The Basic Symbols of American Political Tradition essay contest has come to a close. Thank you to all those who submitted an essay. I am pleased that each entry noted, and several cited, the crux of Kendall & Carey’s argument:
[T]he symbols of a virtuous people, through deliberative processes, striving to achieve and advance their declared purposes which involve, inter alia, better ordering of justice (p 112-13).
Stated more succinctly: The basic symbols of American political tradition are local government, under God, by Christian magistrates.
It is my pleasure to announce the winners as follows:
First Prize (One Winner) $1,000
Alex Hembree takes first prize. Mr. Hembree clearly understood the fundamental point established at Mayflower 1620 was that to be “American” was to be governed locally, under God, by Christian people. He thereafter evaluated the Declaration, the Constitution and beyond against it, as opposed to trying to retro-fit the “founding documents” to what was established in 1620.
Second Prize (Two Winners) $500
Gabby Hughes & Hannah Krauss each receive the Second Prize for their respective essays. Ms. Hughes’s essay concentrated mainly on the first major deviation from the American view of law and government, The Gettysburg Address, while Ms. Krauss noted that not even fifty years after Mayflower, the focus shifted from God and more toward the blessings and liberties He bestowed. The object became the focus, and we lost sight of God.
Third Prize (Two winners) $250.00
Third Prizes go to a pair of sisters, Christina and Stefanie Brosey. Each sister wrote her own essay, but they were clearly taught by the same source. Stefanie brought into her essay a considerable amount of out-side support of the authors’s position, and Christina wisely noted politics are the policies we adhere to because of our religious belief (paraphrase).
Within the next few weeks, the entrants will be receiving their awards. We intend to host another essay contest in Spring 2012, so keep watching for the announcement.
Again, I am very grateful for those who participated in this first essay contest sponsored by The American View.
In the name of God, Amen.
Scott T. Whiteman, Esquire
- Alex Hembree takes first prize of $1000
- Gabby Hughes & Hannah Krauss each receive the Second Prize of $500
- Third Prizes ($250) go to a pair of sisters, Christina and Stefanie Brosey
- Michael Peroutka and Derek Howell pictured with contest winners
