Exceptionalism

This is a new concept for me: exceptionalism. It could be that it isn't actually a word in English. The first time I saw it was in an article about an article that appeared in the Op-Ed section of the New York Times. Heaven knows that those East Coast intelligentsia types are not above making up words to suit their very specific and conniving purpose, but it came from across the ocean. The author of this particular piece was Vladimir Putin. The President of Russia wanted to make his voice heard over here in America, letting us all know where he stands on this whole Syria mess. And this is where the whole "exceptionalism" thing comes in.
Vlad urges us, or "U.S." to be patient and consider diplomatic solutions. "The potential strike by the United States against Syria, despite strong opposition from many countries and major political and religious leaders, including the pope, will result in more innocent victims and escalation, potentially spreading the conflict far beyond Syria’s borders." He continues, "A strike would increase violence and unleash a new wave of terrorism. It could undermine multilateral efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear problem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and further destabilize the Middle East and North Africa. It could throw the entire system of international law and order out of balance." Sounds like pretty sage wisdom from a once and future Super Power.
Then there was this: "It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy." This was the "exceptionalism" passage. It made a lot of Americans angry. It made Democratic Senator Robert Menendez want to vomit, which may be the way that Democrats have decided to show their rage these days. Arizona Republican Senator John McCain called Putin's piece an “insult to the intelligence of every American.” Pretty harsh words, considering the source.
Which brings me back to Mister Putin. Considering yourself, or your country to be exceptional may be lacking in humility, but it certainly sounds as if he's got no bodies hidden anywhere around the Kremlin. It's pretty easy to throw stones when it's not your empire that's crumbling. I'm guessing Barack Obama sticks around long enough to remind him of the dangers of "exceptionalism."