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Cosmo

AnonAnon Posts: 11,175
edited October 2008 in A Moving Train
Everything i have written or read today, seems insignificant after reading Cosmo's post. Truer words have never been spoken.

Thank you Cosmo.
Cosmo wrote:
...
I believe we may be bearing witness to the decline of America as the world's leading Super Power. I also believe that History will record that this place and time is when we lost our grasp and the power of China rose to take our place.
Is it the end of America? NO. Remember, it wasn't all that long ago when Britania was the world's greatest Super Power. Did they disappear? NO. They remain a great country that enjoys Freedom and Democracy (they just need to let go of that bullshit figurehead Monarchy they got that the old guard is clinging to).
We have no one to blame but ourselves. Our greed and arrogance is our downfall. We were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to solidify our place as the World's Leader... a benevolent, caring Super Power who had more friends than enemies... but, we squandered it with our arrogance and self-righteousness. We **should** have... could have lead the world... but we decided to go it alone and lost the respect of both friends and enemies along the way. America has lost her way and we need to get her back on track. We may not be the leader in the future... but, it will not be the end of America... unless we let our arrogance destroy us.
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • AbuskedtiAbuskedti Posts: 1,917
    Cosmo is wise... has always been

    What is comforting about this and different is the very important recognition that we will not cease .. and can live on in peace and prosperity even after squandering our opportunity. What has transpired is embarassing, but it aint over till its over.
  • unsungunsung I stopped by on March 7 2024. First time in many years, had to update payment info. Hope all is well. Politicians suck. Bye. Posts: 9,487
    We still are the world's leader. Everytime any disaster hits anywhere we help, no matter where it happens.

    Our economic dominance may be at an end though. That started when we stopped building things and shipped jobs elsewhere, we are really hurting from it now.
    Cosmo wrote:
    ...I also believe that History will record that this place and time is when we lost our grasp and the power of China rose to take our place.

    In the meantime people keep shopping at Wal-Mart to save a buck on some garbage Chinese made t-shirt that falls apart after a few washes. I've said it before that people need to look at EVERYTHING that they buy, down to toothpaste. Sure there are some things that we have no choice but there are choices on almost everything. If you buy something made in a foreign country when there is a perfectly good USA made alternative then you are directly to blame for the problems we are having today. It is your fault.

    Personally I willingly pay more for American made goods because I have pride in my country and more importantly myself.


    Seriously when will people get it? How many problems have there been with Chinese made goods? Lead paint on toys, bad tires, melamine killing our pets, the list goes on and on. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    I'm glad to see that Cosmo blames himself. That's fitting.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • AnonAnon Posts: 11,175
    know1 wrote:
    I'm glad to see that Cosmo blames himself. That's fitting.
    What's fitting? Care to clue me in?
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    I think it's fitting in that I believe people who share similar philosophies about the economy, foreign policy, etc. as Cosmo are the ones bringing down the the U.S.. I was glad to see Cosmo admit that "we have no one to blame but ourselves". You don't see too many people accept responsibilities these days.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • dunkmandunkman Posts: 19,646
    unsung wrote:
    We still are the world's leader. Everytime any disaster hits anywhere we help, no matter where it happens.

    :confused:

    so does Britain.. does that make us world leaders also?
    oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
  • AnonAnon Posts: 11,175
    know1 wrote:
    I think it's fitting in that I believe people who share similar philosophies about the economy, foreign policy, etc. as Cosmo are the ones bringing down the the U.S.. I was glad to see Cosmo admit that "we have no one to blame but ourselves". You don't see too many people accept responsibilities these days.
    Thanks for contributing nothing to the conversation other than a sarcastic comment. If you disagreed you could've at least said why.
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    unsung wrote:
    In the meantime people keep shopping at Wal-Mart to save a buck on some garbage Chinese made t-shirt that falls apart after a few washes. I've said it before that people need to look at EVERYTHING that they buy, down to toothpaste. Sure there are some things that we have no choice but there are choices on almost everything. If you buy something made in a foreign country when there is a perfectly good USA made alternative then you are directly to blame for the problems we are having today. It is your fault.

    Personally I willingly pay more for American made goods because I have pride in my country and more importantly myself.


    Seriously when will people get it? How many problems have there been with Chinese made goods? Lead paint on toys, bad tires, melamine killing our pets, the list goes on and on. WAKE UP PEOPLE!

    hey ... what you are espousing are socialist ideologies ... be careful ... :p
  • AnonAnon Posts: 11,175
    dunkman wrote:
    :confused:

    so does Britain.. does that make us world leaders also?
    You know what i've noticed here Dunk. It's not like Britian or Australia and New Zealand where we have close ties with each other and respect each other as allies. Here, i see this so often, it's like there's the US and the rest of the world just doesn't exist. Just ask them, whatever you can do, they can do better, and it's their way or the highway. I don't know if it's because their country is so much bigger than ours or what it is, but it's very different.

    I mean the rivalry between Australia and the Poms and the Sheep shaggers is friendly, we genuinely like each other, but here, the rivalry between canada and the US is not at all friendly.
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    Pj_Gurl wrote:
    You know what i've noticed here Dunk. It's not like Britian or Australia and New Zealand where we have close ties with each other and respect each other as allies. Here, i see this so often, it's like there's the US and the rest of the world just doesn't exist. Just ask them, whatever you can do, they can do better, and it's their way or the highway. I don't know if it's because their country is so much bigger than ours or what it is, but it's very different.

    I mean the rivalry between Australia and the Poms and the Sheep shaggers is friendly, we genuinely like each other, but here, the rivalry between canada and the US is not at all friendly.

    having been to NZ twice and Australia and traveled much of the US ... i would say you're off the mark here ...

    US-Canada relations are great at the person level ... here in Canada, we often criticize americans for this that and the other but it's not malicious ... we get along quite well ...

    i would say we're no different than how aussies treat and feel about kiwis ...
  • saveuplifesaveuplife Posts: 1,173
    Pj_Gurl wrote:
    Everything i have written or read today, seems insignificant after reading Cosmo's post. Truer words have never been spoken.

    Thank you Cosmo.


    Personally, I don't see why it's such a great post. It's common sense to say 1st place will at some point in time drop to 2nd. To say that's happening now, is a bit more of a risk. But, a "wow" statement it is not.

    As for the substance, emerging-markets (like China) are going to get crushed by a fall in U.S. consumption. We still hold the world economy on our shoulders and will for the forseeable future (look at the dollar recently). China may surpass us, but it won't be any time soon and it won't be because of this particular recession.
  • lalalalaaaaaaaalalalalaaaaaaaa Posts: 2,445
    There's no such thing as a "a benevolent, caring Super Power". Once you look at how that nation became a superpower in the first place, it's obvious how delusional it is to think that one nation can peacefully "lead the world". History makes that incredibly clear. Every empire falls for the same basic reasons, and none of them ever had a chance to prevent it, because they're all inherently evil.
  • AnonAnon Posts: 11,175
    polaris wrote:
    having been to NZ twice and Australia and traveled much of the US ... i would say you're off the mark here ...

    US-Canada relations are great at the person level ... here in Canada, we often criticize americans for this that and the other but it's not malicious ... we get along quite well ...

    i would say we're no different than how aussies treat and feel about kiwis ...
    I probably didn't explain properly what i meant. I definitely did not want to come across as 'bashing'the US because i clearly love it here and it's my home now. When i first moved here, conversation would come up about things like the war in Iraq for an example, and most people i spoke to didn't even know that Australia has military there to support the US soldiers. I found that amazing. Then i would hear comments like 'how many troops' and it was almost like pfffft that's such a small insignificant amount. Coming from a small country like Australia, we had such close ties with our Allies like Britian and New Zealand and we knew what they were up to. Maybe that's because we were so remote there. I don't know.

    Here it just feels like like we (USA) are on our own. That's what i mean. Hopefully i explained that better this time.
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    Pj_Gurl wrote:
    I probably didn't explain properly what i meant. I definitely did not want to come across as 'bashing'the US because i clearly love it here and it's my home now. When i first moved here, conversation would come up about things like the war in Iraq for an example, and most people i spoke to didn't even know that Australia has military there to support the US soldiers. I found that amazing. Then i would hear comments like 'how many troops' and it was almost like pfffft that's such a small insignificant amount. Coming from a small country like Australia, we had such close ties with our Allies like Britian and New Zealand and we knew what they were up to. Maybe that's because we were so remote there. I don't know.

    Here it just feels like like we (USA) are on our own. That's what i mean. Hopefully i explained that better this time.

    oh ... if that's what you meant - then you're spot on!
  • unsungunsung I stopped by on March 7 2024. First time in many years, had to update payment info. Hope all is well. Politicians suck. Bye. Posts: 9,487
    dunkman wrote:
    :confused:

    so does Britain.. does that make us world leaders also?


    I would consider Great Britain one of the leaders, yes. I'd probably also include Germany and Japan, possibly Canada.
  • dunkmandunkman Posts: 19,646
    unsung wrote:
    I would consider Great Britain one of the leaders, yes. I'd probably also include Germany and Japan, possibly Canada.


    oh so its a shared thing now?

    unsung wrote:
    We still are the world's leader. Everytime any disaster hits anywhere we help, no matter where it happens.

    leader (singular)
    oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    unsung wrote:
    I would consider Great Britain one of the leaders, yes. I'd probably also include Germany and Japan, possibly Canada.

    canada is not a world leader in anything ... we used to be on some issues ... not anymore ... we are world derailers ...
  • dunkmandunkman Posts: 19,646
    polaris wrote:
    canada is not a world leader in anything


    surely Maple Syrup exports?
    oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    dunkman wrote:
    surely Maple Syrup exports?

    how could i forget!?? ... hockey players and maple syrup!
  • dignindignin Posts: 9,338
    polaris wrote:
    having been to NZ twice and Australia and traveled much of the US ... i would say you're off the mark here ...

    US-Canada relations are great at the person level ... here in Canada, we often criticize americans for this that and the other but it's not malicious ... we get along quite well ...

    i would say we're no different than how aussies treat and feel about kiwis ...
    i have also traveled most of the US and i agree that its a great country with wonderful people, i think the problem is there government, and the 2 party system that elects these governments.
  • dignindignin Posts: 9,338
    polaris wrote:
    canada is not a world leader in anything ..
    greenhouse gases :)
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    yield6 wrote:
    greenhouse gases :)

    oh right ... i thought we were talking about something positive ... :)
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    Saturnal wrote:
    There's no such thing as a "a benevolent, caring Super Power". Once you look at how that nation became a superpower in the first place, it's obvious how delusional it is to think that one nation can peacefully "lead the world". History makes that incredibly clear. Every empire falls for the same basic reasons, and none of them ever had a chance to prevent it, because they're all inherently evil.
    ...
    What is said was we should have... and could have become a benevolent, caring Super Power. But, we didn't. We failed to learn from the lessons of other empires and instead of going a different route... we tread upon the same path that lead to... and will lead us to our decline.
    And I DO believe we could have lead the world. After the attacks of september 11, 2001... we had an outpouring of empathy. People who thought we were assholes even said, "Man... you didn't deserve that". I believe that with the right leadership, we could have convinced the rest world that this terrorism must end. Gang up the entire world community to end this bullshit. Yeah, it would have been long and difficult... but, aren't ALL tough problems difficult to solve? And by Lead.. I do NOT mean Rule.
    The path we had chosen shut down all that. Now... those people that were leaning towards us after September 11 are saying... "Man... you guys ARE assholes. Maybe you DID deserve it".
    Like it or not... we are Rome. We are not evil... just arrogant with a sense of self-righteousness and a serious case of narcissism. The people of Rome probably thought they were doing good for the world... road building, running water, leading technology, arts, culture. But, what was the Roman Empire doing in those far away lands? Economic expansion and imperialism with the best interests of Rome at the forefront. Sound familiar?
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    Cosmo wrote:
    Like it or not... we are Rome. We are not evil... just arrogant with a sense of self-righteousness and a serious case of narcissism. The people of Rome probably thought they were doing good for the world... road building, running water, leading technology, arts, culture. But, what was the Roman Empire doing in those far away lands? Economic expansion and imperialism with the best interests of Rome at the forefront. Sound familiar?

    that is dead-on correct and will fall on deaf ears....
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    unsung wrote:
    We still are the world's leader. Everytime any disaster hits anywhere we help, no matter where it happens.
    Our economic dominance may be at an end though. That started when we stopped building things and shipped jobs elsewhere, we are really hurting from it now.
    In the meantime people keep shopping at Wal-Mart to save a buck on some garbage Chinese made t-shirt that falls apart after a few washes. I've said it before that people need to look at EVERYTHING that they buy, down to toothpaste. Sure there are some things that we have no choice but there are choices on almost everything. If you buy something made in a foreign country when there is a perfectly good USA made alternative then you are directly to blame for the problems we are having today. It is your fault.
    Personally I willingly pay more for American made goods because I have pride in my country and more importantly myself.
    Seriously when will people get it? How many problems have there been with Chinese made goods? Lead paint on toys, bad tires, melamine killing our pets, the list goes on and on. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
    ...
    The problem is... it is too late. As a company... how do you compete with the juggernaut that is the potential of the Chinese Manufacturing machine? You don't. Those manufacturing jobs we had are gone... and they aren't coming back.
    We are turning towards a retail and service employed middle class. And with that, more well paid union manufacturing middle class Americans will slide down the pay scale, than rise to the multi-millionaire executive class. There are those very few at the top... more of our middle class sliding down and a few of us clinging on to our middle class jobs. As an example, look at that AIG execs meeting at a California resort that cost $440,000.00. To them... that's just like the business trip you get sent on where you stay at the Marriot and eat at the Outback Steakhouse. To them... this is what they are used to... $440,000.00 is chump change to them... a mere business expense. That is the gap that we see... but, they do not. Our Middle Class is eroding.
    The new Global Middle Class is India and China. A couple of Billion strong. When China comes online at her full potential... she will have 2 billion local (Chinese) consumers. Add the Indians (India) and it is almost 40% of the entire world's population. Will she need us any more?
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • even flow?even flow? Posts: 8,066
    I didn't read a bad word about capitalism in Cosmo's rant? I think he may have just forgot to add how that sped up the downfall.
    You've changed your place in this world!
  • lalalalaaaaaaaalalalalaaaaaaaa Posts: 2,445
    Cosmo wrote:
    ...
    What is said was we should have... and could have become a benevolent, caring Super Power. But, we didn't. We failed to learn from the lessons of other empires and instead of going a different route... we tread upon the same path that lead to... and will lead us to our decline.
    And I DO believe we could have lead the world. After the attacks of september 11, 2001... we had an outpouring of empathy. People who thought we were assholes even said, "Man... you didn't deserve that". I believe that with the right leadership, we could have convinced the rest world that this terrorism must end. Gang up the entire world community to end this bullshit. Yeah, it would have been long and difficult... but, aren't ALL tough problems difficult to solve? And by Lead.. I do NOT mean Rule.
    The path we had chosen shut down all that. Now... those people that were leaning towards us after September 11 are saying... "Man... you guys ARE assholes. Maybe you DID deserve it".
    Like it or not... we are Rome. We are not evil... just arrogant with a sense of self-righteousness and a serious case of narcissism. The people of Rome probably thought they were doing good for the world... road building, running water, leading technology, arts, culture. But, what was the Roman Empire doing in those far away lands? Economic expansion and imperialism with the best interests of Rome at the forefront. Sound familiar?

    Superpowers become superpowers through evil deeds....invasions, economic strangling, etc. etc. They don't become superpowers by being nice and trying to "lead" the world. I still think it's delusional to think otherwise. The US is no different, and its evil started well before September 11th.
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    Saturnal wrote:
    Superpowers become superpowers through evil deeds....invasions, economic strangling, etc. etc. They don't become superpowers by being nice and trying to "lead" the world. I still think it's delusional to think otherwise. The US is no different, and its evil started well before September 11th.
    ...
    Regardless of that. The opportunity I see is the reaction... of other countries... after the attacks. Yeah... there were/are some who celebrated the attacks... but, many more that thought were were assholes... but, didn't deserve it.
    I believe we could have used that opportunity to band with the others... by setting aside our own personal loss.. and worked towards ending terrorism... or, at least, making it a terrible career choice for people... including their financial backers.
    But... like you said... we didn't. I feel we lost that once in a lifetime opportunity because we chose the evil way through the door of anger, hatred and vengence.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • RolandTD20KdrummerRolandTD20Kdrummer Posts: 13,066
    Saturnal wrote:
    Superpowers become superpowers through evil deeds....invasions, economic strangling, etc. etc. They don't become superpowers by being nice and trying to "lead" the world. I still think it's delusional to think otherwise. The US is no different, and its evil started well before September 11th.

    no no you're just being paranoid, insecure, and delusional....

    it's all just random chance what's going on right now.

    The MIC angle is a hoax and overblown. This is what I'm reminded of here all the time.
    Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
    and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
    over specific principles, goals, and policies.

    http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg

    (\__/)
    ( o.O)
    (")_(")
  • TrailerTrailer Posts: 1,431
    Pj_Gurl wrote:
    but here, the rivalry between canada and the US is not at all friendly.

    While I know you explained yourself later in the thread.. I just wanted to reiterate that I, nor anyone I know, feels this way. I think Canada is a great country and have always felt the same amount of love and respect back from them. I don't know about Planet Hoth:p.. but the Canada/US rivalry is definitely friendly over here in California.
    Whoa, chill bro... you know you can't raise your voice like that when the lion's here.
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