5 Years Ago America Was A Super Power, Today Who Will Fill The Vacancy ?

[shrubnose]

I shudder to think what a worthless nation we would be if our only measure of greatness were military power. Instead, we are the dominant culture in the world. Everyone eats our food. Everyone drinks our drinks. Everyone wears our clothes. Everyone watches our movies. There are people who are arrested in other countries who are surprised to discover that their nation doesn't have Miranda rights because our system of law is better known to them than their own is.

I get that the OP is just whining more about Obama and partisan hackery, but please let's not mistake blowing things up and killing people for greatness.



It's not about a "love America or leave it" mentality. It's a question of what are other nations doing right that we should copy and use for ourselves. Maybe we can even do it better.

We don't need to be at odds with other cultures. We should assimilate their best qualities into our own

.

I totally agree.

 

[APACHERAT]

Either way, Apacherat is clearly having a super power identity crisis.

It's expected, for my entire life America was a super power. Our enemies always held us in awe. It's going to take some getting use to not being # 1 any more. ####, when we want to put some Americans in space we have to ask the Russians for a lift.

I like the idea of giving Canada one of our Nimitz class carriers so they can project power. The Canucks have always had cajones. Just look at their combat record during WW ll and they done a damn good job in Afghanistan.

Back during the Vietnam war while thousands of pantywaist libs were fleeing to Canada, 34,000 Canuks were fleeing to America to join the U.S. Army and the Marines Corps to fight in Vietnam. So the Canadian people do have the balls to be a super power.

 

[shrubnose]

You think we're on par with the collapse of the Soviet Union? I'm not buying that. Even though we're experiencing some economic difficulties, that seems like quite a bleak prediction.

Of course, if some changes aren't made . . . who knows where we'll be in 20 or so years?

Or in 1 or 2 hundred years, eh?

Heck, we might have colonies on other planets!

 

[ChrisL]

It's expected, for my entire life America was a super power. Our enemies always held us in awe. It's going to take some getting use to not being # 1 any more. ####, when we want to put some Americans in space we have to ask the Russians for a lift.

I like the idea of giving Canada one of our Nimitz class carriers so they can project power. The Canucks have always had cajones. Just look at their combat record during WW ll and they done a damn good job in Afghanistan.

Back during the Vietnam war while thousands of pantywaist libs were fleeing to Canada, 34,000 Canuks were fleeing to America to join the U.S. Army and the Marines Corps to fight in Vietnam. So the Canadian people do have the balls to be a super power.

And all of these problems will just disappear if a republican is elected in the next presidential election I suppose. Glory days!!! :lol:

 

[ChrisL]

Or in 1 or 2 hundred years, eh?

Heck, we might have colonies on other planets!

Now that would be cool! Hope we don't have to share with those mean old Ruskies though.

 

[Ari]

It's expected, for my entire life America was a super power. Our enemies always held us in awe. It's going to take some getting use to not being # 1 any more. ####, when we want to put some Americans in space we have to ask the Russians for a lift.

I like the idea of giving Canada one of our Nimitz class carriers so they can project power. The Canucks have always had cajones. Just look at their combat record during WW ll and they done a damn good job in Afghanistan.

Back during the Vietnam war while thousands of pantywaist libs were fleeing to Canada, 34,000 Canuks were fleeing to America to join the U.S. Army and the Marines Corps to fight in Vietnam. So the Canadian people do have the balls to be a super power.

Our enemies still hold us in awe. Syrian soldiers are deserting much more since there has been talk about American intervention.

 

[SBu]

It's not about a "love America or leave it" mentality. It's a question of what are other nations doing right that we should copy and use for ourselves. Maybe we can even do it better. We don't need to be at odds with other cultures. We should assimilate their best qualities into our own.

You're right, but no one's said love America or leave it. We already do assimilate their best qualities which is their people to a large extent. I'm not going to get off topic here. America is still a super power period. We don't need to copy their systems, ours works. The only problem is in recent years we have an addiction to treating the symptom rather than the ailment.

 

[Ray410]

It's expected, for my entire life America was a super power. Our enemies always held us in awe. It's going to take some getting use to not being # 1 any more. ####, when we want to put some Americans in space we have to ask the Russians for a lift.

The Liberals, particularly certain of their client groups, are presently upon a gloating victory march across the devastation that was the former United States. There is no way right now that they are going to admit that their policies were disastrous and were put in place only through their destruction of the former greatest country in the world. In fact, the Liberal psyche is unable to accept that negative reality at this time.

It is basic Socialist dogma that destruction of the existing order will initially seem like a great victory to the most unacceptably extreme of their rabid groups of hate filled misfits because those groups will be the first to profit from the destruction. It is only later, after the new order is in place, that those groups find that they are no longer useful or wanted by the elites who engineered and directed them in their strange "victory."

Look at history, particularly the published statements and actions of Stalin. Them's the facts, Jack.

 

[ChrisL]

We've got doom, gloom and conspiracy here. You guys and your negative vibes are a real downer. The four horsemen must be on their way. :shock:

 

[APACHERAT]

The standard of living hasn't one thing do do with being a superpower. The Soviet Union was a super power for many decades and their living standards were comparable to a developing nation.

Being a superpower is being able to have a significant influence in world affairs.

 

[SBu]

It's expected, for my entire life America was a super power. Our enemies always held us in awe. It's going to take some getting use to not being # 1 any more. ####, when we want to put some Americans in space we have to ask the Russians for a lift.

I like the idea of giving Canada one of our Nimitz class carriers so they can project power. The Canucks have always had cajones. Just look at their combat record during WW ll and they done a damn good job in Afghanistan.

Back during the Vietnam war while thousands of pantywaist libs were fleeing to Canada, 34,000 Canuks were fleeing to America to join the U.S. Army and the Marines Corps to fight in Vietnam. So the Canadian people do have the balls to be a super power.

You've really set off a tinderbox this time. haha. My recommendation, crack open another cold one as I have done and take a deep breath. Today's Marine is still a killing machine. Don't worry.

We've tried this new thing called "reset", hasn't worked...things will get back to normal soon. Meanwhile, economy is slowly getting better, people are still buying stuff they don't need/can't afford...the system is still intact. Things are better than the 70s anyway...geeze.

 

[Paschendale]

You're right, but no one's said love America or leave it. We already do assimilate their best qualities which is their people to a large extent. I'm not going to get off topic here. America is still a super power period. We don't need to copy their systems, ours works. The only problem is in recent years we have an addiction to treating the symptom rather than the ailment.

Some of ours really don't work. Our profit driven healthcare system. Our standardized test driven (and very class dependent) education system. Our jerrymandered and winner take all election systems. We definitely have things to learn from other nations. They have spent more than a century being eager to learn from us. Why should be so afraid to do the same?

Being a superpower is being able to have a significant influence in world affairs.

And you really think that that's just about military power? Or even mostly about military power? Not economics? Not being the nation that produces all the commodities that the world wants to consume? Not having brand new governments, as one of their first acts, declare that they desire American liberties, freedoms, and the rule of law, and that emulating our constitution and system of government is the best way to do that?


Our influence comes from our wealth and the value of our ideas. We invented most of the technology that runs the world now. We refined the political ideals that is embraced by the majority of free nations in the world. And you think a few aircraft carriers makes even a blip on the larger scale?

 

[SBu]

That's right, 10 aircraft carrier and the current administration has problems just keeping two of them at sea and on station covering the Navy's five AOR that are suppose to have a CSG on station of three of them 24/7.

Why hasn't the Navy's "surge" carrier been deployed from Norfolk to the 6th Fleet AOR (Mediterranean Sea) for the current crisis happening today ? Because last month the Chief of Naval Operations said that the crew of our "surge" carrier isn't properly trained to go to sea. I suppose they are spending more time attending sensitivity training than training for going to sea and being able to fight.

The Marine Corps says they are only able to deploy one combat ready brigade out of eight. 1/4 of the Navy's ships can't put to sea and fight because the lack of funding for routine maintenance.

We have a hollow military force today.

Then we have an incompetent President who is directly responsible for the poor shape our military is in today. What's been Obama's agenda for the U.S. military ? "To redefine the purpose and character of the military." Right out of Joseph Stalins handbook. We actually have political officers in the military today just like the Soviet military use to have. They are called diversity officers.

Having the Pentagon politicized is bad enough but politicizing the uniform services !!!
BTW: Can you name one executive branch of government that hasn't been politicized under the Obama administration ? Even the IRS has been politicized. The Dept. of Homeland Security is in the food stamp business.

Add that to Obama's failed foreign policies. Just look at the Middle East. Name just one country in the ME who holds America in awe today ?

By sequester BS I didn't mean it's not true, I meant it's largely political.

 

[APACHERAT]

And all of these problems will just disappear if a republican is elected in the next presidential election I suppose. Glory days!!! :lol:

I doubt it, the damage inflicted over the past 4 years and 8 months are severe.

But it's been in the making before Obama unfortunately appeared in the ghetto of the Southside of Chicago.

Our culture, customs and language have been under attack by the left for decades.

You have 48 % who don't pay any individual income taxes, half of America are receiving some form of public assistance and you have the radical left who want to reward criminality with amnesty.

 

[SBu]

Some of ours really don't work. Our profit driven healthcare system. Our standardized test driven (and very class dependent) education system. Our jerrymandered and winner take all election systems. We definitely have things to learn from other nations. They have spent more than a century being eager to learn from us. Why should be so afraid to do the same?

Thank you for identifying the problem and not the symptom. The problem is health care cost and not insurance or whether the gov't or private sector run it. Why, then, are we treating the symptom? This is probably the biggest problem you identified. These others can be fixed over time. Not saying we can't learn some ideas from other systems, but copying them won't work. We're a unique nation as they are...also gigantic compared to the nations that practices the most advanced education/medical systems.

 

[APACHERAT]

And you really think that that's just about military power? Or even mostly about military power? Not economics? Not being the nation that produces all the commodities that the world wants to consume? Our influence comes from our wealth and the value of our ideas. We invented most of the technology that runs the world now.

Are you speaking for the Peoples Republic of China ?

Is China a superpower today ? If not they soon will be when they can project military power and that's what they are in the process of doing today, building a navy to take on the U.S. Navy. Who do you think operates the Panama Canal today ?

 

[Canell]

Chill out, AR. America still has it's music, movies, freedom ideas, culture... that matter. No need to have a gun at me to recognize this.

 

[SBu]

And you really think that that's just about military power? Or even mostly about military power? Not economics? Not being the nation that produces all the commodities that the world wants to consume? Not having brand new governments, as one of their first acts, declare that they desire American liberties, freedoms, and the rule of law, and that emulating our constitution and system of government is the best way to do that?


Our influence comes from our wealth and the value of our ideas. We invented most of the technology that runs the world now. We refined the political ideals that is embraced by the majority of free nations in the world. And you think a few aircraft carriers makes even a blip on the larger scale?

Have to come to Apacherat's defense here somewhat. Military power does make a difference and a substantial one. BUT, only the moral use of it. Getting involved in religious disputes in the ME is not a moral use. Keeping the sea lanes open to free commerce in the South China Sea...really big deal. Anyone that owns a Kia can thank America for opposing the North Koreans with a credible threat of destruction...in other words your welcome entire nation of South Korea. Japan's success? The foundation set by MacArthur and refusing Russian influence and Chinese dominance. Do I have to mention Europe?

Yes military is a big deal, and it is the moral use of it to help countries achieve modern economic status in the face of destabilizing forces that we maintain our super power status.

(not to mention the humanitarian purposes the military serves around the world i.e earthquakes in Pakistan, Tsunami in Thailand, Tsunami/Earthquake in Japan, saving Indonesian sailors lost at sea, etc.)

 

[Wiseone]

It's expected, for my entire life America was a super power. Our enemies always held us in awe. It's going to take some getting use to not being # 1 any more. ####, when we want to put some Americans in space we have to ask the Russians for a lift.

I like the idea of giving Canada one of our Nimitz class carriers so they can project power. The Canucks have always had cajones. Just look at their combat record during WW ll and they done a damn good job in Afghanistan.

Back during the Vietnam war while thousands of pantywaist libs were fleeing to Canada, 34,000 Canuks were fleeing to America to join the U.S. Army and the Marines Corps to fight in Vietnam. So the Canadian people do have the balls to be a super power.

If we aren't the number one military power now, than who is? And please don't make me laugh with your answer.

 

[APACHERAT]

If we aren't the number one military power now, than who is? And please don't make me laugh with your answer.

Lets put it this way, five years ago we could have put two carrier strike groups(CSG) and one Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the 6th Fleet AOR while still having two CSG in the 5th Fleet AOR and one CSG in the 7th Fleet AOR.

You may remember back when G,W, Bush was the military Cn'C while we were fighting two wars, Iraq and Afghanistan there were always two CSG's in the 5th AOR 24/7. Then the PRC believed they were able to take on the U.S. Navy and sink two carriers. They began rattling their sabers and were conducting large fleet exercises in the Taiwan Straits.

What was Cn'C Bush able to do ? He as able to put four CSG's in the area of Taiwan and we still had two CSG conducting combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Chinese blinked. No way Jose could they take on and sink four American carriers. So they put their saber back in to their scabber and went back to the drawing board on how do you sink four carriers ?

The U.S. Navy is suppose to have a "surge" CSG that's suppose to be able to put to sea and be able to fight in times of an emergency. Last month the Navy's CONO said that the crew of the "surge" carrier aren't properly trained to put that carrier to sea and be able to fight. They aren't being properly trained. The carrier and it's CSG escorts sit tied up to their wharfs at Norfolk.

Why aren't the carrier crew properly trained ? Could it be that instead of training to be deployed they are being trained in diversity training ?

Just last month Sec. of Def. Hagel said the main mission of the U.S. military was not fighting wars against our enemies but fighting sexual assaults in the military with social engineering.

 

[Wiseone]

Lets put it this way, five years ago we could have put two carrier strike groups(CSG) and one Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the 6th Fleet AOR while still having two CSG in the 5th Fleet AOR and one CSG in the 7th Fleet AOR.

You may remember back when G,W, Bush was the military Cn'C while we were fighting two wars, Iraq and Afghanistan there were always two CSG's in the 5th AOR 24/7. Then the PRC believed they were able to take on the U.S. Navy and sink two carriers. They began rattling their sabers and were conducting large fleet exercises in the Taiwan Straits.

What was Cn'C Bush able to do ? He as able to put four CSG's in the area of Taiwan and we still had two CSG conducting combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Chinese blinked. No way Jose could they take on and sink four American carriers. So they put their saber back in to their scabber and went back to the drawing board on how do you sink four carriers ?

The U.S. Navy is suppose to have a "surge" CSG that's suppose to be able to put to sea and be able to fight in times of an emergency. Last month the Navy's CONO said that the crew of the "surge" carrier aren't properly trained to put that carrier to sea and be able to fight. They aren't being properly trained. The carrier and it's CSG escorts sit tied up to their wharfs at Norfolk.

Why aren't the carrier crew properly trained ? Could it be that instead of training to be deployed they are being trained in diversity training ?

Just last month Sec. of Def. Hagel said the main mission of the U.S. military was not fighting wars against our enemies but fighting sexual assaults in the military with social engineering.

You didn't answer my question, if the United States isn't #1 than who is? Also anyone who thinks China plans to go to war with the US or Taiwan has lost touch with reality.

 

[Helix]

I'm tired of being a superpower; there's too much baggage. How about we go back to being a country for a while and see how that shakes out?

 

[WCH]

Right wingers denigrate our military because they hate America

I hope you were smiling when you typed that. :0

Truth is, the coming alien invasion will make quick work of us all.

 

[WCH]

I'm tired of being a superpower; there's too much baggage. How about we go back to being a country for a while and see how that shakes out?

Yes...no more world's police man, no more putting our finest resources at risk, no more supporting everyone else's economy, no more free food and weaponry, no more.

"Miss us yet?"

 

[thinkforyoursel]

Nothing last forever, America has been on the decline for decades.
Reading some of the response makes me laugh...because this decline have nothing to do with Obama.

I also think the arrogance that America is #1 and only we can move ourselves from this rank is ridiculous.

China on their own is busy growing their country, and they do so independent of what we do.