Venezuela Triumphs in World Baseball Classic Finals Against Team USA

The recent World Baseball Classic Finals in Miami showcased a stirring display of national pride, particularly from the underdog team from Venezuela. Before the game, both teams participated in singing the national anthems of Venezuela and the United States. Given that Miami has the largest Venezuelan diaspora worldwide, the atmosphere was electric. Venezuelan players proudly held their hats over their hearts, passionately singing each word. This pride resonates from a nation enduring decades of unrest and corruption, recently experiencing a complex relationship with the U.S. “It means everything. This is for our country,” said starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, an emotional moment for many in attendance.

In stark contrast, the American team remained stoic during this moment of camaraderie. None of the players sang, and it made me wonder if they even knew the lyrics.

Interestingly, this scene unfolded while the U.S. Senate was busy debating the SAVE America Act, which would enforce stricter requirements for voter registration and ID. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) articulated a crucial point, saying, “Our republic was founded on the bold claim that free people can govern themselves. Free people cannot drift forever.” He emphasized that “freedom is fragile and requires structure,” a notion that surely would resonate with America’s founders.

George Washington, in his farewell address, urged Americans to not just respect the law but also to cherish their nation. He voiced that citizens should have a devotion to their country, which should evoke a justifiable pride in their identity. Similarly, Benjamin Franklin believed that good citizenship involved assimilation and adopting American customs, while Thomas Jefferson correlated citizenship with literacy and military readiness. He asserted that “every citizen should be a soldier,” a concept echoed in the ethos of free societies throughout history.

It’s uncertain if the SAVE Act will advance to President Trump’s desk. Washington often feels chaotic, making these discussions unpredictable. Yet, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has committed to pushing this bill until it passes, even if it takes weeks.

However, the deeper questions linger: Do Americans truly see citizenship as more than just legal status? A nation’s survival relies on more than procedures; it needs loyalty, collective memory, appreciation, and a sense of belonging.

The visuals from Miami highlight this contrast sharply. The Venezuelan players played with a sense of belief in their country, with all its imperfections, while many Americans today often grapple with feelings of shame about their heritage.

There are concerns here about the integrity of our electoral processes as well. Without robust protections against voter fraud, our sovereignty could be compromised. Failing to ensure that new citizens learn English might erode national unity. If we neglect to instill love for our country, that could lead to a future dominated by elites whose priorities are wealth and power.

I was reminded of this at a seminar I attended at Hillsdale College. Before our meals, students led us in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. It struck me; I hadn’t recited those words in years, but it felt revitalizing. In that moment, about 800 voices united in gratitude and purpose. It reassured me that patriotism isn’t just a lofty idea; it’s something tangible that we can practice.

We should consider reintroducing the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. Teaching the Bible, along with Western history and literature, should be done unapologetically. Making English the official language of the United States seems like a reasonable step too.

Following Venezuela’s victory over Italy in the semifinals, President Trump shared a thought on Truth Social, inviting others to become part of their narrative. He seemed to recognize that America’s real need is for individuals filled with that same spirit.

These themes are further explored in my upcoming novel, which imagines the Founding Fathers returning during America’s 250th anniversary to reflect on what has been done to their republic.

Ultimately, our commitment to patriotism, the willingness to sing for our country, may very well determine whether we continue to deserve it.