Rush In America
By Jonathan Pait (10/13/03)
Rush has always talked about how he has worked his way to be in the position he currently occupies. Really, the man is a true American success story. He has made the most of his opportunities and has reached the peak of his profession.
Many have tried to unseat him. He has faced competition on the radio as well as those who would seek to dethrone him by less honorable means. Still, he has managed to remain above it all - strong and seemingly untouchable.
Until now.
Funny, but it wasn't the competition or the outside forces that caused this setback. The setback was caused by a personal failure - which had it gone unchecked could very well have caused his ultimate fall.
Forgive me for making a comparison at which many will probably roll their eyes.
Just as those that live the American dream can be undermined by their own internal struggles and failures, so it is with America itself. We will not likely fall to outside forces. However, we can fall from internal weakness.
Forgive me for using the over quoted (regardless of who wrote it) "If America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great." There is a reason it is so oft quoted. It is because it bears witness with our reason.
I do not say this to pass judgement on Rush. There are weaknesses in all of us. As a Christian, I realize that really there is no lasting good in any of us. In our humanity, we can only hope to obtain a shadowy image of goodness. Yet, it is this law of the heart that makes people productive citizens and ultimately helps us develop communities and a nation such as America.
The case of Rush simply reveals our humanity and humanity is prone to failure. The most ambitious and successful of us can be undercut in an instant by our own failings. That too is a law of the heart that can undermine our communities and our nation.
I am not discouraged. I know that there is a goodness outside of us that is available to any who will claim it. Though there is nothing good in ourselves, we can find righteousness that covers us and encourages us to rise above our human tendencies.
Ultimately, that is my desire for Rush and for America. Strength and goodness does not have to come from our striving after it. If there is any discouragement on my part, it is that Rush - and America - probably has no interest in that righteousness that comes outside of his own power and obtainment.
Yet, it is in this grace where true victory and security remains. It is not in a monument or a declaration. It is not through a creation of a faƧade of righteousness. It is a challenge to us who know this grace to live in it and spread it. As it spreads, so will goodness.
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