“We” are exceptional because of our founding documents and the human truths contained therein. “We” are exceptional because of the men and women who have died defending those truths, not just for our good, but for the good of oppressed peoples around the globe. “We” are exceptional because of the freedom which gave birth to an economy that has fueled and fed the world for the better part of a century. And “We” are exceptional because of what we stand for and are opposed to, and the price we are willing to pay to validate those principles.

Regrettably, President Vladimir Putin’s recent choice of argument has its roots in our president’s beliefs about his own country. His years as a Communist operative have obviously served him well in the game of political one-upmanship. Moreover, his opponent is badly handicapped by inexperience and historical ignorance.

Nevertheless Mr. Putin, “we” do not use the word “exceptional” as individuals, or even as a nation, but rather as “We the People”, so we may reconcile principle and purpose, and aspire to the high ground no matter our faults or challenges. Clearly this is something “you” would not understand, and God knows it…