E pluribus…pluribus?

Whatever happened to unum?

Look around today and you’ll see Americans, and immigrants, flying a multitude of flags: pride flags, Ukrainian flags, Mexican flags, etc., but not the American flag. Why is this?

On the back of every U.S. coin, you’ll find inscribed the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” - from many, one. This is a concept taken from those who founded our country, that those coming to America should assimilate and be a net benefit to the whole. For instance, Alexander Hamilton wrote:

The safety of a republic depends essentially on the energy of a common National sentiment; on a uniformity of principles and habits; on the exemption of the citizens from foreign bias, and prejudice; and on that love of country which will almost invariably be found to be closely connected with birth, education and family.

Alexander Hamilton, The Examination Number VIII, 12 January 1802

Hamilton wasn’t alone in this belief. George Washington wrote to John Adams of his own position on the matter:

My opinion with respect to emigration is, that except of useful mechanic’s—and some particular descriptions of men—or professions—there is no need of extra encouragement: while the policy, or advantage of its taking place in a body (I mean the settling of them in a body) may be much questioned; for by so doing they retain the language, habits & principles (good or bad) which they bring with them; whereas, by an intermixture with our people, they, or their descendants, get assimilated to our customs, manners and laws: in a word, soon become one people.

George Washington to John Adams, 15 November 1794

James Madison took the concept of integration even further, to the extent of excluding immigration of those who would not be a net benefit to the country:

I should be exceeding sorry, sir, that our rule of naturalization excluded a single person of good fame, that really meant to incorporate himself into our society; on the other hand, I do not wish that any man should acquire the privilege, but who, in fact, is a real addition to the wealth or strength of the United States.

James Madison, Naturalization, 3 February 1790

Things have changed greatly since the times of our founding fathers. America has been consumed by a multicultural madness never before seen in its history. Over the past few years, “diversity is our strength” has become the dernier cri. This is the maxim of those calling for the unfettered flow of foreigners across our borders.

“America is a land of immigrants,” they bellow, ignoring the inconvenient history of those early arrivals taming the wilds and building a society in an undeveloped land. They overtly overlook the integration and ingenuity brought by past pilgrims and pioneers, thinking the presently proximate parasites do not add to but leech white what has already been built.

“But they don’t receive anything from government! They’re undocumented!” This also comes with the cackle of “They actually pay taxes!” These buffoonish bellyaches have been proved prevarication by the litany of lawsuits filed to continue benefits to the so-called “undocumented immigrants.” Not to mention, if they are “undocumented,” how can they pay taxes? Whose social security numbers are being filched for filing?

The issue is not, however, simply a matter limited to those lawlessly present in the country. Today, noncriminal newcomers and illegal aliens alike want to live among Americans within American society without integrating into American society and adopting our culture. They wish to bring the culture of the countries they’re fleeing and foist their failed philosophies on the natives.

Those who in times past sought America did not simply seek what America had to offer - they sought to become Americans. Now, politicians proudly proclaim their priority allegiance to the lands from whence they came. By these, the American flag is held in disdain, while foreign flags are flown freely.

They do not wish to become part of a shared culture. And this failure of migrants to meld with the manners and morals of their adopted home is a recipe for disaster.

Europe serves both as an example and a harbinger of foreboding future. The countries there once enjoyed peace and prosperity, largely due to their homogeneity. Each country had its own language, culture, and religion that immigrants to those countries largely adapted. Now, with rampant refugee recalcitrance, they face greatly increased rates of varied violations (knife attacks, rapes, theft), and neighborhoods where even authorities won’t dare tread. Their laws are being supplanted by imported customs that are at odds with civil society.

Britain has for several years been hiding statistics on rape gangs. Other European countries are allowing rapists to slide, citing that “they’re just not used to our way of life. This is normal where they come from.” Some political leaders are even blaming such atrocities on “climate change” and the heat of summer.

These western countries are now in decline due to their open border policies that have led to their populations being overwhelmed by migrants whose morals and mores are at odds with the native culture.

The same is happening with America. Where once English was the native tongue, we now have street signs in distant dialects, phone menus in international idiom, and even election ballots in various vernaculars despite English being a requirement for naturalization.

Where Christianity was the prevailing and foundational faith of the nation, with each original colony/state having its own semi-official denomination, divorcing devoutness from public parlance has become the norm. A complete misunderstanding of Jefferson's famous quote regarding the separation of church from state has all but quashed Adam’s equally renowned remark that “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Perhaps worse in this regard is the rise of Islam in America, which stands in stark contrast to the founding fathers’ faiths (I know, they weren’t all Christian, but they all held Christianity in the highest regard which I’ve written about here and here). So many wish to see the “good” in Islam, calling it a “religion of peace,” but just look at the Muslim countries in the Middle East. Look at the European countries which have been overwhelmed by Muslim migrants. Islam is a conquest-driven political system masquerading as a religion. They do not wish to integrate or assimilate - they seek to defeat and dominate. They seek to supersede our constitutional republic with a Sharia caliphate.

Some will still argue, “but the Bible says, ‘So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt’ (Deuteronomy 10:19)” and may cite other similar passages, but they also intentionally ignore the voluminous list of verses that state the alien among you should live as you do and follow the same laws.

Diversity may bring some growth or benefit, but cohesion is our strength. Unity is our strength. Division does not build a country - it destroys it. If we can no longer rally around the same banner, partake of the same practices, dialog in a common dialect, and share the same values, we cannot survive as a country.

We must go back and adopt the attitudes of our forebears. Diversity is not strength - it is destruction.

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
- Mark 3:25