A bit early for the 4th, I know

I sought for the greatness
and genius of America
in her commodious harbors
and it was not there.

in the fertile fields
and boundless prairies,
and it was not there;

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

Not until I went
into 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 she is good,
and if America ever ceases to be good,
America will cease to be great.

- Alexis de Tocqueville