And CA I believe you to be correct that there is no cure. Historically speaking there has never been a nation that retrieved glory once the decline began.
"And for those who object to Steyn's failure to prescribe a cure: Maybe there isn't one."
Let me suggest a cure: Socialism collapses in bankruptcy and the transfer payments stop. Then an announcement is made: "All former welfare recipients willing to work instead of starving, signify by picking up a toilet bowl brush or a shovel." That social class isn't capable enough to keep the transfer payments going.
The cure won't apply to everyone. Only the strong survive, in pockets. The weak end up like the guy in the picture.
The strong will be self-reliant and will make sure that their families grow up that way too.
Will they will live in small rural communities? Is that the only viable future? What about people like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos? What will they do to ensure that their families and associates won't be damaged in the way Steyn described?
Will successful corporations provide a shelter from the creeping state? Is a future like the Todos Santos arcology in Niven & Pournelle's "Oath of Fealty" possible?
@Anonymous: "Historically speaking there has never been a nation that retrieved glory once the decline began."
The Romans and Byzantines both had significant periods of revitalization, so it is possible, although never permanent. But then again, since no society is permanent, the best you can hope for his periodic reviatlization.
You might want to understand that there will ALWAYS be a World's Policeman. While many will whine that it SHOULD NOT be the United States, they need to understand that if WE will not be it, WE do not get to decide WHO IS. If we bow out, either willfully or through economic collapse, there are OTHERS who will be glad to assume the mantle. China, for instance. Or Russia. Or our good friends in Iran. What, you say - they can't do that? Why not? WHO is going to stop them, if WE have abandoned the role? The UN? Yeah, right!
And understand that if any of THEM are the World's Policeman, we should not expect them to be concerned about "war crimes". So if you think you and your tribe are going to survive THAT "in pockets" or whatever, you had better think again. The One has begun the destruction of the US military. And this WILL NOT end well.
I hate it, but I think it's largely true.
ReplyDeleteIs there a solution?
Can we dig out of this hole?
I think 'probly not.
But, while we're at it, repeat the mantra after me:
We're screwed (oh, buddy, are we ever...).
There's gonna be a fight (one way or the other).
Let's win (Anyway).
Resist.
AP
Amen.
ReplyDeleteNo cure but that we make ourselves. It will be a strictly "Play it as it lays", struggle. Those that lose heart, or betray, need not apply.
ReplyDeleteHard hitting and spot on.
ReplyDeleteAnd CA I believe you to be correct that there is no cure. Historically speaking there has never been a nation that retrieved glory once the decline began.
KPN3%
"And for those who object to Steyn's failure to prescribe a cure: Maybe there isn't one."
ReplyDeleteLet me suggest a cure: Socialism collapses in bankruptcy and the transfer payments stop. Then an announcement is made: "All former welfare recipients willing to work instead of starving, signify by picking up a toilet bowl brush or a shovel." That social class isn't capable enough to keep the transfer payments going.
The cure won't apply to everyone. Only the strong survive, in pockets. The weak end up like the guy in the picture.
ReplyDeleteThe strong will be self-reliant and will make sure that their families grow up that way too.
Will they will live in small rural communities? Is that the only viable future? What about people like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos? What will they do to ensure that their families and associates won't be damaged in the way Steyn described?
Will successful corporations provide a shelter from the creeping state? Is a future like the Todos Santos arcology in Niven & Pournelle's "Oath of Fealty" possible?
@Anonymous: "Historically speaking there has never been a nation that retrieved glory once the decline began."
ReplyDeleteThe Romans and Byzantines both had significant periods of revitalization, so it is possible, although never permanent. But then again, since no society is permanent, the best you can hope for his periodic reviatlization.
"There'll Always Be an England?"
ReplyDeleteMore like "There used to be an England..."
You might want to understand that there will ALWAYS be a World's Policeman. While many will whine that it SHOULD NOT be the United States, they need to understand that if WE will not be it, WE do not get to decide WHO IS. If we bow out, either willfully or through economic collapse, there are OTHERS who will be glad to assume the mantle. China, for instance. Or Russia. Or our good friends in Iran. What, you say - they can't do that? Why not? WHO is going to stop them, if WE have abandoned the role? The UN? Yeah, right!
ReplyDeleteAnd understand that if any of THEM are the World's Policeman, we should not expect them to be concerned about "war crimes". So if you think you and your tribe are going to survive THAT "in pockets" or whatever, you had better think again. The One has begun the destruction of the US military. And this WILL NOT end well.