The world may not understand America's problem. What other people celebrated individualists?

Opinion

THE UNITED STATES was conceived by individualists, its wilderness was tamed by individualists, and its economy was built by individualists. Americans used to celebrate individualists and their individualism, but that all changed.

Jim Baker, Mountain Man painted by Lee Bowerman (click to enlarge)

The majority of Americans now seem to abhor them. The adolescent need to be part of a group, to seek identity in a group, and be comforted by a group, persists into adulthood. It's a defensible attitude when you consider that the world and life are far more complex than they used to be. They're often overwhelming, especially if you suffer from any insecurities.

The responsibilities and liberties that individuals thrive on are a heavy load. To many, it is an unnatural burden. If the study of history has taught me anything, it is that few societies have tolerated individuals. Indeed, most have strict social codes against individual liberty and responsibility.

This lesson can be seen clearly in the Bible. The Jews were alloted far more liberty than most peoples of the early world. However, they ultimately decided that they too needed a king, someone to make decisions for the community and bear the responsibility for their consequences. David was presented with the mantle of authority after slaying Goliath, and he faltered when he became besotted with Bathsheba. Solomon became king and then became besotted with the Queen of Sheba. It seems that the Bible is warning us. Even the bravest and wisest among us have a hard time making good decisions and the mistakes of the mighty fall on everyone's head.

Still, as I have observed, the majority in America seem to want to follow this course. They have elected a new breed of bullies to eradicate individualism through the application of rules and regulations. Inasmuch as these laws are extra-Constitutional, a majority of Americans are beginning to agitate to diminish the Constitution. A recent New York Times article penned by a professor of Constitutional Law at Georgetown University, advocates abandoning the blueprint of America's government as antiquated and ill-conceived. I can't imagine that his students will be champions of liberty when they graduate.

Fortunately for those of use who prize our individuality and our liberties, America is not yet a democracy. The majority does not rule. Although its influence is flagging, the Constitution still rules and individual rights prevail.

The Attorney General has launched an all out assault on individual rights without waiting for the people to cast aside the Constitution. With the mainstream press providing cover by not publicizing his more flagrant assaults, Mr. Holder has been sending teams of armed federal agents to bully individuals and small businesses without bothering to provide even a modicum of legal cover. Ignoring Constitutional mandates for Writ of Habeas Corpus and legally specific search warrants has become standard operating procedure for America's Justice Department. One can only wonder when his goon squads will begin appearing on the steps of local and state governments and America will become a de facto federal democracy.

I don't expect to alarm the majority with any of this. By their votes, most Americans seem to concur with the Administration in these actions. The minority, the individualists who fume and bluster daring federal agents to just try and take away their rights, lack organization and may be picked off one-by-one by these Gestapo-like tactics.

America is now fragmented, possibly irrevocably. Compromise seems to be out of the question. Is it time to consider a splitting of America? Should we allow those who are willing to trade their rights and liberties for security to live in one part of the country while the individualists stalk their dreams in another? Or, will the individualists simply vent their annoyance ineffectually while the majority refashions America.