Which Way Is America Heading?
At this historic moment, as climate-change-induced resource wars appear imminent and spontaneous revolutionary fervor is erupting around the world, it would be good for the people of America, and those who want to be America, to do a bit of soul searching. It would be wise to take this opportunity to ask some fundamental questions about US foreign policy which are continually ignored. Why do we maintain an all-but-irreversible worldwide system of over 1,000 military bases, stations and outposts? Why do our troops serve on the soil of 175 of the 192 member states of the United Nations? And why, at a time when our national debt is spiraling ominously out of control, are we spending more on our military than all the rest of the nations of the world combined?
Of course, the deeper psychological question at the heart of all this is: What are we so afraid of? Why are we trying so hard to control everything? Why can’t we relax and be less fearful of the other? And then, finally, there is this inspiring and uplifting question to ponder: Can we rediscover our ideals as a nation and learn once again how to cast that magical soft-power spell which so enthralled most of humanity in the decades after World War II?
Or is it too late now?
72 comments on the article “Which Way Is America Heading?”
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resurgam
Maybe it is too late. Maybe the change that wil be intertwined with our destinies in a tangible sense is unavoidable. That further begs the question: Does humankind even have a destiny? I mean, really? If so, can we rely on human ingenuity to save us all? I think that is one of the prevailing attitudes with alot of people I talk to when discussing the changes and challenges we face. They think that without a doubt, human intelligence and our capacity for survival will get us out of this rut. I think for one we need to look at what caused this "rut"- and go from there. We cannot repeat the mistakes we have made in the past. Getting at the root cause of everything without bias, idealistic envisioning or preconceived notions would be tantamount to uncovering an untapped reservoir of human potential. We need to somehow, someway weed out the ones that do not have humanity's best interest at hand. Without doing this, we wil let these unenlightened and disingenuous take us into even darker times.
resurgam
Maybe it is too late. Maybe the change that wil be intertwined with our destinies in a tangible sense is unavoidable. That further begs the question: Does humankind even have a destiny? I mean, really? If so, can we rely on human ingenuity to save us all? I think that is one of the prevailing attitudes with alot of people I talk to when discussing the changes and challenges we face. They think that without a doubt, human intelligence and our capacity for survival will get us out of this rut. I think for one we need to look at what caused this "rut"- and go from there. We cannot repeat the mistakes we have made in the past. Getting at the root cause of everything without bias, idealistic envisioning or preconceived notions would be tantamount to uncovering an untapped reservoir of human potential. We need to somehow, someway weed out the ones that do not have humanity's best interest at hand. Without doing this, we wil let these unenlightened and disingenuous take us into even darker times.
tkaptur
I feel the same way, people don't give Hitler's "social darwinism" enough credit sometimes. Not condoning social fascism, but I feel the weak must be come strong or effectively weeded to the side. That sounds really horrible, it can be avoided if people would simply WAKE THE FUCK UP... FOR EXAMPLE, the guy that invented those Lays chips that are exactly like Pringles in the same style of container and everything, he/she should be shot in the face OR extremely RE-EDUCATED. It really makes me feel like a fascist, saying that stuff coz I really have faith people will evolve in time, I think sometimes they need a little extra motivation :)
The last capitalist we hang will be the one who sold us the rope. - Karl Marx
tkaptur
I feel the same way, people don't give Hitler's "social darwinism" enough credit sometimes. Not condoning social fascism, but I feel the weak must be come strong or effectively weeded to the side. That sounds really horrible, it can be avoided if people would simply WAKE THE FUCK UP... FOR EXAMPLE, the guy that invented those Lays chips that are exactly like Pringles in the same style of container and everything, he/she should be shot in the face OR extremely RE-EDUCATED. It really makes me feel like a fascist, saying that stuff coz I really have faith people will evolve in time, I think sometimes they need a little extra motivation :)
The last capitalist we hang will be the one who sold us the rope. - Karl Marx
Anonymous
Does anyone realize that this sort of thing is the exact problem with Marxism? The problem with wild, ecstatic, revolution is that it blinds everyone involved. Specifically:
1. No mater how much you control the economic system, you cannot control human behavior.
2. Not all problems are class-related.
3. Revolution always creates opportunists; for example, Stalin and Robespierre.
4. Marxism does not work everywhere, all of the time. For example, Marxism will not work in contemporary America because of our dependence on a capitalist relationship with China.
The reason I hate this magazine is that it focuses more on persuading people to revolt then on planning revolution.
We need to slow down and consider things instead of rushing into them; this is the difference between the Inca Empire (the only Socialist country that worked, so far), and North Korea.
Anonymous
Does anyone realize that this sort of thing is the exact problem with Marxism? The problem with wild, ecstatic, revolution is that it blinds everyone involved. Specifically:
1. No mater how much you control the economic system, you cannot control human behavior.
2. Not all problems are class-related.
3. Revolution always creates opportunists; for example, Stalin and Robespierre.
4. Marxism does not work everywhere, all of the time. For example, Marxism will not work in contemporary America because of our dependence on a capitalist relationship with China.
The reason I hate this magazine is that it focuses more on persuading people to revolt then on planning revolution.
We need to slow down and consider things instead of rushing into them; this is the difference between the Inca Empire (the only Socialist country that worked, so far), and North Korea.
tkaptur
The problem is not with Marxism, the problem is with the people interpreting it, as seen in the countries that have tried to "practice"in it, and those who have taken advantage of those honest attempts. There is a level of understanding that we all must come to before we can experience lasting change for the better. I'm from Michigan, the state is turning more and more fascist, radical points need to be made and radical people are needed. Can't say I'm a "Marxist", but it's surly food for the weary mind, a place to start building and planning for something better.
tkaptur
The problem is not with Marxism, the problem is with the people interpreting it, as seen in the countries that have tried to "practice"in it, and those who have taken advantage of those honest attempts. There is a level of understanding that we all must come to before we can experience lasting change for the better. I'm from Michigan, the state is turning more and more fascist, radical points need to be made and radical people are needed. Can't say I'm a "Marxist", but it's surly food for the weary mind, a place to start building and planning for something better.
tkaptur
actually i guess the way i think is pretty heavy into that marxist stuff, but hey what kind of planning are you talking about, where are you from
tkaptur
actually i guess the way i think is pretty heavy into that marxist stuff, but hey what kind of planning are you talking about, where are you from
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