The case for American Supremacy
In my recent discussions with some friends, I realized that my whole premise is wrong in assuming that they understood history and the significance of the American experience. In some people's mind, our country is on equal footing with other nations around the world. They object to the arrogance that some Americans belief that we have the greatest country in the world. I decide to create this lens and make the case for American Supremacy. Some people do know this but claims that we are on the down trend. George Soros recently wrote a book called "The bubble of American Supremacy". I think he is wrong.
Introduction
- Before I start, it is good to ask why the US is on top? What is unique about our situation? Is it our people? our land and resources? our location and climate?
- During my career with IBM, I travelled extensively all opver the globe. I can speak from personal experience that unequivocally we are the best country in the world. That is not to say we are perfect. But all things considered, we are the best. Given the choice, I will want to live in this country over all others that I've visited.
- Let me answer my question but stating my opinion. You can argue and disagree but this is what I think. I believe the US is a unique country that was formed some over 200 years ago and due to the wisdom of our founding fathers and the Constitution, we are blessed. It is this belief in liberty and democracy that has brought us prosperity and greatness.
Here are some details...
- Our Constitution has withstood the test of time. Our unique form of government has survived civil wars, scandals, catastrophies, and civil unrests and have evolved and become more equitable and just. Even when we have elected "inept" presidents, our country survived. That is the beauty of our system.
- "We the People..." our democracy is based on the strength of our citizens and their hard work and their sense of fair play and compassion. No time in history was this the case. We've had kings and emperors and dictators and tribal leaders in our past history and non has performed as well as our representative form of government.
- Our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Newt Gingrich wrote a book recently about the influence of God in our past history - "Rediscovering God in America".
- The Bill of Rights - states plainly what rights each citizen can expect and that the government cannot infringe upon those rights. This is a "new" concept in government. The laws are there to protect the individual from government instead of suppressing them.
- Separation of Church and State - This is one of the most miss understood elements of our government. This separation was put in place by our founding fathers such that the people and their freedom to worship is not infringed upon by their government. In the past, there are State sponsored religions that forces people to join a church and pay dues. That was one of the reason why the Pilgrims left England to search our religious freedom.
- Free-Enterprise system - Ever since Adam Smith wrote the "Wealth of Nations", there has been a debate on which is the best form of economic system. I would say the debate is over. It has been proven time and again that capitalism is the best path to prosperity.
- American Ingenuity - This has been shown by the number of patents produced by Americans and US Corporations.
- Technology - The US is the only country that have landed men on the moon.
- Defender of the free world - From defeating Facists and Nazis to Communism and to Islamo extremist, the US is the only country that have the resources and the will to defeat tyrants and despots around the world.
- Wealth creation - From the stock market to real estate to infrastructure and insurance and banking and to the internet, the US and innovation have created wealth that benefitted everyone. The rising tide raises all boats.
- Immigration - Another side indicator that people should consider. Why are there millions of people all over the world trying to immigrate to the US? Why are they risking their lives and bvreaking the law trying to escape from Cuba?
Leadership
- Who would you want to be on your side?
In times of adversity, it is often good to ask the question - who can you count on?
Would you want to depend on France or Germany or Russia or China or the UN or would you want the US helping you out?
When the tsunami hit Southeast Asia in 2005, who stepped up with the rescue? The US Military.
Conclusion
Final word - In our discussions of global issues, we are often confronted with "moral equivalence". This is the proposition that all countries have the same equal status. No country is above others. The UN is the source to address all conflicts and injustices. The US is no better or worse than say Iran or North Korea... That is insane. As an American, I will give the benefit of doubt to my country over all others. As I said, no country is perfect but our country is trying to do the "right" thing. We may not succeed in all cases.
Some related links...
- My lens on Thanksgiviing
- The real story that may have been forgotten.
- IBM tops patent 13 years in a row
- The number of patents have been dominated by the US.
- Forbes top 100 richest person
- Wealthy list dominated by Americans.
- Charity Giving
- Guess what? The US is the most generous.
- US search and rescue
- The best in the world.
- Religious affiliation of our founding fathers
- Information that all US citizens should know.
- History of "In God We Trust"
- Another history lesson...
- The Greatest American poll
- From the Discovery Channel.
- A video tribute to America
- Including music - turn up your speakers...
Reader Feedback
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jackclee
To hahahaha, Posted August 15, 2008 |
hahahahahahhahahahahahaha!
Oh dear....this makes for hilarious and ill-informed reading. Like the story of Nero fiddling while Rome burned, you're clutching desperately to age old myths, outdated lies and overblown patriotic ego massaging while the rest of the world gleefully watches the US sink!
And because of people like you, the spectacle is even funnier!
Posted August 15, 2008
why can a guy only become the richest man in the world if he is in america, thats stupid and obviously not true.
and sorry but your country is trying to do the write thing? do you think george bush has done the right thing by invading afghanistan?
cus i cant see it myself.
Posted May 17, 2008
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Gordonjohns
Very interesting. It's hard for a Brit to admit but i agree with you. Great lens, but ive come to expect that from you. Keep up the great work! Posted May 22, 2007 |
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jackclee
testing Posted May 09, 2007 |
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