Kerby Anderson

As we celebrate 250 years of America, there is a need to make the case once again for this country. One book that I have found both helpful and interesting is The Case for America: An Argument on Behalf of Our Nation written by Bret Baier (Fox News). It is structured as a court case. He begins with an opening argument, then five chapters of testimony, followed by a closing argument, and a verdict.

His opening question is one I have often heard. Why do we date America from July 4, 1776? We could use the day of the Battle of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775) or the day the Constitution was ratified (June 21, 1788). We chose the signing of the Declaration of Independence as our founding moment because the Declaration was the first time we announced ourselves as the United States of America.

In the chapters on testimony, he focuses on five key points. America chooses unity (despite dissent). America is a beacon of freedom. America has the gift of resilience. America is the land of opportunity. America strives for a civic ideal. Each of those chapters would have been seen as self-evident but have become controversial in our day.

His closing argument is the American Dream 2026, and he willingly admits that the dream has been battered. That is why we need to make a case for America. When he comes to the verdict, Bret Baier switches hats and then sits among the jurors to render a verdict. His conclusion: the case for America is strong.

I would agree and believe we need more books, booklets, programs, and speeches that make the case for America.