Nature

Excerpts of a response to a Ben Stein article published in the September 2006 edition of "The American Spectator" (my 'headline' summary of Stein's comments is in parenthesis):

The future is largely unpredictable; particularly in cases where excessive gloom or excessive exuberance are involved. ‘Nature’ has ways of re-balancing (also human nature).

(Well-Financed Muslim Terrorists)
Muslim terrorists are well financed and well armed…so were the commies. In spite of all the dour things happening in the Middle East and the so-called fact that the U.S. is increasingly inflaming the Muslim street and feeding radicalism by our involvement in Iraq, etc.; we have committed ourselves to fighting terror and viola, no attacks on American soil since 9/11. Some think it is mostly luck, I do not.

(Mainstream Media Anti-Americanism)
Mainstream media…does anyone still watch the network news? There are many media choices, including great conservative media outlets. I suspect you consume some of them. Diversity of opinion and news delivery has improved significantly in the last twenty years and continues to get better every year.

(Dysfunctional Education System)
I am the least optimistic about education because of entrenched interests. However, I can imagine the law of unintended consequences doing their magic on teachers unions and school boards…it has happened to the automakers (jobs have not moved overseas, only to the non-union South). While it may take longer with public entities, we already see individuals and private enterprise working the margins.

(Immigration Challenges to our Infrastructure)
Immigration is a challenge, but not as big a challenge as a declining work force. Most of our immigrants are economic migrants, which mean they have one good trait…a work ethic. In addition (do not forward this email), if Hispanic immigrants start procreating with Asian immigrants, we could be at the early stages of creating a master race.

(Corporate Managers Greed)
Stein’s comment about corporate managers’ greed is one of the few times I think he has bought into the mainstream pabulum. Capitalism is the greatest economic system known to humankind and it relies on greed as its central article of faith. However, like all ‘systems’, it re-balances from time-to-time. Hence, we go from robber barons to Jeff Skilling. Lets hope we keep our greedy instincts…the world will be a better place.

(Deficient Political Leadership)
Ditto above for politicians. Agree or disagree with him, Bush is leading. So did Reagan. Two good examples that are recent.

(Entitlement Crisis)
We will find solutions for entitlements. We are still the richest nation on the face of the earth…and we are talking almost every election cycle about the impending entitlement crises…and conservatives (and more importantly, their ideas) are gaining in prominence (there will always be some set-backs along the way).

(Balance of Payments Crisis)
I will admit to not fully comprehending the balance of payments crises. Having said that, I would rather hold equity (in the form of capital – intellectual and money) than dig ditches or make widgets.

(Underfunded Military)
I would not trade our military for any other in the world…not even close.

I live in California and thus should be in the best position to be gloomy about the future. All of Stein’s comments apply in spades out here (and several not mentioned). I do believe the United States is unique in the history of nations and cultures. While no culture is invincible forever, I think we are at least on par with the Romans, which should get us through several more generations.

What is unique that pertains to survival and even the continued thriving of our nation? We have embedded in our culture resourcefulness (entrepreneurial instincts…the ability to adapt and thrive, creative destruction, et al.); a strong work ethic (Americans still work longer hours than most others); strong ‘belief’ systems (religious faith; belief in the righteousness of the American way); and finally, a strong belief in individualism, which keeps government in check and will hopefully stave-off the natural inclinations that societies have to become more socialized over time.

A radio talk show host here is fond of saying that living in America is like winning the lottery…everyday. I agree.