Calamity vs. opportunity

The magnitude of global events over the past few years signals a shift
in the world’s geopolitical order. Economic growth in the major
developed nations has slowed and the world is looking to emerging
economies to drive global expansion. We have been the lynchpin for the
global economy for decades; what nations are now prepared to lead the
way if the once-great U-S of A continues to spiral economically out of
control?

America’s identity has been strongly defined by its commitment to the less fortunate. The New Deal, War on Poverty and social insurance programs have helped America develop social cohesion. However, these same programs are bankrupting and negatively impacting our economy, and our human capital is paying a huge price as a result. We should know from the past that the models of communism and socialism have not sustained themselves and in many ways have self-destructed. In the long haul capitalism, which built America, is the best model for long-existing superpowers.
    
Whenever great change occurs, things fall apart, but that is not the end of the story. In the place of old traditions, new ones inevitably emerge. As the world becomes more complex and interdependent, local relationships give way to national relationships and broader interdependencies. To the casual observer, this process of coming together on the global stage might appear chaotic and fraught with uncertainties, but the courageous and far-sighted recognize change for what it is: an opportunity to grow.

Armstrong Williams is on Sirius/XM Power 169, 7-8 p.m. and 4-5 a.m., Monday through Friday. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/arightside, and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/arightside.