by Roger Grant

Created on: October 07, 2008

When tracking the rise and decline of an individual there is a certain pattern or tone in that individuals lifestyle and the issue of national acendancy and subsequent descent is also marked by a collective tone in that nations philosophies.

An individual comes to prominence by sacrifice, hardwork and generally proving his or her worth to society. They can also rise through trickery, unfairly exploiting others to their advantage, and shameless conquest of the weak. The United States just like most other countries has its postives and it negatives. In dicussing the decline of the U.S. as a world power however we have to be frank and not be blinded by the idolatry of patriotism.

The United Staes just like its European cousins did not walk through the narrow gates of morality on its way to economic and political stardom. They learnt well from the Romans that conquest, genocide, slavery and militarisation were very useful tools in assembling an empire. After the second world war America supplanted a shattered Europe as the fontrunner in supplying the world with consumer goods and also helped to rebuld the wartorn continent for a price that helped to enrich the new superpower.Yes in the 50s it was rapid industrialisation backed by superior military strength.

The reality is that after its former colonial masters and adversaries were put out of business by the war America became the center of the financial universe. Simply put there was no competition. In about 30 years following the war many countries in Europe as well as Japan were already bringing to the marketplace goods and services which not only rivaled but in many instances were superior to Americas.

What happened? Lets look internally at the soundness of the organs of the body to see the health of the nation to see where the sickness has become cancerous. Firstly in order as to not bias my opinions I know that America has a better system than most countries and has been good to and for millions. That aside America is in trouble and here is what i think why.

The root of Americas problem is the idolatrous practice of nation worship. Politicians telling people we are the best country in the world and so on instead of helpng them to face reality. This superiority complex as led to national arrogance and complacency while we are being out produced and outperformed by others. This is very disingenious on the part of politicians because when they sell this particular brand of patriotism it is because they do not want

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>