Spring Break
Matthews characterizes Bush's push for war as un-American
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He detailed the characteristics of American society and thought that are important to making the United States unique among other nations.
One such "national treasure" was the freedom in America for people to achieve their goals and determine their own destinies.
"In America, you are who you become and who you choose to become," said Matthews.
Another trait that Matthews described as "beautifully American" was a sense of rebelliousness. As proof, he cited current feelings of distrust of American business and government in the wake of both recent financial scandals and the terrorist attacks of September 11.
"It's the great American irony," observed Matthews. "We're patriotic as hell, but we don't believe in our government."
Matthews further discussed what he saw as the American desire to avoid war, a sentiment that he said is being betrayed by the Bush administration's foreign and military policy toward Iraq. Matthews commended the United States for being both a "reluctant warrior" and a "rattlesnake" that retaliates only when threatened. He went on to criticize the current administration's aggressive posture toward its former Persian Gulf enemy.
"I think right now we're in this period of hubris and almost weirdness that I find vastly unfamiliar to the America I described," he said.
Matthews continued arguing that current Iraq policy is inconsistent with the American character he discussed in his speech.
"I don't find it anywhere in our history," claimed Matthews. "The right [wing] is operating in an un-American fashion."
Matthews was also critical of how the administration's approach on Iraq would effect the ongoing war on terrorism. He alluded to claims that attacking Iraq will only encourage terrorist attacks on the part of other pro-Arab groups like al Qaeda.
"If you know you're going to create more terrorism, why would you do it?" he asked.
Many of Matthews' points in his speech echoed those made in his newly published and best-selling book, American: Beyond Our Grandest Notions.
During the question and answer period that followed his speech, Matthews displayed the assertive and at times, combative personality he is known for on his political issues television show, Hardball with Chris Matthews. He engaged directly with each audience member who had a question to ask or an opinion to give, at times agreeing with or challenging each position taken.
According to 2002 MSE co-chair Meera Popat, Matthews' understanding of politics and world events made him the ideal person to speak on the subject of America's role in the world.
"Matthews was a good person for the topic because his show Hardball discusses political issues including American foreign policy and the role of America in the international system," said Popat.