FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
"America must manage its decline."
That's the title of a sobering piece in the Financial Times.
The article explores what the U.S. must do to come to terms with its changing role in the world. If the U.S. and its leaders could actually acknowledge that our global power is in decline today, it would be easier to figure out what comes next.
But politics being what it is, big surprise that no one is being honest here. Instead, it's practically unacceptable to suggest that there may be no "coming back" for the United States of America. And that is the cold, hard truth: There may very well be no coming back.
For now, the U.S. is still the world's largest economy and the top military and diplomatic power. But - a time when China will become the largest economy doesn't seem all that far away.
This article suggests that's why now is the time for America to have a "rational debate about what 'relative decline' means." Decline may not necessarily mean the end of prosperity, but it likely means making choices and alliances.
Turns out, those who refuse to even talk about decline may actually speed up the whole process. By not addressing our changing position in the world, we won't be dealing with other issues that need attention now: Things like deficits and educational reform.
Lastly, the Financial Times article says managing decline has as much to do with psychology as with politics or economics.
Listen, because this is interesting:
Britain had an easier go of it at the end of World War II because it was essentially handing over superpower status to the U.S., a country with a shared heritage. But this could be a much more difficult task for the U.S. if we have to eventually hand over power to China.
Here’s my question to you: Is America in denial about its decline?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Susan:
Yes. All I hear is that this is the greatest country in the world. This is nothing but propaganda. And people are drinking the Kool-Aid by believing this nonsense. Our educational system and health care system are rated at the bottom compared to other countries. Our infrastructure is crumbling. The only thing this country knows how to do is war. War. War. War. And that's where all of the tax money that could go to other things goes. To the Pentagon. It's a shame what has happened to the USA. When I retire, I am leaving here for good. And I won't miss any of it.
Ann in Charleston, South Carolina:
I think so. I don't think Americans see a global economy. Americans want merchandise made in America, yet they don't want to pay the price of American-made goods. Many don't see that our lifestyle of consumerism is ruining the planet. There seems to be a sense that if one goes to church, one is a Christian and all is well with our country while our moral fiber is deteriorating all around us and greed pervades our society. The values that made our country great are slowly disappearing.
Steve:
No, I don’t think America is in denial; I think the government is.
J.K. in Minnesota:
It depends on who you talk to, Jack. I'm sure the 1% doesn't think so. But the U.S. is looking more and more like it to me. The wealth and power in so few hands. A big hand goes to the Supreme Court in their Citizens United ruling. It's sad when it's thought a corporation is a person.
Peter on Facebook:
What decline? Only the "left" thinks we are declining. Everyone else thinks it is just a bad patch that will smooth out as soon as we can get rid of the apologist currently in power in D.C.
Mr. Nero:
I can't hear you, Jack. I'm busy fiddling.