We Ain't That Polished.

         In an article in FP (Foreign Policy) by Stephen M. Walt of Harvard, today, he talks about why so few countries want to emulate our ideals and brand of democracy. "America’s democratic ideals are more likely to be emulated by others if the United States is widely regarded as a just, prosperous, vibrant, and tolerant society, instead of one where inequality is rampant, leading politicians are loudmouthed xenophobes, the prison population is the world’s largest, and airports and other public infrastructure are visibly decaying, yet no one seems able to do much about it. When millions of qualified citizens are excluded from voting, or when a handful of billionaires and other moneyed interests exert a disproportionate and toxic effect on U.S. politics, it is hardly surprising that other societies find America’s professed ideals less appealing than they once were. Add in Guantánamo, targeted killings, Abu Ghraib, overzealous NSA surveillance, and the reluctance to hold powerful people accountable for their misdeeds, and you end up with a pretty tarnished brand."
       Yes. I agree with him. We could do better, but we don't seem to care, except to complain. That's the one thing we're exceptionally good at. We don't vote because, well, what's the use, or, my vote won't count anyway. But boy oh boy are we good at finding fault with the folks who get elected. And we're always ready to accept the latest rumor about an opponent. Truth doesn't enter into the equation. I heard it on my favorite news or talk show so I know its true. Even if it isn't.
       You can't make America great again simply by calling your opponents nasty names. Think of it this way. If someone you recently met started calling you and all your friends stupid while ignoring the dire needs of a neighbor, would you aspire to be like him? Put America in the place of this new acquaintance and put the rest of the world in your place. See?