The Disunited States

E. Pluribus Dis-Unum. Public Domain image obtained via Wikipedia.


I'm reading a very current book on the status of division in the United States. It reminds me of the historical debate over the correct verb, singular or plural: "The United States is . . ." versus "The United States are . . ." For my lifetime, the United States has been considered a single country or nation. I now see the distinct possibility that the states may gain a larger measure of autonomy, or form new federations, and that we may be referred to in the plural.

I love this country, or at least what it once was, and I don't want to see it breakup. But I'm also resigned to the fact that there are over 300 million people in the US, and it is not up to me alone.

Comments

Popular Posts