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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