On Wednesday, March 4, 183 UD students and visitors eagerly listened to Trent Horn, Dr. Burt Folsom, President Jonathan Sanford and Dr. Susan Hanssen speak about American exceptionalism in SB Hall. The evening was moderated by junior politics major Liam Ritter. The questions posed by Mr. Ritter sparked intriguing conversations.
The first question was directed towards Dr. Folsom and asked what economic developments and inventions America can claim as its own. In answer, Dr. Folsom went on to list some of the most significant American inventions, such as the typewriter, the printer, the airplane, the light bulb and the telephone. It was clear that Dr. Folsom could have gone on. Additionally, Dr. Folsom explained in detail how President Roosevelt increased the income tax to 94% and had plans to raise it even higher to 100.6%, an historical fact few were aware of
The second question was for President Sanford and pertained to America’s claim to intellectual excellence. In typical UD fashion, President Sanford was clear and articulate in his defense of the telos of university as a “medium of virtue.” Later, he greatly emphasized discipline, both physically and intellectually. President Sanford especially stressed waking up early, praying and other prudent ways of living in virtue.
The third question was posed to Catholic Answers staff apologist Trent Horn and concerned the greatness of American culture. Mr. Horn responded with the observation that nowhere else in the world can one enjoy watching huge monster trucks fly through the air while simultaneously eating a hamburger with buns made of glazed donuts. The room responded appropriately in convulsive bouts of laughter.
Throughout the night, Mr. Horn made humorous remarks. One student remarked after the event, “I liked Trent Horn’s funny jokes.”
However, Mr. Horn also honestly addressed the challenges facing younger generations, likening their obstacles to being atop a burning building with no choice but to jump off. Further, Mr. Horn expressed that it is the responsibility of earlier generations to provide a net for our generation to jump onto by means of opportunity and guidance.
The fourth question was for UD’s Dr. Hanssen and regarded American political history and freedom. Dr. Hanssen responded with rhetorical skill and intelligence, explaining how, from the very beginning, America has recognized God as her supreme authority. She went on to express modernity’s need for a vital thumos or righteous anger in the conservative political movement in order to win and change our country for the better.
The closing remarks of the event were concerned with a very pertinent question: What can we as a generation and as students do to better the world? Dr. Folsom answered that we must know how harmful Roosevelt’s policies were and learn from his political and economic misdeeds; President Sanford answered that we need to have big, strong Catholic families in which virtue and philosophy are nurtured; Trent Horn answered similarly to Sanford with the additional plea towards a technological exodus; and Dr. Hanssen impassionedly answered that we must accept the challenges of the modern world and go into politics.
Taxes, babies, monster trucks and politics, what more could one want from an event entitled “American Exceptionalism?” Two-time UD parent Dr. Ferdinand Velasco put it well when he remarked after the event, “All the speakers were engaging and insightful. Trent Horn gave useful advice, faithful to the teaching of the Church, to the students as future, prospective parents. Dr. Hanssen was eloquent, as usual.” Overall, the event went very well and served as a fitting addition to UD’s 250th celebration of America.