Addressing the Statement: “America Is A Failure”
It’s unfortunate to have a deep, extensive understanding of how things work… especially from a historical viewpoint. Not to say that I have a real grasp on things, but let’s take a look at what’s fairly obvious: super nations through history.
Whether Alexander’s Greece and the hope of unity through violent expansion or Rome’s vast nation; the might and power of the various legions under Persian control or the numerous soldiers of Sparta (these among many, just bringing these up in particular due to recent displays in pop media culture, ie: Gladiator, Alexander, 300) and the gates in which they defended - all have fallen. Through various uprisings and nations at the world’s throne, America has risen to the top of the ranks and is arguably #1.
Often times, America is even regarded as the “world’s police-” and how appropriate a title. From getting involved in the controversial Vietnam War to the occupancy of Iraq and the search for an international sense of democracy, the children of America have been screaming “mind your own business” for years, it would seem. Many would argue it started way before the Vietnam conflict - but for all intensive purposes, I simply won’t get into that - as in most cases, it’s all a matter of speculation and opinion.
I wonder, if you’re a super power.. is it your role to help others? And if you do try to help, are you truly helping - how can you? And who decides? Can it be that in attempting to lend a hand, you’re inadvertantly imposing some form of government or structure that needn’t be established in the first place? - as many would argue is the situation in the aforementioned States (Vietnam, Iraq). And then if you choose neutrality, what do you say to those that scream: “Save Darfur”? Wouldn’t that be asking the nation to play the very role that it has come under so much fire for..?
So many are quick to point out the flaws of America, but not enough are level-headed enough to see that it’s far harder to actually find solid solutions. Of course our government has its flaws - Iraq will forever display the blunt deficiency that we can produce at times, but when has true perfection ever been shown through a super power’s actions? It seems that there are far more people lying down in the wake of looming tanks about our heinous response to 9/11 than there were about the A-bombing of Japan after Pearl Harbor - I think it’s obvious to see which comeback was “more deserved,” and yet here we are.
Another point which needs to be addressed is the general feeling towards American soldiers. They rape, beat, and kill mercilessly and we spit on them. After a debatable defeat against Vietnam, witnessing brothers in arms massacred all around them, and losing limbs and blood on far away soil, soldiers were greeted not by parades or cheers but by protestors and all around hate. Funny that in the days of Ancient Rome, when soldiers raped and burned houses with people still in them, they returned home to smiles and flowers (literally)… they were honored.
I’m not saying rape is okay. I’m not saying entering Iraq for no reason is okay. What I am saying, is that there are no longer any solid lines which inform us as to what exactly is “okay” and just plain “wrong.” America, land of the free, has given its people so much freedom that hypocrisy is a seemingly daily event. Do you want soldiers to defend us or do you want our borders unprotected? If they’re there, is it okay to spit on them and protest their actions even though it’s a higher source that dictates those very actions?
I’m confuzzled. But… bottom line: America is not a failure… compared to the masters of commanding and conquering… the champions of nation prosperity.. the leaders of yesterday.. America is far more advanced (not only technologically but morally) - so give the old girl some credit!
