The state of the American Empire

The financial crisis that is gripping the United State and the world had prompted me to think about the state of American Empire. Throughout history, all empires have eventually fallen – Greeks, Romans, Spanish, etc. What is the state of the American Empire? I don’t think it is on the rise, but perhaps just past its peak, just on the downfall.

I am not sure what has been the cause of the downturn of prior empires. In the case of the American Empire, I feel Americans may have gotten “soft”. I question that the principals, work ethic, persistence, and ingenuity may not be there like they once were.

One word that comes to mind is “entitlement”. Americans seem to have a sense of entitlement. They feel entitled to own a home, they feel entitled that their homes increase in value by double digit percentages each year, they feel entitled to own their own transportation (regardless of its effects on the environment), they feel entitled to have their nest eggs grow each year, they feel entitled to afford $4 for a cup of coffee.

Opportunity seems to have been replaced with entitlement. Given that one works hard, is persistent, is innovative, and also has some luck, one can achieve through opportunity. Achievement can then breed entitlement. In today’s society, opportunity seems to be a bystander- along with its ingredients and implications – and entitlement is assumed.

So, what is next? Maybe the American empire can extend or reinvigorate itself. Being a melting pot, perhaps immigrants to this country can sustain the American spirit. Or, maybe the American Empire with be the last empire as we know it. With globalization is there really the impetus for one country to represent a dominance?

Related Links: http://www.newsweek.com/id/166821