The American 21st Century

Tomorrow, The United States of America celebrates its 235^th Anniversary of Independence at a turbulent time in its history with foreign wars, deep economic recession and a skyrocketing national debt. Many observers are predicting the decline of American power and influence and many do so with relish.

The critics of America are legion. They swamp the airwaves with hostility to all that they perceive to be wrong with U.S. foreign policy and American dominance of the global economy. In their view nothing could be better than the decline of American power and the ascendancy of China as the super power of the 21^st Century. One should be careful for what they wish lest they get it.

The United States is a work in progress, far from perfect but still an exceptional melting pot of mankind where the rule of law and protection of individual rights and freedoms are unparalleled. The continuous transformation of the society has brought about great change for the better and continues to do so. Much remains to be done, but that does not lessen the remarkable achievements of the 20^th Century.

America is the most charitable nation on earth and this charity stems not from its government alone but is dwarfed many times over by the direct contributions of its citizens. Disaster relief, medical aid, schools and meal programs are delivered by private charities who ask nothing in return. Volunteer workers provide technical assistance, immunization programs and education around the globe, often exposing themselves to rigorous hardship and grave personal danger in countries riven with civil war.

America is the country that we love to criticize but remains the destination of choice for advanced medical care, education and work. There are more Barbadians residents living and working in the United States than there are on the rest of the planet.

Above all, America is the champion of freedom and democracy as it stands against tyranny and oppression. This is something that should resonate with us as it is the same values that we cherish for ourselves. That is not to say that we will not have differences of opinion from time to time but the underlying bond of championing human rights and the rule of law is a foundation that cannot be shaken.

While the economic and military power of China expands, it does so in the context of a rising India and robust economic Southeast nations on its periphery. This is complimentary to the growth of the United States as it faces the many challenges of the 21^st Century. The openness of the American society and the seeming chaos of the political ferment create an environment of problem solving through good old fashioned Yankee ingenuity and the inputs of countless first and second generation Americans from every corner of the earth.

While challenged, no one should be persuaded that America is weak or in decline. She remains the hope of all freedom loving people around the globe and a bastion against the oppression of tyranny. May we in Barbados and Caricom continue to strengthen our relationship, as we develop a liberal capitalist democratic society that continues to improve the lot of all our people.

May God bless America and Caricom this 4^th of July, may we continue to build our economies and strengthen our security, emphasizing our common objectives and minimizing our differences.

phillip.goddard@braggadax.com