US Politics

America through the looking glass!

No Man is an Island

Many moons ago Americans displaying brash behaviour overseas used to be branded “Ugly Americans” and this led to the publication in 1958 of the best selling book, “The Ugly American” by William J. Lederer. [Biography excerpt] * A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Lederer acquired his bachelor of science degree in 1936. His main career was in the U.S. Navy, from 1930 to 1958 when he retired with the rank of captain. During wartime he served in Asia and with the Atlantic Fleet. From 1950 to 1958 he was special assistant to the commander-in-chief, Pacific. After retiring from the navy, Lederer went into journalism, becoming the Far East correspondent for Reader’s Digest, from 1958 to 1963. He later became author-in-residence at Harvard University, 1966 – 1967. William Lederer has written many books, including novels, short stories, and nonfiction on a variety of topics, during his long career.*

Of course brashness and not hiding one’s light under a bushel was a well publicised trait for which New Yorkers seeking to make a name for themselves were often renowned. Such people always appeared to be suffering from a self delusion of total independence. This however, was prior to the catastrophe of 9/11. On that tragic day many people perhaps for the first time, came to realise that “ no man is an island” and that the words of Dean Martin’s song, “Everybody needs somebody sometime” truly reflects the absolute importance of community in our lives.  A reality not countenanced in Frank Sinatra’s egocentric musical mantras, “My Way” and ” If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere” lyrics from ”New York - New York”. Great music – great lyrics – great entertainment – And independence?

People’s spontaneous actions on that ninth day of September and in the days that followed, revealed the human spirit at its best and bravest. There was an explosive outreach for a shared sense of community. It was plain to see and evidenced by the heart breaking and poignant scenes of complete strangers aiding, hugging and comforting each other without concern for colour, race, ethnicity, religion or whether people were Americans or not. The entire nation – indeed the whole world shared their pain and was proud of them.

Wrong Priorities – Wrong Thinking

America has become a country where some in their relentless drive for personal wealth continue to promote and elect politicians who promise to deliver lower and lower taxes by increasing government borrowings and neglecting government services. A country where the average citizen and all of its poor dare not become ill, due to the state and cost of its flawed and failed health care system.

It is a country which up to now has meant that candidates for the Presidency and other electable public positions have to go cap in hand to business for donations thereby setting up a pre-condition for political obligation. A country which in recent years, has failed to  understand and accept that diplomacy and not miltary force is the key to maintaining world peace. A country which has allowed its human intelligence resources to become depleted through over reliance on technology. A country needing to redefine the parameters of government areas of responsibility in order to devise an effective taxation system to ensure the provision and maintenance of quality public services.