American Exceptionalism: Learning It Firsthand

National Review  "President Obama has downplayed American exceptionalism, comparing it to the national pride felt by the citizens of any country. I wish he had heard Kim’s story. There is something special about this place: This country is a beacon of freedom, of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we have to work to keep it that way. We can start by preserving and protecting freedom, forever treasuring the inspiration that our nation is and needs to be — and never forgetting the dad from Hanoi who knew our work ethic better than some of us do today. Especially some of those who are working to change the nature of our country."   Kathryn Jean Lopez is editor-at-large of National Review Online. She can be reached at klopez@nationalreview.com.