Which Way

There can be no disputing the fact that The United States of America is a beacon of hope within human history, living proof that prosperity and freedom can be achieved and maintained. The nation had the good fortune to achieve its independence at a time when the lofty ideals of inherent human equality and dignity were circulating through enlightenment Europe, and those ideals came to America.

Abundant natural resources, and enlightened thinking from Europe were the two great pillars upon which American success were and are predicated.  Without the English and French America as we know it would not exist. Other than jazz and baseball, American culture is derived, and even baseball is an offshoot of English sport. The strength of America is that the entire world contributed to its construction.

My entire life intellectuals have been forecasting the decline of America. Why not? Every other civilization has either perished entirely or evolved into something unrecognizable.

We must assume that nothing is inevitable, because we must assume that we have the power to construct and improve, rather than perish.

At long last we seem to be at least making a beginning effort to wisely utilize natural resources.

Have we begun too late?

Every generation condemns war, yet every generation unleashes yet more war. The United States and the entire world seem to be precariously poised between annhilation and a thriving future.

Obviously changes must be made. The extent to which we openmindedly accept  positive change and courageously discard traditional but destructive social institutions will determine our future.