The American story, inspiration, controversy and dreams. Every chapter in this amazing story is a dynamic blend of visionary leadership, big dreams, conflicting ideals and standards, and inspirational people.

The story of Eugene Jacques Bullard is just one example. He was the first African American fighter pilot but that was a distinction that he had to earn by flying for France during World War I. Due to the policies of the United States military at the time Bullard was prevented from flying for his own country during the war. That, however, is only one chapter in Bullard’s incredible story.

The American story is complicated and controversial. It is also inspirational. Bullard is but one example.

Leaders, Visionaries & Leadership

Unlikely leaders, visionaries and dreamers, and incredible displays of leadership provide the inspirational characters for the American story.

Despite his own privileged, wealthy childhood and youth, Theodore Roosevelt as president fought against unchecked corporate power. Despite bitter opposition from powerful corporate interests President Roosevelt warned in speeches that the people behind them were a threat to the constitutional republic, to democratic society, and even to the preservation of capitalism and free markets.

In 1912 when he ran for president representing the Progressive Party he championed a “New Nationalism.” He called for federal regulations that would protect the public interest against corporate corruption. He also advocated for labor rights, social welfare programs, and extensive political reform.

Roosevelt inspired and encouraged American’s to dream big. He provided leadership. And he provided controversy with questionable policies such as the role played in the establishment of Panama.

From Failure to Leader

One aspect of the American story are the failures that were transformed into legendary leaders. Before becoming president during the worst crisis in American history Abraham Lincoln had been moderately succesful. And he had endured his fair share of failures. He was plagued by crippling depression and other woes. But during a national calamity he rose to the occasion and is today one of our most revered preisdents.

When one considers his life before the Civil War it is difficult to imagine a more unlikely hero than Ulysses S. Grant. And yet he too provided inspiration and displayed leadership when both were in short supply.

The stories of President Obama, John McCain, President Eisenhower, President Carter, Charles Nash and Joe Medicine Crow are more than tales of inspiring leadership. Theirs is the American story made manifest.

Unsung Heroes

Every epic story is filled with unsung heroes. The American story is no different.

The tale of Paul Revere’s midnight ride is an ingrained part of American folklore. But who remembers William Dawes? And who remembers Dr. Samuel Prescott? He was the thrid rider that night and was the only one to reach their destination of Concord.

How about Polly Cooper of the Oneida Nation? Recently commemorated by the United States Mint with a one dollar coin she walked more than 200 miles to deliver supplies to General George Washington’s and his army at Valley Forge in 1778.

The unsung heroes are as much a part of the amazing and inspirational American story as that of Henry Ford, Harry Truman, and Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights activist.

Missing Pages

In this post we didn’t have an opportunity to talk about the grifters, the traitors, the corrupt, and the oppressors. And each of them are also an important part of the American story.

Each and every page is important. If we remove pages because that content doesn’t fit a narrative, because it offends, or because an individaul or group wants to sell an agenda, we lose context. We also lose the inspiration and we lose identity. Even worse, we lose the essence of what makes America great.

That is why Jim Hinckley’s America is so focused on sharing the American story. It is also why we tell people where to go and to inspire road trips. That is the best way to discover America.

So, aside from the website we are launching a new program series about the American story on Substack. The livestream edition of Coffee With Jim is on the YouTube channel. And at Podbean, we have new recorded programs. With Facebook and Instagram we share our adventures, and provide glimpses of the past.

We that said, we ask you to join the adventure. Invite your friends. Become a part of this amazing community that has a passion for road trips and the American story.