10-26-2008, 10:31 AM
The geopolitical parallels between the Soviet Union and the USA are somewhat limited. The core of the USSR, Russia, has remained relatively intact. Most of the Soviet Republics that broke away were previously independent nations, in some cases within living memory of some citizens. Only Texas, Hawaii, and California (quite briefly and uncovincingly for a few weeks or months) have histories as independent nations. Hawaii is unique in having just over a century of independence while Texas had nine years and was in danger of being re-absorbed into Mexico when it sought statehood. The 1861-65 Civil war was the closest the US ever came to breaking up, and even then the split was along cohesive economic and cultural lines into a two parts instead of a general devolution.
The USA has survived economic collapse on several occasions, with the 1929-40 Great Depression being foremost in a lot of people's minds only because their parents or grandparents survived it. There were half a dozen such episodes in the 19th Century. Are we about to have another one? Can we survive another one in a global economy? I don't know the answers, but I do know that despite all, Americans remain inventive, resilient, and patriotic. We are seeing a renewed interest in the political process this year with the real possibility of reversing the trend of lower voter turnout and interest in general. Whether this will result in real change or just more sloganeering will be the real test. We will see soon enough.
I wouldn't count the USA out, and as long as there is a USA, it will hang on to Hawaii, whatever path the Native Hawaiians take toward sovereignty, if any. Until the Hawaiians reach some believable consensus on what they really want, the whole thing could easily go nowhere. Factionalism and heavy publicity going the way of the lunatic fringe does not create confidence in the process as followed to date.
Meanwhile, I beleive what Mr. Fitzgerald and others have so eloquently laid out. Sustainability, community cohesion, sharing, and economic independence will carry us through whatever crises lie ahead far better than political proclamations of independence. And race is indeed an illusion. Better to look for things that unite us.
Cheers,
Jerry
The USA has survived economic collapse on several occasions, with the 1929-40 Great Depression being foremost in a lot of people's minds only because their parents or grandparents survived it. There were half a dozen such episodes in the 19th Century. Are we about to have another one? Can we survive another one in a global economy? I don't know the answers, but I do know that despite all, Americans remain inventive, resilient, and patriotic. We are seeing a renewed interest in the political process this year with the real possibility of reversing the trend of lower voter turnout and interest in general. Whether this will result in real change or just more sloganeering will be the real test. We will see soon enough.
I wouldn't count the USA out, and as long as there is a USA, it will hang on to Hawaii, whatever path the Native Hawaiians take toward sovereignty, if any. Until the Hawaiians reach some believable consensus on what they really want, the whole thing could easily go nowhere. Factionalism and heavy publicity going the way of the lunatic fringe does not create confidence in the process as followed to date.
Meanwhile, I beleive what Mr. Fitzgerald and others have so eloquently laid out. Sustainability, community cohesion, sharing, and economic independence will carry us through whatever crises lie ahead far better than political proclamations of independence. And race is indeed an illusion. Better to look for things that unite us.
Cheers,
Jerry