American society's internal decline and economic vulnerability

American Society

American Decline: An Internal Crumbling

A debate has waged regarding American society and the state of the government that heads and in many ways typifies it pretty much since this society was first established, and even during the Colonial period. The debate now is no longer over whether or not a democratic nation will be able to fare well in the world, but whether this particular democratic nation has taken the extremes of self-reliance, self-determination, and pure capitalism too far and is about to suffer dire consequences for it. Some argue that the lack of educational standards and an increasing complacency coupled with a desire for reduced government guidance has left America morally and financially bankrupt, and that the country is headed for ruin if it is not already largely there. Others dismiss these suggestions as fanatical folly, noting the extreme size of the American economy, growing American productivity, and continuing American ingenuity. These things appear to be the remnants of sheer momentum, however, and are not accurate predictors of future motions and forces.

Growth and Success in America

There is no doubt that the United States is currently one of the major luminary powers not just in the world today but in all of the progress of the world's civilizations. As Dowd (2007) points out, the United States' economy is poised to be twice the size of all of Europe's in another decade, and despite China's rapid growth there is still a massive disparity in the per capita income of the two nations that gives the United States a much broader base of strength.

These issues, however, are the result of past successes such as the rapid growth and major investment in science and technology growth and innovation that took place in previous decades of the country's existence (Lemonick 2006). There is not an abundance of future innovation promised by current regulations and funding crises, and the research community is overwhelmingly moving to Europe and Asia rather than remaining in the United States as it has for the past sixty years (Lemoncik 2006). While it is true that the United States' current economic standing leaves it a very wealthy and politically potent country, it is less certain that this potency will continue in the future without continuing investment in the country's growth and innovations. The idea that our past success and current wealth will continue to drive our future growth and dominance is beyond merely complacent; it is also incredibly naive and hugely detrimental to the country's interests, as well.

Conclusion

The internal crumbling of society occurring in the United States is the result of a lack of support for continuing innovation and education in the sciences and technological fields, which has been accomplished by a degradation of traditional American values. While it is true that the United States retains a strong position and a positive outlook on the short-term future, the fact that science and technology professional are leaving the country in droves is a poor indicator for long-term success. Without attention to the rebuilding of ore values, this country is destined for ruin.