| Slimebeast said: America is simply too strong to fall. The most powerful civilization in history after Rome. This may sound slightly ironic since we all know Rome fell, but I truly believe history won't repeat itself in America's case. |
The following is nothing personal, but a general observation.
As a European, statements like this make me... 'sick'. It really shows the 'arrogance', that many Americans... No that's not the best word... It shows the blinded patriotism many Americans seem to possess. Maybe I just have some 'Old World sentiment', or we get taught different things in school, but for the outsider it seems a lot of Americans think they somehow live in an impervious paradise. I will never forget a customs officer on an airport in the US when I went there several years ago. He said the following after looking at my passport;
"Mmmm, Netherlands, a long way from home I see. I'd never leave the US, it's much safer here."
I thought, okay, whatever, I can like name a dozen countries where it's a lot safer. Besides stuff like this, I hate to break it to anyone, but the US is neither the 'wealthiest' nor the 'most powerful' nor the 'greatest' nor the 'most prosperous' nation in history after Rome (or whenever). First, the US is not the biggest economy either, the Eurozone is. Second, at the height of their power, the British Empire and the Spanish Empire would run laps around the US. Hell, even the Dutch Empire would do that. You own half the world? No, but the English did. You discovered basically every bit of land known to man? No, but the Spanish/Portuguese have. You have more money than the rest of the world combined? No, but the Dutch did.
The fall of all of them, and the Romans, proves no nation is big enough or strong enough to fall.
I agree with the second part of the posted quote though, I don't believe any of today's bigger nations will 'fall' any time soon. This economical crisis that is going on is not something the world hasn't faced before. Besides, today most nations have strong diplomatic connections and agreements to help each other out. Also, it's not bad perse that a country is in debt, the most important thing is that that debt is not increasing. Countries aren't out to make profit, they just need to break even. But that seems to be the problem nowadays I guess.
As a side-note, I know there are lots and lots of very friendly people over there in the US and I hope I didn't step on too many toes with above rant.
I only went to New York (but the airport I talked about wasn't in NYC) and basically everyone I met was friendly, helpful and considerate. Going there was also one of the best vacations I ever had, I gladly want to go again (especially when my parents teased me by going to Florida) to see more! Also, you're basically the only country that produces good movies and music 
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