Will the US remain a world power, if so how, if now why not?

If history is to be of any guidance, all great powers come to an end - the exception thus far has been US.
What has been the root of this exception or rather what various factors have contributed?
Will we be replaced? If so how? Implosion or out competed?
Or will we remain a super power?

One reason I do not think we would be removed from power externally is because unlike the traditional powers we do not colonize and we do not invade (save Iraq for now) - we stand the moral high ground.

So will we self-implode? This is problematic as long as we are too self-rightous and think of ourselves as top dog in everything - however we are not a monarchy nor are we a dictatorship - we are a democracy that changes itself every now and again, and overall the population has the means to "overthrow" the ruling party without a complete destruction of the governing power itself. So probably not - even though there is legislation that is troubling.

Your inputs?

 

We do not Invade??? Why are we in other Countries business?

I am so sorry to rain on your parade,but them two words invade, and dictatorship are the things that your Leader..Bush is doing and using. Having power do not last forever, and the only realistic meaning behind a Country having power or being powerful...is to have backup or support. That's how we have become a powerful force in the world. Which makes me think (or should I use the term wonder) just how powerful the United States would be without allies which includes the United Nations.

 

First of all, GrassRoot, President Bush is not a dictator. Look up the definition. He is not a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control and quite frankly, throwing that word around in an attempt to vilify our President is contributing to the decline in status that Eternal is describing. Chavez was just handed a dictatorship. The two most notable dictators of today are Fidel Castro and Kim Jong ll. There is no comparison between these men and our President. Intentionally repeating misleading and *untrue* statements is doing nothing to help the situation. What positive impact is making comments like that having? And... if you in fact do live in Michigan he is your President as well.

Eternal, I believe the reason our country has remained strong throughout our history is because of the people. Other than the blip in time during the Vietnam War and *now*, the people held onto a fundamental belief that we had a clear responsibility to unite behind a righteous cause. That does not mean that we viewed ourselves as self-righteous but that our country would always do what was presumed to be moral and fair to all. For the most part it was a correct presumption. The world saw this and respected what we stood for. Not all countries may have liked what they saw but they respected it. There is probably one phrase that stands out as being the most factual as any phrase that you have ever seen tossed about. 'United We Stand, Divided We Fall'. We are divided now. I don't want to point fingers because there is enough "blame" to go around for everyone to share. there is another little used phrase that comes to mind, 'Anytime you point your finger at someone else there are three more pointed back at you'. Get my point? The fact is, there isn't a country on this Earth that could take down the United States. We can and are doing it to ourselves. I believe as you mentioned, we are on the path to imploding and it is for purely selfish reasons. The left sees the world one way and the right can not fathom living a life any way but in a traditional way. Tradition is changing and at such a pace that unity, respect and sanctity are the casualities of it all. You mentioned the word "overthrow". To some that word looks like a good idea. I guess I have to wonder at what price?

What price is worth our selfish desires? Is it the country as a whole?

 

He's what I called him, and until he stop trying to rule the world he will be that to me. I do not like it one damn bit that we are at war or conflict with almost every country in the world. (NOTICED I SAID ALMOST). Pointing fingers at Bush is no big deal as far as I am concerned, and IF any person have a brain they would think before reacting. Another issue I have is with you Republicians is...you keep s**t going al the time, and yet you going to check me about misinformed statement..that's all Bush been doing is misleading. Can't you see that the price we are paying is with our troops lifes?

We do not or never did belong in Iraq, but it was because of the misleading
afforts of Bush look what we are into, and I will always stand my grounds on how I feel about the matter. In closing I never did vote neither time for Bushwhacker, and it was because of mis-counts in Florida & Ohio that Bush stolen the two elections.

 

Rather than turning this into personal attacks let's see if we can discuss this.

I asked you a question GrassRoots and I'd like to get your response, please. What positive impact is making comments like Bush being a dictator having in uniting our country?

First above all else, if President Bush was a dictator we wouldn't be having this conversation. A dictator controls everything including what the people say. If you speak out against the dictator or his regime you would find yourself imprisoned or worse yet, you would be dead.

You are also exaggerating when you say we are at war or conflict with *almost* every country in the world. There are how many countries in the world, approximately 200? I know there are at least 198 different countries that are members of the United Nations. How many are there that aren't? I think when you make comments like the one you did in regards of us being at conflict or War with *almost* every country in the world you should back up that claim with data. Almost implies a significant number, please back it up with data. That is fair, isn't it?

Whether or not you believe a person has been misleading does not justify being misleading yourself.

 

First of all, America has only been around for 231 years; so do not get cocky yet. The Roman Republic lasted 400 years before it evolved into an imperial government; and this was because the consuls (who were their Executives) brought more and more power to themselves through the years. Sound familiar?

I would say that we do have more effective oversight and checks & balances in our government than the Romans did; however, that still does not mean it is impossible. To be honest, Bush's recent remarks of "decision-maker" and "decider" have got me a little worried. What is to say he does not put a stay on the 2008 election because of a yellow-alert terrorist threat?

Something to think about, eh?

Arch.

 

Impossible, and you know it.

 

Hahaha. Allies like the UN?

All in all, this is the most incoherent post I've seen from you to date.

 

Excellent post, Interested.

Another reason that our country has survived for so long is because of our spirit -- that famed American spirit - the only country in the world that gives people the opportunity to go from "rags to riches" - the only country where people can go from nothing and make something of themselves.

Such a spirit drives innovation, ambition, and action -- all characteristics that have accumulated to make this country into the greatest one in the history of the planet.

SEMPER FI

 

Gimme a break. Most people in your country are forced to make the journey from rags. I love the way poverty becomes "opportunity" in your country.

And this "famed American spirit". The one which made you avoid most of WW1 (except to turn up at the end when the British had already won virtually on their own) and half of WW2 (because you thought Britian would be crsuhed by Germany within 6 weeks).

When it comes to "spirit", the British beat the Americans by a mile.

 

Hahaha. I'm not going to get into a Britain vs. U.S. debate with you. Britain has always had a superiority complex and always will.

BTW - How's your Royal Navy looking these days? (Couldn't help myself.)

 

Irony - oh, sorry, I forgot. Amercans don't get irony.

Well, let me explain - the irony: this is a post about: "Will America continue to be the most powerful country in the world and kick everyone elses asses for ever and ever?"

Your answer is: pretty much.

And then you accuse the British of having a superiority complex.

Hillarious.

The Royal Navy isn't doing so bad. You haven't managed to sink any of it - yet - by "accident".

Yeah, the American "spirit" is just great.

What was it your pilot said when he just missiled our armour and killed one of our guys - "That sucks".

He got that right.

 

Nice generalization, ass wipe. Might I suggest you take your landed elite, entrenched aristocracy, prep school, snobby university Socialist doctrine elsewhere.

You're damn right.

It is funny how you all are still bitter. The U.S. was the lowlifes, the rejects, the convicts, society's snakes (as Ben Franklin said) of Europe, specifically Britain, and within about 175 years we rose up to be more powerful, richer, stronger, and better looking than any European country -- or any country in the entire world for that matter. You struggle to acknowledge was has been a reality for decades. Britain is no longer a superpower. It hasn't been at all in the post-WW2 era, and it likely will never be one again.

Not bad? Pretty soon there won't be a Royal Navy. Presently, UK doesn't have enough money to fund a blue water navy and is cutting it in half.

 

Our army still commands respect. It has always been small, yet manged at the same time not to lose all that many wars. Unlike the extremely large American one.

Is it the "American Spirit" to try to avoid getting into the big, serious, dangerous wars, where you might actually get hurt (WW1+2) but be all to quick to go and put your "mighty" army up against a few peasants from some third world nation.

Name me one time America has actually stepped up to the plate against an decent opposition.

WW1 - came in when it was all over to cathc some glory. WW2 - only came in after had ass kicked in Pearl Harbour so had no choice. Cold War - backed out of any real conflict, just picked on some third world countries here and there (and still lost).

If you are so powerful, why are you such bully-boy cowards?

 

Look, I've spent close to two years over in the sandbox interacting with British troops -- they're not all you're cracking them up to be. They're sound fighters and I've gotten along with most of them very well, don't get me wrong, but if I had to go to war with only one ally, it would be Israel.

Having spent time with and trained with both the IDF and the British Army -- I know what I'm talking about.

Revolutionary War (1775) against Britain, War of 1812 against Britain, Spanish-American War (1898) against Spain, WW1 against Germany, WW2 against Germany, Japan.

In each of these conflicts, America was facing a larger, more powerful opponent -- and won.

You should allow history to play a part in your argument and you might be able to actually make an argument as opposed to rehashing the exact same things Brits have been saying since mid-20th century.

The U.S. was just coming into isolationist policy after the late 19th-century/early-20th century imperialist ventures, and thus, we had no reason to meddle in European affairs.

We finally did after the sinking of the Lusitania and Zimmerman telegram, and when we did, we kicked some ass.

Do me a favor and look up the "Siege of Kut". Let me know how this one turned out for the Brits.

Hahaha. Ass kicked at Pearl Harbor? It was an ambush. Saying we had our ass kicked implies that we lined up our armies, navies, and air force side by side and they beat us. Hardly the case...

Anyhow, we nevertheless entered the conflict and was a huge player in Allied victory. Don't forget also, the U.S. responded to Pearl Harbor with the fight against Japan -- had nothing to do w/ Europe. This battle in the Pacific was virtually unilateral -- and the U.S. defeated the world's strongest navy comprised of the most dedicated, fanatical troops in the entire war.

And then in Europe, without Patton, most of the country would be speaking German right now.

We didn't lose in Korea or Vietnam. That's just comical. In fact, it's actually impossible for an insurgency or guerilla war tactics to defeat a conventional army -- and defeat isn't even their purpose. The purpose is to prolong the war until the other side realizes that its not worth the time, money, effort, and life to continue the fight. It's what the NVA and VC did and its what the insurgents in Iraq are doing today.

BTW -- where was GB in the Cold War? It was Ronald "Evil Empire" Reagan and his tough rhetoric and increased arms race that expediated the collapse of the Soviet Union. Stalin and Krushchev were hardly cowards.