America is Great Because She is Good

An inspiring and patriotic poem by a French political thinker, Alexis de Tocqueville, who visited U.S. prisons and toured America during the 19th century to better understand our democracy and way of life. I found this excerpt in William J. Bennett's book, "The Moral Compass: Stories for a Life's Journey." 

I sought for the greatness

and genius of America

in her commodious harbors

and her ample rivers,

and it was not there;

in the fertile fields

and boundless prairies

and it was not there;

in her rich mines

and her vast world commerce,

and it was not there.

Not until I went into the churches of America

and heard her pulpits

aflame with righteousness,

did I understand the secret

of her genius and power.

America is great

because she is good,

and if America ever ceases to be good,

America will cease to be great.

--Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)

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