We have a once in a lifetime opportunity as Americans, and we'd best wake up to the reality that if we throw it away in November, it's gone for everyone forever.
I submit that the US is not totally unique. It is a democracy, but a more deeply flawed one compared to some other democracies in this world.Canada is just as multi cultural, multi racial , multi ethnic, cross cultural and democratic .as the USA if not more so.....no America is not leading the way. (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland,New Zealand, Australia, are just as democratic are they not?) The idea of America is exceptionally great has led to hubris and other problems of 'manifest destiny.'. It is a country founded on slavery and genocide of the Indigenous peoples some might say.. I love America and I am happy to have left it for Canada. Why is it necessary for America to be the 'best; in every possible way? The American theme song is ' We have our problems but we are still the best?'Is that a useful idea or one that reeks of entitlement. If America cannot humble itself and work harder on its flaws it will never live up to its wonderful ideals. The American dream will continue to be a nightmare for many. America is not the Saviour of the world. Nor is it the policeman of the world with its misbegotten wars of adventurism and weapons of mass destruction.
I am wondering how you view the post-apartheid South African democracy in the light of your description of the American experiment. We have here one of the most enlightened constitutions in the world and, in spite of many failures and flagrant abuse of power by self-serving politicians, it remains a beacon of hope
I submit that the US is not totally unique. It is a democracy, but a more deeply flawed one compared to some other democracies in this world.Canada is just as multi cultural, multi racial , multi ethnic, cross cultural and democratic .as the USA if not more so.....no America is not leading the way. (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland,New Zealand, Australia, are just as democratic are they not?) The idea of America is exceptionally great has led to hubris and other problems of 'manifest destiny.'. It is a country founded on slavery and genocide of the Indigenous peoples some might say.. I love America and I am happy to have left it for Canada. Why is it necessary for America to be the 'best; in every possible way? The American theme song is ' We have our problems but we are still the best?'Is that a useful idea or one that reeks of entitlement. If America cannot humble itself and work harder on its flaws it will never live up to its wonderful ideals. The American dream will continue to be a nightmare for many. America is not the Saviour of the world. Nor is it the policeman of the world with its misbegotten wars of adventurism and weapons of mass destruction.
Well said! "Hate of the other" has no place in The United States of America where all of our ancestors came from elsewhere.
Interesting. Greetings again from South Africa.
I am wondering how you view the post-apartheid South African democracy in the light of your description of the American experiment. We have here one of the most enlightened constitutions in the world and, in spite of many failures and flagrant abuse of power by self-serving politicians, it remains a beacon of hope