We’re the world’s only superpower: We spend as much on defense as all the other countries in the world, combined! If we become weak, guess what happens? Of course, that’s probably the plan...
Except we really aren't anymore. It is time we get our heads around that.
To wit:
Our dollar is worth but a fraction of what it once did, and it is heading south..
Superpowers loan money, not borrow it.
Superpowers have natural resources, and they use them to manufacture things. Those goods are then sold across the globe, making the superpower, well, a super power. We don't do that anymore.
Superpowers have strong leaders who are admired and respected around the world. We don't have that going on.
Superpowers make themselves critical to the economies and security of other nations. They all could survive just fine without us.
Superpowers hold education as one of the most priceless and valuable features of their culture. The US? Not so much. Most high school grads are no where near as smart as a 5th grader in India.
Superpowers have innovation and celebrate excellence in science and technology. What have we done lately? We have the iPad. And Google. And freaking Twitter.
Need I go on? We have the most amazing soldiers and sailors on the planet, but we no longer have the full force of a superpower government to back them up. Watch how fast we bail on Afghanistan.
The United States invented the concept of superpower. Now we can only hope for a seat at the table.
We were great once and we can be again. But start letting that idea sink in: sadly there is nothing super about America's power anymore.