A fascinating new study looks at whether the US will remain the dominant superpower in the next century.

Many of James Kurth's recommendations are pretty mainstream, suggesting that America's dominance has been built on military power which itself is dependent on economic power. He points out that this has been based not so much on industrial strength as constant innovation. He says that to continue this into the future, America has to emphasise research into green and bio tech, and new medical and health treatments.

This emphasis on the future of technology pretty much mirrors the priority of the Obama administration which also stresses medical research. I am hearing that some executives of medical companies are arguing the administration is undermining its own objectives by taxing just such products.

But that's a digression. Kurth's most striking argument is that it's time for America to grow up. He directly challenges the idea that America benefits from "soft power" - the worldwide appeal of its ideals and culture. He says the projected culture is adolescent and damaging:

"It is usually forgotten that this popular culture is chiefly popular with the young - particularly those young who are still irresponsible, rebellious and feckless...If American leaders want to lead the leaders of other countries, they will have to act like mature adults, not like the attention-seeking celebrities of American popular culture."

Perhaps he's just spotted the difference between the heartland and TV-land. In my short time here, I've been struck by the tightly-buttoned, exaggerated deference, politeness and conformity of much of American society compared to its rather more free-flowing image abroad. But is Prof Kurth right that it is time for America to put away childish things?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/markmardell/2009/10/the_prof_who_says_adolescent_a.html

 [ send green star]

It's an interesting article bringing points across that I've thought about a lot. Our country's greatest asset is our people in my opinion. I've formed that opinion because every time there's been a major catastrophe people show their true character helping each other out. The article mentions leadership which kills that character and leads to destroying hope for the better tomorrow. As far as leading other countries I think our country would serve itself best if it gave thought to the future starting with children by somehow getting basics such as self-esteem, self-love and self confidence into their understanding for future reasoning and decision making. There such a large division between us in this country at the present that only time and energy is spent on differences of opinion that for me it's hard to see a clear course in action with that behavior. I live next to a school and even have suggested to them to think about trying to have a political system in the school with student having something similar to a society where in their youth already they learn how choices are to be made when they become adults. Our generation brought up the irresponsible youth so I have a hard time thinking our generation is capable of undoing our mistakes but maybe concentrating on youth could offer our country hope in the future. I know the military power gig sure backfired on our country as a simple terrorist destroyed that image of might. Winning by intimidation is old hat but I guess Washington hasn't figured that out yet.

 [ send green star]

Well, there is need for serious attention on the youth.

Not that there has not always been 'wild' youth, but there seems to be a real disregard for others, with no basic concept, no vision, no hope.

And not only the young...

This may be part of a natural progression, of various factors, of distortion of some ideas, over~simplification, misdirection and misapplication.

Yet, just as all these factors and others may culminate, may gel to create the situation, active focus can create another general way. And even, using the same elements, only arranged properly.

 [ send green star]

My thinking is that if valuing human beings has to become a major priority in order for individuals to learn to lead their own lives so they then know inside themselves what kind of leader they will follow. The reason I believe in focusing on youth is that all the focus at the present is on dysfunctional behaviors which consumes all society's time and energy. I think our country could do best if we do our best to tolerate our present generation in a reasonable manner and let it die off yet at least have the deceny attempt to leave some kind of a dream for our children to shoot for. Even if a small percentage of citizens that are truly concerned about this country broke off from our irresponsible and unaccountable behaviors and set clear goals of what it would take to change the direction of society I feel leaders could be created with youth so they could place our country in the role of leading by example instead of intimidation. The bottom line is that I'm for rebuilding society first with then creating a purpose for our country of uniting people because the society would be stronger that way.

 [ send green star]