If Wrong, To Be Set Right

You know that expression, "My country, right or wrong," which is generally used as a bludgeon by apologists against anyone who points out whatever is wrong? It turns out there was more to it.

Carl Schurz is the source. He was a mid-19th century German immigrant, early Republican, and Union Army general. He later represented Missouri in the U.S. Senate and was Secretary of the Interior. (While he was often admirable, he was clearly wrong on a couple of major issues, too, if you read the linked Wikipedia page.)

Here's the context for the famous quote. It was part of a speech he gave in the Senate on February 29, 1872. In it, he referred to a then-famous slogan by early 19th century naval Commodore Stephen Decatur,  who had originally said some of the words as a toast: "Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations, may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong."

Schurz was responding to another Senator who must have echoed that idea in a speech, because he said,

The Senator from Wisconsin cannot frighten me by exclaiming, "My country, right or wrong." In one sense I say so too. My country; and my country is the great American Republic. My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right.

Like so many things these days, it seems so obvious, and at least some people thought so even in 1872. But I guess not for some of the people I share this country with.