The Jacksonian Code
For those trying to understand why many Americans support the forceful liberation of Iraq, you may want to read The Jacksonian Tradition. Den Beste of the USS Clueless considers himself almost a Jacksonian and has referred to this article many times now. Today I noticed that Dean has discovered it and others seem interested in it. The article is rather long and is probably only of interest to those who follow politics. If you are not one of those, let me summarize it for you.

The principles of the Jacksonian code are self-reliance, equality, individualism, financial esprit, and courage. Self-reliance includes giving honor and respect to others and this courtesy is expected in return. Equality is taken very literally – “No one has a right to tell the self-reliant Jacksonian what to say, do or think. Any infringement on equality will be met with defiance and resistance.” Individualism is defined as “everyone must find his or her way: each individual must choose a faith, or no faith, and code of conduct based on conscience and reason.” Financial esprit is summed up as “While the Jacksonian believes in hard work, he or she also believes that credit is a right and that money, especially borrowed money, is less a sacred trust than a means for self-discovery and expression.. Credit is seen less as an obligation than as an opportunity. Jacksonians have always supported loose monetary policy and looser bankruptcy laws.” Courage is obvious, but goes hand-in-hand with the Jacksonian love of weapons and willingness to protect his country. Jacksonians play fair with honorable opponents and unfair with dishonorable opponents.

I know many Jacksonians, although most of them are not aware of the label. Despite admiring many of the qualities listed above, I would not consider myself a Jacksonian. I do not think dishonorable conduct by an opponent justifies dishonorable conduct by our side. To be clear, I have no problems with my government eliminating terrorists without warning. I have a major problem with any policy of deliberating targeting civilians and think the idea of Mutual Assured Destruction is unethical and obscene. I also disagree with the Jacksonian view on credit. One should borrow only in cases of emergency or for an investment (a house, an education, etc.). And credit is a serious obligation, treating it otherwise is foolish.

However, whether one admires Jacksonians or not, there are many of them in the States. They are yet another reason why the US will never allow their sovereignty to be placed under the UN. Jacksonians don’t care if other countries go their own way or join us – they can respect either decision. However any country or organization that tries to actively stop Jacksonians from doing what they believe is right (such as liberating Iraq) had best be respectful or they will be treated with scorn and ignored. This is what is currently happening to France in US public opinion.