Morality is not relative, and America has not lost track of its moral principles. Morality, in spite of the arguments by Nietzsche, and other philosophers who see relativity as the norm, and morality merely a product of those who want power, is a fixed principle that manifests itself in every society, albeit in various forms.

For example, part of early Apache culture saw it as honorable to be able to steal from one’s enemy without them knowing until too late, but dishonorable (a shame) to steal from one’s own group or tribe. Stealing was immoral among them. In every culture, adultery is frowned on, and can lead to exile or death. In some cultures however, hospitality is a high calling, and sometimes hospitality can be shown in sharing one’s wife or daughter for a night. When examined carefully, that is not relativity; that is weighing the wants of guests above the comforts of self (something many Americans know nothing of). Morality is not relative.

In small towns and villages around the United States, old-style values and morals continue to hold sway for the most part. Even in some mid-size cities in the South, one can experience pleasantries not demonstrated in cities to the North. As a citizen of Dallas TX, I am still charmed by the courtesies I experience when I walk down the city streets, and the intimacy with which total strangers can relate. In larger cities, like New York, Chicago and Miami, most people are wary of speaking with strangers, and are cautious before helping someone. Typically, uniforms help citizens in these larger cities to identify the “good guys” and differentiate them from the “bad guys,” a concept seen in so many novels and movies, but recognized as a social fact. In small towns, postal agents may use their own vehicle, and everyone in the community knows them. They usually need no uniform. And outside of a badge, many law enforcement officials in small towns do not usually wear an identifiable uniform except for ceremonial purposes.

It is evident that morality is not relative when one observes that people who do things that are immoral do them under cover of dark. They hide their adultery, their dishonesty, and even their drunkenness under the cloak of night. And in spite of the reality of fornication, most people are ashamed when they produce a pregnancy out of wedlock, or when their parents find out they have been sexually intimate. Morality is not relative, and morality is alive and well in the United States. People may be closing their ears to its call, but morality is around.

Every society has its own brand of morality, but usually they center around two great facts, and are played out in a manner consistent with that culture. Morality clusters around respect for others, and respect for parents. Respect for others is seen in the recognition shown for ownership, personal possessions, spatial integrity and communication. Respect for others is manifested when no one steals, when no one embezzles or commits fraud. This respect is shown when the personal rights of others are protected, and they are not lied to, and they are not denied their opportunity to grow and expand within the limits of the society. Respect for parents is the basis of the respect for the rights of others. If one is not willing, or able to show respect for one’s parents then it is hardly likely that one will show the proper respect for others, who are really strangers. The United States teeters on the brink of immorality because so many children show such blatant disrespect for parents. But there are more than enough who do show proper respect and deference to their parents as to allow the country to remain morally viable.

The United States continue to punish those who take advantage of the weak, and trample on the poor. Unfortunately, because it is not a culture of shame and honor, but one of guilt or innocence, many guilty people, because they have the finances, are able to hire lawyers to establish their innocence, sometimes even in the face of other evidence showing their culpability. Morality is built on the principles of shame and honor, but the United States, seeing value in the individual, has developed the principle of guilt and innocence, and employs the concept of morality in manner to suit the culture. Is that relative? No, it is cultural. The same principles worked in a manner consistent with the culture.

The United States has not lost track of its moral principles. But it sure could use some strengthening.