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The game is not over for America, contrary to what some politicians on the left have said, notably Mr. Obama when he was president, and others as well with a similar mindset. Mr. Obama saw America through a different set of eyes than many American citizens who grew up in the American culture. The latter recognized that America, though not perfect, has contributed much to the world. One of my favorite tools of analysis is the 80/20 Rule. Using that tool, I believe that America’s actions have contributed disproportionately to the wealth and well being of people all over the planet.
From my vantage point, America is the most resilient and innovative country in the world. The American citizens who live in “flyover country” are tough to the core because they believe in American values, such as freedom, self-reliance, and community.
I have lived in seven countries and visited more than 60 countries in my lifetime. During those years, I have visited only two places that were comparable to America in terms of initiative, energy, and results. Those two places were Hong Kong and Singapore. Both places grew and prospered for different reasons.
The British ruled Hong Kong with a light touch, and the Hong Kong people were allowed considerable freedom in all of their daily activities and their lives. They were able to start businesses and generate much wealth. Hong Kong has over seven million people, yet ranks in the top tier of those countries that are considered the richest per capita. If memory serves, anyone could open a retail storefront in only one day. That same energy continued to enrich Hong Kong people up until today. Mainland China has begun to govern Hong Kong with a much heavier hand. China’s actions do not bode well for Hong Kong. I do not believe the Mainland Chinese understand the importance of freedom to the people of Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the Mainland Chinese are likely to strangle the goose that has laid thousands of golden eggs.
Conversely, Singapore prospered because of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, who was the driving force behind the transition of Singapore from an integral part of Malaysia to a separate international city-state and a financial center similar to Hong Kong. Mr. Lee could easily be called a benign dictator, and he and his family have ruled Singapore in that manner, but always with the best interests of the Singaporean people in mind. That is a rare accomplishment. That notwithstanding, Mr. Lee was able to lead Singapore to its unique future. Government control was ever-present in the three times I visited Singapore, and Mr. Lee once stated that the freedoms enjoyed by America would not have worked in Singapore. I am not sure I agree with him, but the question is moot at this point.
I have written elsewhere that there is no telling what could be achieved in America if we could re-engineer government and decentralize political power back to the sovereign states, and free American business to the maximum point possible. Mr. Obama opined several times that the best years of America were in the past. President Trump has proved him wrong time and time again. So, yes, this tells me the game is not over for America.
I believe that America can be revitalized and reborn. Look what has been accomplished in almost three years. President Trump has shown the way. Let’s hope the energy he brings to the table will be mirrored by the folks in the Senate and the House. Wouldn’t that be something? So, again, the game is not over for America.
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