The Place of the USA

The Place of the USA Today

What is the place of the USA in today's world?

I asked a sensitive Russian friend this question and she made this reply:

"The main problem with the USA today is an arrogance of power that can lead that nation into abrupt and aggressive actions without taking time to reach carefully thought out and planned decisions. This unbalanced use of power can lead to extreme situations and dangers-not only for Americans, but for the world.

"There is presently a great likelihood of extreme changes in America, with national policies meeting with great obstacles in internal and external relations.

"The greatest strength and advantage of America at present is the strong unity between it's borders; a unity of it's peoples which have been gathered from every part of the world to become a single nation. This subconscious harmony is it's greatest strength.

"For generations, America has attracted to its shores the best and the hardest working people from all over the world and this has contributed greatly to its history of wealth, creative genius and success in every field. The Americans still believe in "The American Dream" and hope that its past traditions of harmony and happily fulfilled life-potentiality will prevail.

"Now is an important time for Americans to pause, study and make careful decisions which will determine their future and the world's long term good.

"Unfortunately, I sense a certain blindness on the part of Americans, because of the arrogance of power, which will probably lead to continuous quarrels in the future.

"If the USA does not limit its present aggressive and quarrelsome stance, it's influence in the world will decline and perhaps even ignominiously end. America may be its own worst enemy because of self-satisfaction and the arrogant use of power.

"The world presently sees the United States as the most powerful leader. People outside and even inside America do not yet see its tragic flaw and this illusory appearance of power is to the USA's great advantage at this time

"America can retain much of its authority through diligent hard work, attention to details and careful craftsmanship in all fields--politics, economics and even personal relationships.

"It is therefore important that Americans pause for rest and contemplation--to make no moves without adequate thought and planning.

"America's unquestioned world leadership is gradually waning. This may be inevitable because of the world's evolution into a global political unity. This loss of national power will probably be slow and will not necessarily be terrible--especially if Americans adjust calmly and accept the changes as natural. This is the time for Americans to stop, plan, think and attempt to develop peace, harmony and a rich inner life.

"Americans should continue to develop humility, spirituality and deep friendly love (Not just institutionalised charity). This is a difficult path for a young warrior nation, but necessary-and it is time to begin."

August 1999

Tomasito, 2008

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