defining the definition of "strong" as well as the time period involved -- not just thinking about what was going on in the United States during any given period but also what was happening in the rest of the world at the same time. "Strong" is usulaly relative, at least to some degree.

Without question -- much is due to true principles and spirit laid out at our foundation-- the freedom and inspiration many embraced across all areas of life to live life and pursue their goals (which for human beings often focuses on economic growth, although not exclusively) in a country with plenty of natural resources and less government intrusion in certain areas (at least relative to many other countries). Also without question, this country was able to benefit at certain times with growth spurts that would not have otherwise been as possible without a mix of extremely wealthy and "driven" individuals across several key economic areas and deep resources of labor feeding key industries in ways that could not be duplicated today. Also, there is no ignoring some of the "conquering" we did in earlier days especially that helped us set the stage for the larger country that developed. It doesn't make us different than other countries, but it is part of the reality. The principles of freedom that we have tried to embrace from the start have generally won the day -- leading to policies that have favored things like more "free trade" -- an incredibly powerful econonimc stimulus over time -- and more of an embrace of immigration, which macro is usually tied to a pool of labor working at a harder and more efficient level.

All of these principles ebb and flow over time -- but overall, the U.S. has been a global leader in all of them as it has grown, especially for one that is physically larger and with its healthy mix of natural resources. We have usually rejected the type of populism, deeply inward looking mentality and heavy-handed government that has hurt so many other countries over time. We see it in patches for sure, but have never adopted this mentality for a true extended period of time or across the entire country. When we have, it has moved the country backwards.

It will be interesting to see what we do going forward.


[Post edited by fishhoo at 01/31/2024 11:23AM]