Manifest Spring 102611

In the late 19th century America focused on “Manifest Destiny” as justification of coast to coast imperialism.  By the turn of the century manifest destiny morphed into American global imperialism that continued throughout most of the 20th century, under many political correct names.

While Americans deny they were ever an imperial power the rest of the world recognizes the United States as a global exploiter of under classes. During the late 20th century the United States encouraged the overthrow of governments even providing overt support to break nations.  Having sown the seeds of foreign political unrest in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia the United States hasn’t reaped its expected harvest or resources and respect.  Instead it has lost its ethical standing among States and engendered animosity among friends and foes.

The United States became an active combatant during the Arab Spring resulting in the collapse of several governments and continued civil conflict in other States.  The U.S. intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign States impedes their ability to deal effectively with civil unrest. Having firmly established the principles of foreign interventions the United States may soon become the target foreign economic and political interventions in its own internal affairs.

The world now gleefully watches as the Arab Spring takes root on Wall Street and quickly spreads to other cities.  A popular uprising of young and old expressing discontent.  There is little focus of the popular discontent as long suppressed angers boil over into streets and public spaces.  The reaction may have been triggered by economic missteps by financial institutions and governments but the popular movement expresses the frustration, helplessness and sense that the establishment is betraying the peoples’ continued trust.

The people are right to be fearful of losing their rights, benefits and future security already eroded by bad legislation and worse business practices.   Arrogant politicians and business leaders have long dismissed the needs of the people in favor of the interests of wealth and power, forming an elite of self-interest.  There is a term,” Rational Maximization,” which for the Elite has come to mean it rationalized that their maximum benefit is in the interest of the people.  They further rationalize that high school dropouts and those than can only afford a community college education are two dumb to ever notice that they are on a downward spiral while the elite soars higher and higher. 

The hard fought battles for labor reforms, higher standards of living, equality and equity before the courts is in danger and the people are noticing. When the cracks begin to form they quickly spread and great edifices tumble. The Elite answer, control the message suppress movements.  It is interesting to note that a simultaneous crackdown on the popular movement occurred in several distant cities at the same time. An indication of central government or business control?  The Elite should look to Roman, British and Soviet greatness, that was to last forever, their people also spoke.