Ross Mitchell Baker
2002 Grand Prize Winner, Scottish Rite Paul R. Kach, 33°
DeMolay Prize Americanism Essay Contest Winner
11th Grade and Above Category, Rumford Chapter
476 North Main Street, Bristol, New Hampshire 03222

The United States is definitely a strong global leader with a persuasive political and economic influence on other nations. We have especially shown our unfaltering leadership after the tragedy of September 11th, but how did the United States attain this preeminent position in the world?

During the 1890s, shortly after the Civil War and Reconstruction, the United States intervened in a dispute between Venezuela and Britain. We invoked President James Monroe's warning, from what is known as the Monroe Doctrine, that "we should consider any attempt [by the European nations] to extend their political system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety."1 This policy soon led to our involvement in the Spanish-American War of 1898 to free Cuba from Spain. This peacekeeping role was followed by the election of Theodore Roosevelt as a President who sought to make the United States a power throughout the world. The United States soon became a country involved with the world. In addition, in the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, Theodore Roosevelt asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the internal affairs of Western Hemisphere nations to prevent "brutal wrongdoing."2

Soon after, William Howard Taft encouraged American economic growth and development in foreign countries. His presidency was followed by that of Woodrow Wilson who was forced to take military in addition to economic action in Haiti, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Although Wilson sought peace, America was drawn into World War I against Germany in order to preserve our peacekeeping role in the world. After World War I, the United States began to practice isolationism. We tried to keep to ourselves and not become involved in the business of other nations-until the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and forced the U.S. to defend itself. It is from this point in history that the United States of America was recognized and respected by all other countries as a global leader politically, economically, and militarily.

A nation that claims to be a global leader must be respected throughout the world and must, in turn, respect other nations and peoples. The United States became this global leader during World War II and continues to be one today by actively participating in the United Nations and other international affairs.

We have gotten to this point by helping other nations in need and by participating in world politics, especially during times of conflict such as the Cold War, Vietnam, and other international confrontations. America has intervened only when necessary and has received strong support from many other nations. A case in point is the recent hunt for Osama bin Laden that has been supported by nearly all nations throughout the world.

The position of global leader carries with it heavy responsibilities. As a DeMolay, having taken my obligation to support the United States against hostile agencies, I share these responsibilities. Our first responsibility is to set an example as a democratic, humane country. We must respect all people, treat them as equals, and support their pursuit of freedom. As a DeMolay, I can set an example in my daily life by treating my Brothers in and out of the organization with the same courtesy and kindness I expect from them. Within my own community, I can work to assure that laws and governing bodies protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their cultural character or religious beliefs. In regard to the global world, I can respect the beliefs of others and the political variations that exist in each nation. However, I must prevent wrongdoing against any other human being, and I must be willing to stand up and fight against injustice. Another responsibility of a global leader is to keep the peace. It is not enough to want democracy as a form of government in countries where oppression is the current governing style. A global leader must ensure that peace is obtained, that morality and justice are practiced, and that human dignity is maintained. As a DeMolay, I must accept my country's role in the world and support it in my actions. If called upon to serve in a military capacity, I must be willing to defend the United States.

The last responsibility of a global leader is to take care of itself and its people by keeping a strong economy and a respectable government. America has accomplished this throughout its existence by sustaining a democratic form of government and a prosperous free-market economy. When government intervention is required, the U.S. has been able to step in and help the American people rebuild their economy. However, the government has also refrained from giving unneeded or unwanted assistance. The United States has stood strong during times of war and sorrow, and has maintained a strong feeling of brotherhood throughout the nation. We are now undertaking the task of spreading this brotherhood throughout the world. As long as a government is strong and the people within the nation back that government, then together they will make a strong nation. Under the right leadership, a global power such as the United States of America can show other nations how to maintain a strong government, stable economy, and military greatness, as well as how to extend these benefits to emerging countries. The United States has become a strong global power and will be one for many more years to come. I will support the United States of America under my obligation as a DeMolay.

1 The National Experience: A History of the United States, ed. Ted Buchholz, (New York, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, 1993), p.208.

2 Ibid., p.579.

Ross M. Baker is a senior at Newfound Regional High School in Bristol, New Hampshire, where he is a three-year member of the Soccer Team, Ski Team, and Mathematics Club. An avid BMX biker, he has worked with the Town of Bristol and the Tapply- Thompson Community Center to construct a park and ramps for boarders and bikers. Starting as a bagger at a local grocery store (part-time during the school year, full-time in the summer), he has risen to assistant manager and now intends to study business management at college, preferably in Colorado or Montana, so that he can continue skiing. In DeMolay, he has served as Chaplain, Senior Deacon, and Master Councilor.