How can America heal itself and reclaim its glory?

Mukundarajan V N
Jul 27, 2017 · 2 min read
Credit : www.dreamstime.com

The burden of historical sins like slavery weigh heavily on America. To this list I would add the decimation of the Native Americans and their culture. A superpower without a moral compass ends up doing the wrong things like bombing other countries and supporting Arab dictators.

At the same time, bad as American politics may be, we have nothing against the American people. We respect their passion for hard work and their belief in meritocracy. Unfortunately America has been hijacked by elites — political, business, pharmaceutical and military-industrial. It is no longer a meritocracy. Permanent jobs are gone and people have to live by working odd temporary jobs.

This AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a beast created by the techno-czars to perpetuate their fiefdoms. Think of the job losses in a situation where people are struggling to support their families with a decent monthly income. Technology should complement human work and not replace humans themselves.

We in the rest of the world, especially those living in democracies like India wish and hope that America will heal its fractured soul and provide leadership to the rest of the world. We prefer to coexist with the American superpower rather than be bullied by the imperialist Chinese empire.

If America gets its politics right, nothing can stop it given its technological and military prowess. America doesn’t need ideologies, whether Left or Right. It needs sensible and pragmatic polices that will reduce inequality and provide decent opportunities to the people to raise their living standards.

Both the parties need shed their ideological fixations that are incompatible with the modern era. Stop embracing free market economics because it widens inequality as entrenched wealthy classes become more wealthy by bankrolling the politicians. There is no free market, only manipulated markets with a facade of freedom. Equal opportunities is a myth. There is no level playing field. People run unequal races. In the 100 metre race, the inherited wealthy classes start the race at 50 metres.

Giving more role for the government doesn't mean America is going to become socialist.

There is a surfeit of politicians in America but an acute shortage of statesmen with vision who can never lose sight of the big picture while formulating policies.

Let there be a national government comprising both parties. Unless the political parties sink their differences by sitting together and talking to each other in the best interests of the nation, America will fail to justice to its people and cede leadership to rogue nations like China.

Mukundarajan V N

Written by

Retired banker living in India. Avid reader. Writing is a tonic that enhances my well-being. Believe in ethical living and sustainable development.

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