The American Superpower
A challenge of the current views of America and an invitation to do something about it.
The United States of America is the superpower of the world. Attached to this title comes great wealth, knowledge, and respect. Indeed, we as a nation in America are wealthy, intelligent, and revered. There is a problem with all of this, however. America is less prized by the world then it was 50, 25, 10, even three years ago. With the lowering level of respect for America and obvious incline of war, we are in a tight spot. We need to fix this; it is easy to do and can virtually all be accomplished at home.
Social Unity
War is very prevalent and it is building in frequency. Since 1860 there have been over 100 wars and over 200,000,000 casualties with World War Two claiming more than 55,000,000. Even with World War Two holding 25% of the soldier’s blood, more than 100 of the wars in the 20th century are “major wars.” A war must have at least 6,000 deaths to be considered a “major war.”
To put these figures into perspective, let us consider the media. Shakespeare wrote the history plays which challenge our views on not only the leaders of society, but the people in the wars being fought. Hollywood has made many films, most prominently “Saving Private Ryan,” which approach war from the point of view of the warrior. There are countless media which take a character in any war, makes them real with mind, human fallibility, and emotion. These characters are designed to cause us pause. They are designed to make the observer feel for the hero as their own kin or even think of themselves in the position of the character. Now think of every one of the 200,000,000 casualties not as mere events of misfortune, but husbands, sons, and fathers. These men die leaving behind innocent women, children, parents, siblings, and even communities in bitter tears with no release for a righteous rage which results in failing hearts. As one heart fails, the hearts around it almost inevitably fail also.
When these hearts fail, the community fails; when the communities fail, the country fails. How, then, do we fix this tremendous problem? Perhaps a brief look into the past will help amazingly. While Thomas Jefferson was fighting for the freedom of America and already observing the seedlings of a civil war, he was able to keep those around him high spirited. This is not because he was funny, able to take time to show the needed love to keep spirits up, nor was he a soothsayer. Thomas Jefferson and virtually all the people in his community believed in a God and consistently read the Bible.
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On June 7, 2008 at 10:02 pm
While I agree that America\’s religious fervor has fallen to the wayside, I disagree that this is what is causing America to be percieved as less liked.
More religion in homes and families might or might not help Americans. There are, for instance several sectors of the population who have a high level in faiths which contradict many of the basic American structure/beliefs.
Additionally, why is it that a decline is not being seen in China? China, an unofficially communist country, that has recently embraced capitalism, has had impressive growth rates of at least 9 percent each year. China does not have an official religion, and in fact discouraged religion for many years. Even today it is difficult for foriegn religious emmissaries to create a foothold in China.
I feel you are grossly mistaken on your assumption of what makes this country function so well. In order for the US to continue holding its position as a Super Power, it has to fend off the encroaching India and China (whose growth we funded through international outsourcing), and come up with something bigger and better that no other country has…and which can stimulate our own populace first.
An economic growth, coupled with a scientific advance, and reinforced international relations would probably do the trick.