"We are a great nation because our greatness is built on the foundation of fundamental goodness. If ever we lose our goodness, we will surely lose our greatness."
Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), declaring his presidential bid last weekend. (See video.)
"America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great."
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, quoting Alexis de Tocqueville in a campaign speech, November 3, 1952. Interestingly, the phrase has never been verified as coming from Tocqueville.
Opus Dei
Two years ago, Brownback converted to Catholicism under the supervision of a man named Father McCloskey, one of the more influential priests of Opus Dei, an ultra-conservative offshoot of the Catholic Church.