October 20, 2009

An American's Creed

Some folks may remember seeing this "American's Creed" in Reader's Digest in the 1950s, or reading it -- as I did -- in their local newspaper.

Chadron (Nebr) Record publisher Don Huls printed the item in almost every edition, sometimes on the front page. I suspect it was a creed to which he ardently adhered. It was originally penned by one Dean Alfange, a lawyer and educator, who also dabbled in politics. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Alfange reportedly grew up in New York state and served in World War I. He earned his law degree at Columbia University.

The creed continues to be a point of contention between liberals and conservatives as they try to shout one another down. Its message still resonates well after more than half a century.

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