Global Competition

The biggest threat to America's future is the attitude of the American people. When the great fire of Chicago raged through that city in the early years of the 20th century, people picked themselves up straight away and started rebuilding, and indeed they invented skyscrapers while they were at it. They had lost lives and property in the fire, but they didn't let that crush them, they got on with life and showed great sprit. Same thing with the San Francisco earthquake of the early 20th century. Again a huge number of lives were lost, but people didn't resort to self-pity. They picked themselves up and rebuilt. Contrast to now. The 9/11 incident was a full five years ago but rebuilding hasn't commenced, partly because the developers are being greedy but partly because the relatives of the victims are being mawkish. The Americans of a century ago wouldn't have recognised the current fearful and self-pitying attitude. They knew life was brutal, but took it on the chin. Same thing in New Orleans. You can't just leave a city in ruins for years on end. What's happened to you all? Life is harsh and brutal, but you have to get on with it. Imagine if the people of London had taken a self-pitying attitude after their city was reduced to rubble after the Blitz! Instead, they set about rebuilding with huge energy and everything was repaired in a few years. If Americans continue to waste time and energy wallowing in self-pity, then the world will pass them by. And that's the greatest threat to the American future - the change in national character.

china is going to be the one who has a better economy if any country does