Current Events — HabitableZone

Current Events » in reply to Imagine the world today without America

A shining city on the hill
Robert — (archived)

You're right, Lee. And I'd say that my position is, in an odd but real way, a conservative one: I don't want America to abandon the principles which have made us a "shining city on the hill".

Empire, or hegemony, or whatever you want to call the neocon doctrine of being king of the hill, "America uber alles", is incompatible with the principles of a republic and of democracy. It's a paradox to try to spread freedom and democracy at gunpoint, and we'll lose ourselves trying.

We're at a crossroads in history with analogies to the late 18th century in North America. Down one path lies the peaceful federation of states that would become the United States of America. Down another path, the one that never happened, the strongest colony, New York (I guess it was), conquered the other 12 and bent them to its will to forge a North American Empire. Would that empire be as respected and emulated as the United States? As successful in the long run?

So it is today. The US could lead the way to a planetary federation that brings peace and prosperity and freedom, as first among equals; or it could try to become the 21st century Rome.

You already know which path I want my country to take. Bush wants to take the other path, and I grieve for America.

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