Comments on a Recently read Book

I just finished reading The Post-American World | Release 2.0  by Fareed Zakaria (thanks for the recommendation, VBob). Written in understandable language, it is timely and eye-opening, as well as offering hope for the future of the United States.

The U.S. will be the world's only super power for a while yet, but other countries will continue to move up the ladder. We, as Americans, need to recognize that we live in a global society, and we only harm ourselves if we think we can pull back into an isolationist shell. We need to reach out to the rest of the world, not only with guns and aide, but with openness and understanding.

Most of the world's developing and developed countries are more or less closed societies, that are not replacing the population as it ages. The U.S. has always attracted people from other countries; we have a vibrant and growing (and young) work force.  This gives us a tremendous advantage over other countries. The U.S. has always welcomed people trying to better themselves, or looking for religious or political freedom, and we shouldn't close our doors now.

Besides, someone has to pay for my Social Security benefits.