U.S. experiment in self government changed the world.

 SIGNALED THE END OF FEUDALISM

BECAME AN EXAMPLE FOR THE WORLD

While we have again celebrated the July 4th Declaration of Independence, I suspect many no longer realize the impact that event had on the world. "The shot heard around the world" from Waldo Emerson's poem that was a reference to the first battles of revolution and the beginning worldwide battle against colonialism. While the United States experiment provided opportunity and a huge increase in wealth, the nation grew from internal production and hard work, rather than the exploitation of foreign lands. It was an example to be envied by much of the world. 

While an example to be copied, the bad habit of colonialism continued and many countries were still fighting for independence in the middle of the 20th century and even today. George Washington's farewell address made note that the new country should avoid becoming entangled in European affairs, avoid permanent alliances and seek a neutral position and emphasized the importance of maintaining good faith and fairness in dealing with other nations. Such sound advice served the new nation well and was rewarded for embracing that policy and made the nation, " The light upon the hill"

While the country has always had its failures and flaws it was not until after WW2 that it began a policy of interventionism and an effort to control the rest of the world. Often influenced by the still colonial seeking countries of Europe, the country soon became the hammer to force submission or face the consequences. Then in the 1990's we hear the phrase the "only remaining Superpower" and the doubling down on exercising that power to fashion the world in some desired image, but not in the image of that new nation of 1776.

Many of the crisis existing today bagan by the policy of the English and French, in the  aftermath of WW1, in drawing countries boundaries and even creating countries to be exploited for their gain. This was done in Europe, the middle east Africa and Asia. The consequences of this arrogance is still being felt today.

We still see those that covet the resources of others and the power that wealth brings, but gained by war and taking, rather than work, perseverance and fair dealings with others. It has always historically been a path to destruction. 

The United States has been blessed with the protection of oceans on either side and an abundance of resources that allowed centuries of safety and prosperity. What we don't have we can buy and by hard work and ingenuity we can insure that safety and prosperity continues. 

We need to recognize that we have been led down a path that can only result in the end of this experiment. Nations need to abide by same rules as individuals. Fair and honest dealings do work in the long run. Might does not make right and it will end in the expected consequences.