piece of literature ever to be written. America is also beautiful, and you are always a short drive away from seeing something that will truly take your breath away. 

Moreover, the people of America are perhaps the best representation of the greatness of our country. Despite what you see on Twitter, most Americans have not experienced such negativity. In fact, Americans are ready and willing to assist their fellow citizens. 

In addition to that, and even though our ideologies may differ, we all want the best for America. I really believe that. And I believe it's important to remember this when we find ourselves disagreeing on political, spiritual, or ideological matters. Unity doesn't require unanimity or uniformity.

It's worth reminding ourselves that the United States has always been a place where people can find opportunities to succeed. While it may require hard work and perseverance, the possibility for success in America is always present. In America, there is always a way to improve one's situation and create a comfortable life, even for those who started with very little. 

Regardless of our individual opinions, America remains a remarkable country because, despite the occasional aberration, we can still disagree and express our thoughts freely. This is on full display right now, even as I write these words.

In America, as long as we aren't causing physical harm or taking others' money, we are mostly free to do as we please. This is the essence of being American. America is both bold and gracious, and anything less is un-American. And it is important to remember and uphold the ideals that make America unique and glorious. 

And I believe our presidential candidates have a special and unique responsibility to represent the ideals that make America a great country... And this includes treating their opponents with grace and civility.  

I’m all for candidates raising issues worthy of discussion and debate, but I also believe that despite our problems, America remains the greatest country on Earth, and as we pick and choose the presidential candidates who speak to our concerns, hopes, and aspirations, we must all remember that we are on the same side. On the side of selling America to the world —and keeping America great for Americans!