I Sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors,
and her ample rivers, and it was not there. 

In her fertile fields, and boundless prairies, 
and it was not there. 

In her rich mines, 
and in her vast commerce, and it was not there.

Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with 
righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. 
America is great because America is good. 

If America ever ceases to be good,
America will cease to be great.


-Alexsis de Tocqueville 1840
French Political Analysis