Superbroke, Superfrugal, Superpower?

[dtotire]

Superbroke, Superfrugal, Superpower?


By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: September 4, 2010



In recent years, I have often said to European friends: So, you didn’t like a world of too much American power? See how you like a world of too little American power — because it is coming to a geopolitical theater near you. Yes, America has gone from being the supreme victor of World War II, with guns and butter for all, to one of two superpowers during the cold war, to the indispensable nation after winning the cold war, to “The Frugal Superpower” of today. Get used to it. That’s our new nickname. American pacifists need not worry any more about “wars of choice.” We’re not doing that again. We can’t afford to invade Grenada today.

Ever since the onset of the Great Recession of 2008, it has been clear that the nature of being a leader — political or corporate — was changing in America. During most of the post-World War II era, being a leader meant, on balance, giving things away to people. Today, and for the next decade at least, being a leader in America will mean, on balance, taking things away from people.

more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/opinion/05friedman.html?ref=opinion

[jaxx]

1. Interesting

the way people choose to spread the doomsday scenario.

[ckwalker1984]

4. No kidding.

We may be experiencing the greatest economic meltdown since the Great Depression, but come on -- we'll get through this. Krugman seems to be playing a game of "be careful what you wish for" with regards to other nations being upset with American involvement.

No, those nations weren't upset with America being involved globally -- they were upset with America sticking its business in where it didn't belong. And that's the grand hypocrisy the Republicans won't talk about, if you'll allow me to make this political for a moment. They will whine and cuss and go on ferocious tirades about personal freedoms, of supposed libertarian beliefs, but when it comes to controlling and policing the global environment, the liberties of those with different colored skin and different languages, religions, etc. don't matter much.

Yes, I changed subjects. I'm a little bit scatter-brained today. :)

[Systematic Chaos]

2. Supertramp?

:evilgrin:

[unblock]

3. no more grenadas, perhaps. but republicans will still find a way to invade an oil-rich nation

[Prometheus Bound]

5. More like "only Grenadas" from now on.