Our Nation at Risk
Recently we discussed a report given by Ronald Reagan in 1983 that has been archived as "A Nation at Risk". I felt this was extremely relevant to much of the political dialogue that we have been hearing today. This report cites the success of Sputnik, Japanese automobiles, the steel mill of the South Koreans, and German tools all being superior to Americans.
https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/risk.html
President Trump has a very similar attitude, and continually warns Americans that China and Mexico's entrepreneurial success is threatening our world dominance. He even goes as far as to say the American people are being taken advantage of by these governments.
https://www.pri.org/stories/2016-09-27/trump-says-us-jobs-get-stolen-china-well-here-are-countries-stealing-chinese-jobs
Something about both of these does not sit right with me. There are some valuable points to take away from both of these former presidents and their fear in losing world authority, but they are also missing a big part of the picture.
I consider myself a strong patriot. What I do take away is that Americans should not become complacent and entitled when it comes to educational and economical success. This is true. We should always strive to be better and to learn more. Reagan also mentions the threat of an "unfriendly world power". I'll admit, I am relieved that nuclear weapons have not gotten into the wrong hands, but I don't think American hands are much better. We have used these bombs already to cause massive amounts of civilian deaths.
America is the best place to live in my opinion. However, it is important to remember why we are the best. America is a land of opportunity for all. We can not remain leaders of the free world by stifling the growth and limiting the success of other countries. We should rather celebrate the success of other countries, and learn from them. Mexico and China both have a highly impoverished population. I don't believe their success is hurting the American people, and even so, I believe we can spare a few jobs for sake of humanity.
https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/risk.html
President Trump has a very similar attitude, and continually warns Americans that China and Mexico's entrepreneurial success is threatening our world dominance. He even goes as far as to say the American people are being taken advantage of by these governments.
https://www.pri.org/stories/2016-09-27/trump-says-us-jobs-get-stolen-china-well-here-are-countries-stealing-chinese-jobs
Something about both of these does not sit right with me. There are some valuable points to take away from both of these former presidents and their fear in losing world authority, but they are also missing a big part of the picture.
I consider myself a strong patriot. What I do take away is that Americans should not become complacent and entitled when it comes to educational and economical success. This is true. We should always strive to be better and to learn more. Reagan also mentions the threat of an "unfriendly world power". I'll admit, I am relieved that nuclear weapons have not gotten into the wrong hands, but I don't think American hands are much better. We have used these bombs already to cause massive amounts of civilian deaths.
America is the best place to live in my opinion. However, it is important to remember why we are the best. America is a land of opportunity for all. We can not remain leaders of the free world by stifling the growth and limiting the success of other countries. We should rather celebrate the success of other countries, and learn from them. Mexico and China both have a highly impoverished population. I don't believe their success is hurting the American people, and even so, I believe we can spare a few jobs for sake of humanity.
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