After a panel discussion with author Matt Miller at the Center for American Progress, I spoke briefly with conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks. Brooks had read the Times piece about the Academy and expressed his support for the idea. “It’s Hamiltonian!” he laughed — a nod to Alexander Hamilton, the patron saint of national greatness conservatives such as Brooks. I was pleased, thought not surprised, by Brooks’ enthusiasm for the Academy.

I have long admired Brooks not only for his wit but for his embrace of what he has called “grand American projects.” Unlike some modern Republicans who are virulently anti-government, Brooks (like John McCain) recognizes both the need for strong national institutions and the importance of civilian service to the nation. About ten years ago, he wrote a wonderful piece entitled “A Return to National Greatness: A Manifesto for a Lost Creed” in which he described how small-minded politicians of both parties had lost the courage and vision to embrace grand American projects. He wrote about the majestic Library of Congress, which was built during a time of tremendous economic turmoil and social strife. Congress pushed on with the library project despite the difficulties because leaders wanted to send a powerful message about who we are as a people and the importance of knowledge to our nation. Thank goodness they did!

A great nation deserves great institutions. The Academy is one of those “grand American projects” that will make a strong statement about our values and ideals. Hamiltonian, indeed.