You Had One Job — United States of America — One F*cking Job!

Two Centuries In: Has America Lived Up to Its Preamble?

In the grand narrative of America, the nation was handed a singular job description, etched not on paper, but on the tapestry of hope and the spirit of revolution.

This job was concisely laid out in the Preamble to its Constitution: to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Remember those foundational narratives instilled in us during our formative years? That America was a land with a purpose, anointed with a “Manifest Destiny” and rooted in the conviction that “anything is possible”. Our ethos resonated with “yes, we can” and embodied the grit of “pulling oneself up by the bootstraps”. After all, wasn’t the U.S. heralded as the “Land of Opportunity”, promising us the allure of the “American Dream”?

Yet, with such boundless promise and the capacity to surmount any challenge, how have two centuries passed with our current state as testament? Media’s portrayal of progress seems to hinge on comparing our status to the worst situations globally or in politics, with the prevailing sentiment being, “at least we’re not at rock bottom”.

Apparently, all those convictions and promises were bullshit.

The United States was never about skyscrapers, Hollywood, or even moon landings. It was about an ideal, a vision, a collective dream. But as skyscrapers rose and Hollywood glittered, the nation lost its way, prioritizing profits over its people.

America, you had one job!

To form a more perfect union: The nation remains deeply divided along racial, economic, and political lines, with polarization exacerbated by modern media.

We’ve lost our union, let alone a ‘perfect’ one.

Establish justice: Systemic racism and inequality persist in the criminal justice system. The emergence of a perceived police state, driven by unrestrained police behaviors bolstered by qualified immunity, further challenges the ideal of true justice for all.

Justice remains elusive.

Ensure domestic tranquility: Beyond rising gun violence and civil unrest, systemic and prolonged economic oppression has eroded the foundation of domestic tranquility, with many citizens facing daily struggles that challenge the notion of a peaceful, unified nation.

Domestic tranquility is but a distant memory.

Provide for the common defense: While the military budget has skyrocketed, domestic threats like cyberattacks and internal radicalization challenge America’s security.

Our defense is rich in budget, poor in security.

Promote the general welfare: While healthcare, education, and basic needs remain inaccessible or unaffordable for many, the persistent presence of poverty can be viewed as a feature of capitalism, not merely an unintended consequence. Corporate interests often supersede the welfare of the general populace, challenging the mandate to truly promote the well-being of all citizens.

Welfare for all? More like welfare for the few.

Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity: Surveillance, data privacy concerns, and threats to free speech undermine personal freedoms, and issues like climate change jeopardize the future for upcoming generations.

Our liberty’s blessings are now under siege.

In the unfolding story of America, where lofty ideals once took center stage, the stark contrast between ambition and reality is undeniable. The legacy of a nation isn’t measured by its grand gestures, but by its consistent actions, and in this, America has faltered. The “one job” was more than mere words; it was a pact, a solemn promise to its people. Yet, at every turn, we’ve seen divergence from this sacred commitment. As we assess the landscape of broken pledges, the burning question remains: when will America rise to genuinely honor its foundational promise?

Erik Blair is a writer, and a traveler with a rich and diverse background. His journey has spanned roles in the armed forces, tenure as a police officer, and holding pivotal leadership positions. This wealth of experience lends a unique and profound perspective that he enjoys sharing.

As a published author and content creator, Erik has reached many, encouraging them to explore new frontiers and immerse themselves in unfamiliar cultures. When not traveling, he enjoys delving into new technologies and finding ways to connect with others.