Once, we were leaders...

[Bluebear]

in industry, science, culture, the arts.

Seems everything we used to esteem is now eschewed. Universities, lattes, anything a even bit refined is not "real" shit-kicking American.

South Korea becomes the world's leader in 21st century medicine. Who would have guessed that five years ago? We are ready to appoint a diplomat to the UN whose 'best' trait according to some is that he will "kick ass".

Sorry for the brief muse here, it just strikes me that besides being considered bullies our industries, medicine, arts, are going to be considered quaint and soon.

[Swamp Rat]

1. Now we are angry 3rd graders, running around insulting all the other kids,

and kicking over their school projects.

[Bluebear]

2. Indeed and THAT graphic rocks!

Ganz toll!

[Swamp Rat]

3. Thanks... it began as part of this pic, but became a work unto its own:

[Spider Jerusalem]

4. The result of complacency.

America got so used to being ahead that they quit running the race. And there's always been a strong undercurrent of anti-intellectualism and disdain for refinement in American culture; there's really nothing new in it.