The collapse of American civilization as we know it

Dionysus · #1 11-17-2002, 07:42 PM

Since the beginning of (recorded) history all past civilizations and empires has risen and and fallen. As history repeats itself, the American empire will more than likely fall sometime in the future.

When do you think America will fall?

What do think would bring it to an end?

aprilxo · #2 11-17-2002, 09:01 PM

What? hubris.

When? Soon. (well, not tomorrow or next year, but relative-to-history-soon)

Elaboration:
We're too freakin' obsessed with making sure the entire rest of the world is under our finger. If the USA was the rest of the world's girlfriend, we'd have been dumped a LONG time ago

Yet at the same time we've got so many things going for us. It'd take a real whooping to put us under--other countries aren't quite powerful enough in various areas of development to really make an impact--which is why I think it's going to be us destroying ourselves. We're the only ones capable of it. (and no, I'm not proposing that we'll break out in civil war again or anything like that; military isn't the only thing that brings down empires)

Imthechamp · #3 11-17-2002, 10:02 PM

The immigrants from mexico/africa/asia will take over America

CC1GC · #4 11-17-2002, 11:06 PM

The day of Empire Sovereignty ended when 13 countries signed on to form one common currency.....regionalism my freinds. The world of 1984 is becoming a closer reality than ever before. Europe is already there, it's almost functioning as one country. They're setting the bar, if other countries want to maintain their economies they will have to create a competiting region with nearby nation-states of mutual interest and culture (that is as efficient as europa) . And as much as i hate to say it, I am certain my Canadian dollars will not exist before my life is over...will the collaspe of 'America' come from one single country? I wouldn't bet on it...

chopper816 · #5 11-17-2002, 11:45 PM

i think if we become too politically correct that is what is going to bring this nation down, right now we control our own destiny and if we go down, its going to be our own fault....

Kevin · #6 11-18-2002, 12:23 AM

Organizations like the United Nations are taking the soveriegnty away from nations. Probably the US most of all. We are the military arm of the organization which does NOTHING in the interest of the US -- although we contribute far more than any other member.

The US will not fall to someone's military might. It will be gradually given away to make us one big happy world.

Peaches-n-Cream · #7 11-18-2002, 12:44 AM

When will the US fall? Never.

RACooper · #8 11-18-2002, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ktsnake
Organizations like the United Nations are taking the soveriegnty away from nations. Probably the US most of all. We are the military arm of the organization which does NOTHING in the interest of the US -- although we contribute far more than any other member.

The US will not fall to someone's military might. It will be gradually given away to make us one big happy world.

Check your facts again... the US has always avoided becoming involved with the UN militaryily (unless it suited US intrests). As for contributing far more.... BULL! The US has the LARGEST unpaid bill for the UN; if the UN gets involved in something, all countries contribute - money, materials, or personnel. I have been on the egocentric recieving end of American policy, and seen the results.

KillarneyRose · #9 11-18-2002, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RACooper

Check your facts again... the US has always avoided becoming involved with the UN militaryily(sic) (unless it suited US intrests (sic)).

Why would any country become militarily involved in a conflict if to do so would be contrary to its interests?

DeltAlum · #10 11-18-2002, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dionysus
Since the beginning of (recorded) history all past civilizations and empires has risen and and fallen. As history repeats itself, the American empire will more than likely fall sometime in the future.

First, not all civilizations have risen. There are a number that have just remained status quo. It is probably true that all "empires" have fallen. There is a big difference between the two.

Second, of the ones upon which I suspect you build your case, all were autocracies of one kind or another -- with the possible exception of the British -- and even they were/are a monarchy. And it could be argued that they voluntarily gave self rule to most (but admitedly not all) of their former subjects.

With all of its flaws -- and their are many -- the U.S. form of Constitutional Democracy has proven to be the best (if not the most efficient) in history.

I think there is still a fair amount of staying power.

XOMichelle · #11 11-18-2002, 03:02 AM

"We're too freakin' obsessed with making sure the entire rest of the world is under our finger. If the USA was the rest of the world's girlfriend, we'd have been dumped a LONG time ago "

ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!

Soo funny, so true.
ll,
M

XOMichelle · #12 11-18-2002, 03:08 AM

The UN is a great thing for world peace and organization. We don't do our part, and it sould make us ashamed. We don't have the right to walk over other nations or people because we have money and power and it pleases our interests.

I propose a golden rule!
-M

Kevin · #13 11-18-2002, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by XOMichelle
The UN is a great thing for world peace and organization. We don't do our part, and it sould make us ashamed. We don't have the right to walk over other nations or people because we have money and power and it pleases our interests.

I propose a golden rule!
-M

How is it "our part"? What has the UN done for us except take? Honestly I get a little upset at all the foriegn aid the US pays out to defunct countries. We should expect them to get their acts together if they want to get money.

I don't believe that we're walking all over other nations (unless they truly are threats such as Iraq). The US is behind on payments to the UN *BUT* we are charged far more than any other member. Definitely not a one-sided argument here.

And why should a country not put its own interests first? That would seem to be in the best interest of the people that pay the taxes of that country...

Dionysus · #14 11-18-2002, 11:01 AM

So some of you guys think that US will never fall? Why? Just because we're #1 now and have been for a while it doesn't mean that we will always be.

My opinion, I think we will sort of "merge".

DeltAlum, you're right. I kind of worded that wrong. Most past empires have fallen, but have not risen.

CC1GC · #15 11-18-2002, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ktsnake

And why should a country not put its own interests first? That would seem to be in the best interest of the people that pay the taxes of that country...

Don't tell me the US is a nation devoted to reciprocity between trading neighbors....how many times do we see the U.S. doing whatever it takes to prevent foriegn and better products from entering their economy.