The America That Was: Measuring President Obama's Role in America's Decline
Posted: Wednesday, May 06, 2009
by Mogama
http://www.mogama.info
Recently, I received an electronic message from a friend who, like me, is very concerned about what's happening to the America we knew. The only difference between my friend and me is that he blames President Barack Obama for a lot of America's problems. As evidence for my buddy's "it's Obama's fault" perspective, his forwarded email listed the actions of the president ranging from Obama's cozy treatment of Arab leaders to his funding for international abortions, his perceived take-it-easy approach towards terrorists, his release of torture memos and videos. Finally, my friend's source points out that President Obama is "allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refuges to move to and live in the US - at American taxpayer expense." (Source: Federal Register) That final point was the writer's take on Presidential Determination No. 2009-15 of January 27, 2009, where Mr. Obama authorized the Secretary of State to spend up to "$20.3 million from the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for the purpose of meeting unexpected and urgent refugee and migration needs, including by contributions to international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations and payment of administrative expenses of Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the Department of State, related to humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in Gaza."
Years ago, many influential citizens of the nation, beginning with the heads of households, chose to crack the moral foundation of the United States and thus initiate the cultural earthquake that now rumbles throughout the states. That crack widened and worsened as many Americans experimented with a new morality, not constrained by belief in solid, strict notions of right and wrong. Emotional appeal and individual pleasure became the basis for our choices and actions. With these new moral marching orders the nation has tilted towards decline, steadily marching towards the cliff, even when Republicans ran the political show in Washington or elsewhere in the nation.
I would be astonished if America sees another larger-than-life politician like Washington, Lincoln, FDR, JF Kennedy, or Reagan. Even the election of a female president won't do much to improve the country, though a Madam President will soothe our social consciousness and scratch our psychological itch.
For his part, President Obama may continue his "America is ready to listen again" tour, but I'm afraid much of that will be misinterpreted as "America is admitting weakness". So, let's face the reality that stares us in the face: America's super power days are numbered. So says the history of human civilizations.
Thankfully, America has graced the earth with virtues of freedom, democracy and compassion, and her virtuous contributions have helped to transform much of the world into better, hopeful societies. But now the baton of world dominance must pass on, just like it transferred from the ancient Ethiopians and Egyptians to the Assyrians, then to the Babylonians, to the Medes & Persians, to the Greeks, and to the Romans, among others. Since the fall of the Roman Empire, world dominance has more recently come to and gone from France, Portugal, Spain, the British Empire, and the Soviet Union.
For some Americans, it is unthinkable to live in a world where the United States is both not THE super power and not a super power at all. It's only natural to want to become or remain No. 1. But history proves that sooner or later every world power loses the top spot to the new kid on the block. Strangely, the historical transfer of world power is usually from a "better" culture to a kingdom of "lesser" quality or character. When Medo-Persia took over from Babylon, it was a depreciation in regal quality. Thus, we painfully see Communist China, notorious for its human rights abuses, about to mount the reigns of global prominence for a ride of indefinite period. How we wish we could stop the crude transfer!
I believe that behind the curtains of history is the Sovereign Hand that faithfully steers humanity's course to a predetermined end. Holy Writ puts it this way: "...that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men" (Daniel 4:17). So, what's a guy or gal to do? I have decided to enjoy each day, while I seek to leave a good impact on my family, church and world until my exit, when I must give an account to the Master for my thoughts, choices, attitude, conduct, and (carbon) footprints in the sands of time.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Mogama - the fly in the ointment "But now the baton of world dominance must pass", disappointing. No world order will ever solve mans problems only truth and justice and American values that were or used to be that only true hope. All the other systems totally corrupt. Ours, based on execution via character, morality, justice and ethics always the best. Not perfect but the best. Too bad that is no more. Follow the words and works and you have your answers. best wishes.Thanks, Robert, for those stinging but brilliant comments. ~mogama~
Very well stated, Mogama. I agree totally with you on all points. Although Obama had more to do with the problems at hand than he is stating, he is not responsible entirely.Great job here.Thanks, Ken, for your observation. Reality can be a hard pill to swallow. ~mogama~
Dear Mr. Mogama,I think President Obama is doing an outstanding job. I pity those that find fault with his policies. 8 years the country has been in rehab. Now we are out. People need to understand that it takes time to get back to the top.We are in good hands Mr. Mogama. Believe it or not. Long live the Obama Clan, and by the way a well written article. I will be back to read more.Thank you for sharing.Sincerely,L. JonesThanks, Lawrence, for commenting. My faith in Obama is not as strong as yours, though I share your sentiments that he may be doing what he considers his best. One can only hope that Obama's best and America's best intersect. Many have questions about that. ~mogama~
The only way to truly 'soothe our social consciousness' is to actually have a social consciousness. This is a very interesting article and I agree with your points, and yet we still have such a long way to go. First step is to start realizing American change comes from within all of us here.We can't be the world's policeman or banker or teacher without fixing what we need to fix here first. Getting everyone on the same page should be the first task of every new president, and while I give Mr. Obama high marks for making some attempt, he still should invest his time in what is in America's interest first. Those in power should spend every waking minute planning for America's future, not looking back and pointing fingers.This election was a mini-revolution of sorts, kind of like out with the bad and in with the good (not the correct analogy, yet it'll do). It would be sad to realize this revolution was nothing more than politically-correct wordplay wrapped around inaction. After everything, though, I remain hopeful.Very well done, sir.Great observation, Michael. It seems like America still wants to police the world, because the nation is not willing to lay aside the Super Power mantle. We really don't believe the world can function without us being in the #1 spot - we're so used to being in the driver's seat of world affairs. This Super Power Complex or Addiction has sucked the resources out of the nation, but we'll spend and give away money we don't have just to maintain the image of being the world's policeman, bank, bakery, or wrapped up in one. President Obama has made it the goal of his foreign policy to restore America to #1. ~mogama~
Mogama,First I have to say I didn't recognize you. I wondered who the handsome, dapper young man was in the picture. Mogama!Yes, the Super Power is now the Super Debter. And we are now in debt to former debter nations. It seems our freedom got in the way of common sense and America went overboard with gluttony. Freedom is great but it requires a lot of discipline to not only maintain it but use it with merit and purpose beyond mere self-indulgence.Mohamed El-Erian points to this issue in When Markets Collide. America certainly needs to adjust to its new position and get over itself fast or else things may get worse. Thanks so much for a great article. Well-written. Reminded me a little of MLK's writing (one of my favorites). Peace!Well, yeah, Jeff, that's me. What's science fiction for Hollywood is reality for a handful of the human species: We get younger as we age. So I decided to get caught up with the new me, and I'm tickled you're impressed with the looks.
I'm humbled a great mind & skillful pen like yours consider this article worthy of your time. And the MLK reference sent my head swelling for a second. You've made my day. Thanks much, my friend. ~mogama~You humble me. Thanks M.
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