American Exceptionalism Is Alive And Well In 2021

Back in March 2020, I appeared on Fox News, opposite William Bennett, the former Secretary Of Education of the United States under President Ronald Reagan. In preparing for the Fox News town Hall meeting, I learned both Bennett and Reagan were former Democrats. In the United States, It’s very common for people to change the narrative they tell themselves regarding economic philosophies based upon experiences, education and self interest during their lifetime.

This is a big reason why I believe American exceptionalism is alive and well. Most Americans who are unwilling to ask themselves tough questions, may believe America is in a state of emergency. Today, I’m walking to 27 St Johns Place, the house Kitty Genovese grew up in Brooklyn. 57 years ago, Genovese’s murder was pivotal in transforming the nation's emergency response system. Is American Democracy in need of an emergency response system in 2021?

We’re use to thinking very highly of democracy. But is voting in an election a skill, or a random intuition? If it is a skill, how can we systematically teach it to more people? Letting the citizenry vote without an education is as irresponsible as letting them jump out of an airplane without a parachute. In this country, we have given the vote to all without connecting it to that of wisdom. How can this continue to be sustainable while simultaneously discouraging political activity or practices that seek support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument?

Many politicians, economists even rock stars in America are sure they know what policies will help end poverty in the developing world. Yet, despite their confidence, it seems that much of the developed world’s thinking towards poor nations is based on false ideas.

Jose Franco is a self anointed Brooklyn "Public Intellectual"