In the Twilight of Empire: America’s past performance is no guarantee of a future

[marmar]

from In These Times:



In the Twilight of Empire
America’s past performance is no guarantee of a future.

BY Jeff Faux


Historians who look back to our time will surely conclude that our problem was not that we didn’t know where we were headed, it was that we didn’t act on what we knew.

Before the financial crash of 2008-2009 and the Great Recession that followed, there was ample warning. Whether you were a journalist who reported the news, a politician who made the news, or a citizen who read or watched the news, it was hard not to be aware that for the past 30 years, the following had been happening:

Most Americans experienced stagnant real incomes, shrinking financial security and fraying social safety nets.

The nation bought more from the rest of the world than it had been selling and was borrowing to finance the difference.

Despite the erosion of U.S. economic power, the governing class—Democrats and Republicans alike—insisted on maintaining its global hegemony, whatever the cost. ....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/13629/in_the_twilight_of_empire

[xchrom]

1. This is a really good read. Nt

[leveymg]

2. Sometimes it helps to be reminded of the basics.

The first lesson for empires in decline -- as proven time, and time again, from the Romans to the Russians -- is not to further overextend themselves by risky military adventures.

The second is to cut off overly-demanding, costly alliances and far-flung possessions and colonies that do not pay for themselves.

The third is to avoid relationships built upon dependency upon foreign powers and external debt.

The fourth, and perhaps most important to avoid collapse at the center, is to never allow a colony to exert control over decisions that potentially impact the survival of both.

[renko]

3. Well 30-40% of Americans know, the rest are mentally ill teabaggers or those rendered

...confused and indecisive by the ReichWing Goebbel's propaganda machine.

[raccoon]

4. Great article. I'd like to quote from it:

To bring a different future within our grasp, we must first also abandon hope that our current political system will deliver it. We must face the reality—not just the easy “plague on both their houses” attitude that is so often an excuse for refusing the obligations of citizenship—that no established party (not the Democrats, not the Republicans) so dependent on money from the reactionary rich and the globalizing corporations will act to alter our economic trajectory.

[Hab Habit]

5. But you were never meant to be Empire

I have read your founding documents, my friends. A kingdom was never intended.