Americas Greatest Strength

**Gaius Scribonius Curio** · 10-14-2008, 01:35

I disagree. While there are many Americans who do adapt and take on new ideas, there are equally many who do not. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as a constantly shifting set of values would mean a loss of identity, which I think is what TuffStuffMcGruff is trying to say. That said to restrict ideology to a particular channel can also be dangerous.

I feel that part of this problem is America's idealisation of itself. It is hard to take other ideas into account when, as Koga mentioned above, America believes itslef to be the best. This can lead to the mentality that to take other ideas from 'lesser countries' on board is to lessen the idea of America. The rhetoric which has led to the US President being hailed as the 'Leader of the Free World' is a symptom of this. It has also led to the kind of arrogance which leads the US to try to force their ideology of democracy (the best form of governance, of course) on countries which do not necessarily have any great yearning to be 'freed'. Quite apart from the hypocrisy of the 'Free world' invading another country.

Please recognise that I'm not trying to attack the USA, merely demonstrate that I disagree with the OP.

**Strike For The South** · 10-14-2008, 01:43

The United States identity is not Juedo-Christian granted it is led by people who think that and given current immigration and birth rate trends that will continue. The USA is based on "life liberty and a pursuit of happiness" A commitment to freedom no matter your race or creed. A belief that hard work and responsibility can conquer all

To take a page out of Tuffs book

I support America as long as she remains a beacon for the oppressed and downtrodden who wish nothing more than to come here work hard and make something of themselves. I could care less if we spread democracy.

**Gaius Scribonius Curio** · 10-14-2008, 01:50

Now that's harmless idealisation. I can live with that.

**Strike For The South** · 10-14-2008, 01:51

Originally Posted by Gaius Scribonius Curio

Now that's harmless idealisation. I can live with that.

We accept more immigrants than anywhere else and it has done nothing but make us the strongest nation on Earth.

**atheotes** · 10-14-2008, 16:31

Disagree

Originally Posted by Strike For The South

...
...she remains a beacon for the oppressed and downtrodden who wish nothing more than to come here work hard and make something of themselves. ...

I think that is Americas greatest strength..results in a country built upon hard and honest work .

**Viking** · 10-14-2008, 16:49

Such absoluteness, hum hum. I'd say that the US' greatest strength is a product of: sheer size multiplied with population multiplied with economy multiplied with technological standard.

But of course..uh...strength in which respect?

**Martok** · 10-14-2008, 17:05

Originally Posted by Viking

Such absoluteness, hum hum. I'd say that the US' greatest strength is a product of: sheer size multiplied with population multiplied with economy multiplied with technological standard.

But of course..uh...strength in which respect?

You read my mind, Viking.

Although I would also add "multiplied by its abundance of natural resources".

**Louis VI the Fat** · 10-14-2008, 17:11

I disagree with Viking and Martok. I think that Viking's qualities are a result of America's strenghts, not a cause.

Originally Posted by Viking

sheer size multiplied with population multiplied with economy multiplied with technological standard.

As for natural resources, they're vastly overrated. The Congo, Iraq, Venezuela - they have natural resources. Japan doesn't have any. Switzerland neither. Not much in the way of them for Denmark, Belgium, Hong Kong or Singapore either.

**Yoyoma1910** · 10-14-2008, 17:13

Disagree...

America's greatest strength lies in our closely guarded secrets concerning atomic weapons. As long as no one else has them, nobody can touch us. And good thing those are airtight secure.

**Viking** · 10-14-2008, 18:06

Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

I disagree with Viking and Martok. I think that Viking's qualities are a result of America's strenghts, not a cause.

Hm... I think that if we blew up the average European country to American standards, we'd have another USA; all but culturally. Not every great invention happened in the U.S., not every great corporation is based off U.S. soil. The more great inventions and corporations from the same country, the greater the cultural impact and the greater the country compares to the outside world.

I think that the U.S. is a part of the larger "Western World"; to which a large number of countries belong. They all have in common wealth and high living standards. What sets U.S. apart is this:
In the measure of area, the US is only beaten by Canada; and in the measure of population, it wins by a long shot (US' 300 mill vs. Germany's 82, that's the closest) (couple of interesting links here and here)