A lot of folks have been talking about the impressive opening ceremony for the Olympics last Friday night. And while the festivities were absolutely gorgeous and breath-taking only one thing kept running through my mind:
America, our days as top-dog are numbered.
The symbolism that permeated the ceremonies really stuck out to me. Thousands of Chinese who were dressed alike with the exact same haircut pounding drums or dancing in perfect synchronicity. No drummers with a solo, no dancer more featured than the other. It was a beautiful artistic expression of communism. Children representing the future were omnipresent and even handed off the flag to military soldiers letting us know that the state was not only the present but the future as well. Then towards the end the Chinese delegation marched in to the stadium with Yao Ming, the tallest Olympian, carrying the flag ensuring that it flew higher than any other flag with a little boy next to him who had given selflessly of himself to save his fellow classmates in the aftermath of an earthquake.
The nationalism was overwhelming. This is a country who is proud of where they are in the world and who believes they will only become stronger in the future. Of course we all know that there is much wrong with China, and herein lies the problem.
You might not be aware of this but President Bush is the first president in the history of our country to wage war and not raise taxes. As a result, the U.S. is in deep debt to China. How deep? Upwards of $500 billion, some estimates are as high as $1 trillion. China, violator of human rights, a ruthless dictatorship, and creditors to the U.S. Unbelievable. And to think, McSame wants to make these tax cuts permanent. Now, its not as simple as "we owe China money". China relies on the U.S. for much of its economy as well as China exports much to the U.S. (which is another problem). But if push ever came to shove I'd hate to think what the consequences could be.
An enormous population, an enormous economy, fierce nationalism, and a fervent dedication to the good of the state. Could it be the future?
(and on a lighter note I am in love with May/Walsh, anyone else?)
China
About this entry
Youre currently reading China.
- Published:
- at 9:36 PM on Monday, August 11, 2008
- Previous:
- Older Post
- Next:
- Newer Post
-
7:28 AM
not in love with May/Walsh but agree on the expression of nationalism in the performances--I was really overwhelmed by that myself.
I also believe that our glory days are behind us if there aren't some profound changes in our government. But I think that it may be fundamentally "unAmerican" to do so...fierce individualism being such a key part of the American way of life. - 8:54 AM
- 9:49 AM
- 9:57 AM
- 10:32 AM
-
1:17 PM
No, you are the one who thinks the country is awful. I think we live in the greatest country ever. My concern is that when you get your way, and Obama becomes President and the Democrats control Congress, it will no longer be that way. We will no longer be the top dog and you will be happy about it. I on the other hand, will be disappointed. No country in the history of mankind has done more and continue to do more to benefit the rest of the world than the United States whether you want to admit it or not.
-
1:52 PM
The president doesn't make the country, we do. We all love our country or we wouldn't care who the president was. We pick the president, senate and congress. Sometimes it's not good, like now, but that only makes us want change. We are voting and like it or not majority rules. So vote well and hope that the next 4 years will be so much better.
Lyman's non political Mom -
2:29 PM
I'm quite patriotic and I've never said anything that would indicate otherwise. Don, whenever you say "the government is awful at running things, why do you want to give them more power?" I always point out the power of the democratic process and the victories of our social programs. I'm optimistic for our future.
Just because I hate President Bush doesn't mean I hate America. As Thomas Jefferson said "dissent is the highest form of patriotism." (although I have read recently that the quote might've been mis-attributed, it still makes a lot of sense). Please point out where I've ever said anything anti-American.
The fact is corporate irresponsibility, war-mongering and fear of taxes have brought us into debt with a communist dictatorship. If you get your way Republicans will ship more jobs and debt over to China and our economy will fall into the hands of a ruthless government. -
4:51 PM
I have never said you were unpatriotic. If you think I have, please tell me specifically when and where.
Please tell me that you will be sad if we were no longer at the top of the heap. Please tell me that you think the world is better because we are the worlds super-power. Please tell me that you think we have done more for the world than any other nation. - 6:11 PM
-
7:16 PM
"My concern is that when you get your way, and Obama becomes President and the Democrats control Congress, it will no longer be that way. We will no longer be the top dog and you will be happy about it. I on the other hand, will be disappointed."
If you on the other hand will be disappointed if the US falls off of the top of the heap then this means I will be HAPPY about it. Don't back-pedal Don, that is a direct un-patriotic insinuations.
As far as which country has done more to help the world, the question is too broad. I'm an artist, money and power don't define the world for me. Greece gave birth to Western culture so I'd put them high in the running. It's such an abstract question, there are many answers.
Here's the thing, you can say Obama is going to hand over the US to another country all you want but you have nothing factual to base your opinion on. The Bush administration however has indeed, without question, borrowed money from China to wage war. There's no reason to think that wouldn't happen again with a candidate who has his eyes set on Iran. Please tell me you want to raise taxes so our nation can take responsibility for its own actions and not rely on communist money. Please tell me you want to stop corporate out-sourcing to keep more jobs in our country. Please tell me you want to end the war as soon as possible so it stops becoming a drain on our economy. - 8:32 PM
-
5:06 AM
Don't put words in my mouth. I said I would be disappointed and you wouldn't if we were no longer the top dog. That is what I said, that is what I meant. If I thought you weere unpatriotic, I would say so.
I was sure you would say that we are the greatest country in the world, because you don't believe it. I do.
No I do not want us to raise taxes, I want us to reduce our spending on programs that should not be part of a federal government (endowments for arts, education, socialized medicine, etc) until we can afford to live on reasonable tax rates. That will not happen with Obama, unless we tax at very high tax rates, and he will borrow the rest from China just as Bush has. Just as an aside, the President doesn't pass the budget, Congres does, the President just signs it into law, so Congress should get some of the blame.
I want the war to end only after we have stabilized Iraq to a reasonable point. Agree or disagree on the reasons or the correctness, we went into Iraq, we are obligated to stay until they are able to govern themselves, regardless of the financial cost.
You better pray to God (is that Obama?) that someone keeps an eye on Iran, because they are keeping an eye on US. Their President has stated that he wants to destroy US (Satan) and Israel (Little Satan). Do you really believe the Messiah will be able to just talk to him. - 6:59 AM
-
7:22 AM
Once again you twist everything. Did you fail to read the part about reducing our spending. Oh that's right, you don't believe in reducing spending, you only believe in having the government take someone else's money and give it to others. I don't want deficts, I don't want to borrow money, I want to live with in our means by reducing spending.
-
7:43 AM
Honestly, I don't get this: Don NEVER likes what Lyman posts or how he responds to Don's comments. They NEVER agree.
I don't like Rush Limbaugh or Newt Gingrich. I don't agree with their world views or policies. You know what? I don't listen to them. I don't read their writing. I don't comment on their blogs. I shake my head in disbelief and express my opposing views elsewhere. I'm not going to change their minds or illuminate anything for them.
Its much less frustrating that way. The only comparison I can make to what happens here is what I've heard on Talk Radio---folks who just like to argue and say the same things over and over hoping it will finally change someones' mind... its just an anger-fest.
I'm going to go meditate and center my inner-liberalpinkocommie. I might also now sing Kumbaya. -
8:03 AM
My lifes mission is to change the world one misinformed liberal at a time.
So you both are fine with no opposing or differing point of view? Your mind is made up, you couldn't possibly be wrong. You just want everyone in your world to agree with everything you say.
Well it sounds like I am being ask by Lyman's surrogate not to come back.
Peace!! -
8:15 AM
Do you realize what a hypocrite you are Don? You start off by saying "My life's mission is to change the world one misinformed liberal at a time" then proceed to accuse us of not liking opposing opinions. You're not out for conversation, you're not out to be enlightened. You want to "win" arguments and change our minds--who doesn't like opposing opinions?
You come to my blog filled with anger, sarcasm, and insults and when I call you on it you hide behind your typical go-to whine "you don't like opposing opinions".
That is a childish straw man argument. It is possible to disagree without being such a jerk, Drew does it all of the time. You're never going to change anyone's mind by insulting them.
In this post alone you have told me that I will be "happy" when America is no longer on top but never owned up to what you said or even acknowledged it. I would go through every past debate we've had and drum up all of the insults but it would take too long. Take a cue from you son if you want to have an engaging debate. If not please take your insults elsewhere. -
9:30 AM
I do NOT speak for Lyman and I'm not his surrogate.
I really just don't understand what it is about Lyman's blog that causes you to behave differently in "discussions" than you do elsewhere---or why, if you find it so irksome, you continue to seek it out. Differing opinions are one thing: state yours, point out possible oversights, misunderstandings and be done with it.
Sorry if I stepped on your toes, Lyman. Didn't mean to put words in your mouth or moderate your comments.... just expressing my own surprise... -
10:17 AM
This is my last comment here then I will leave you all in peace. All I want to say is that regardless of how friendly I try to be, regardless of what I say, Lyman always turns it around and attempts to make it something else. His point on patriotism. As I pointed out to him, I generally say what I mean and mean what I say. If I thought he was unpatriotic, I would say so. Now I am sure you will disagree, why would you agree with anything I have to say.
As I have pointed out before, I enjoy political discussion, even heated ones. If you can't defend your position with facts, you hold a weak position. -
10:31 AM
Once again, you told me I'd be happy if this country fell. Is that patriotism to you? Or is it more back-pedaling?
I don't believe that you mean what you say. You have told me time and time again that you wouldn't comment on my blog anymore. If you mean what you say, then you'd have stayed away a long time ago. Let's hop this time you are actually telling the truth. - 3:50 AM
22 comments: