America’s story is complicated. It is dark, inspiring, upsetting, fascinating, comedic, exciting, and quite amazing. But like a jig saw puzzle, to get the complete picture all of the pieces have to be used, even the ones that you feel are offensive.

That can be rather uncomfortable for the storyteller as well as for the listener. And in the current political climate sharing the whole story is not done without incurring risks. But Jim Hinckley’s America was built on the sharing of America’s story, and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go.

We can’t see any reason to change horses after all these years. And, to be honest, I feel that the sharing of this amazing and unfolding tale is relevant as well as important.

Various Shades of Grey

Political rhetoric in an election season, and linked propaganda masquerading as news, presents history in stark tones of black and white. This may buy votes, affirm beliefs or opinions, and make us feel comfortable in uncomfortable times, but viewing the world through this distorted lens will have disastrous results.

Life is never black and white. It is various shades of grey. And that is why our history can inspire us and make us uncomfortable at the same time.

Consider the controversial issue of slavery. How can we tell the inspirational story of the abolitionist movement or the civil rights marches and not talk about the history of slavery in America?

A Twisted Tale

It is a twisted tale. And every chapter in the story has relevance. Just one example is the mid 19th century Know Nothing Party. Nearly forgotten today, at its height in the 1850s, this political movement once had tremendous clout and support. Counted among affiliated representatives were elected state legislators in a number of states, more than 100 senators and elected congressmen, numerous governors, and countless local politicians.

The foundation for this political tsunami was surging immigration, the magnification of conspiracy theories and fears, and providing legitimacy to prejudices.  Built on this was the need to fill a political void. In an article for Smithsonian Magazine, Christopher Phillips, professor of history at University of Cincinnati, said, “The Know Nothings came out of what seemed to be a vacuum. It’s the failing Whig party and the faltering Democratic party and their inability to articulate, to the satisfaction of the great percentage of their electorate, answers to the problems that were associated with everyday life.”

The Know Nothing Party was long on rhetoric. They proposed simplistic solutions for complex problems. And so when confronted with the reality of serious issues such as slavery, the party evaporated like morning fog.

The Legacy

Immigration and related issues including assimilation, prejudices, conspiracy theories, political manipulation of crisis real and created are intertwined in the American story. Likewise with the inspirational stories of immigrants that played a role in transforming America.

Alexander Winton, a pioneering automobile manufacturer, was a Scotch immigrant. He was also a leading bicycle manufacturer, and diesel engine designer.

Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, the Baron von Steuben, a former Prussian military officer, played a pivotal role in the American revolution. arrived to assist the patriots. At Valley Forge, he transformed the disorganized and undisciplined ragamuffin army with the training of modern military tactics.

Did you know that Armenian immigrants settled in North America in the early 17th century? The history is rather vague but apparently John Martin (Hovhannes Martikyan) arrived at the Jamestown colony in 1618 to grow tobacco. Even more vague is the story of Armenian masters in silkworm breeding that accepted in invitation from the governor of the Virgina Colony in 1653 or 1654.

Endless American Story

When it comes to America, there is no end to the stories. And there is no end to the efforts made to sanitize history. But with every attempt to rewrite history to fit an an agenda or justify a prejudice, we dilute the inspiration.

This is an amazing country with an amazing story. With books, podcasts, presentations, and feature articles we hope to inspire a hunger for the American story. So, please become a subscriber.

We have been telling America’s story since 1990. But we are just getting started.

Wait until you here the story of Hugh O’Conor the Ireland born Spanish explorer, adventurer, and soldier. Best known by his Spanish name Hugo Oconór, he served as the military governor of northern Mexico. So, where is the American connection? He was the founder of the presidio of Tucson.

And then there is the story of an inventor that patented an electric assist bicycle in the 1890s. Stay tuned.