[quote=poorgradstudent][quote=FlyerInHi]
It used to be that Americans were top dogs in the world, we did whatever we wanted because we could. [/quote]

We still are the top dogs in terms of military, cultural, and economic might. But instead of being the top dog by a country mile, we’re now in a position closer to a plurality.

Obviously this isn’t post WWII when Europe was decimated, China was still mostly a nation of farmers and the US far and away was THE superpower, with the USSR a distant second. The US hugely benefited in the 50s and 60s from brain draining Germany and the Soviets. That period was so great for America in part because we were the top dogs by default, and in part because we could basically pick and choose anyone we wanted to join our team.

I’m disappointed that no one seems to want to “Make America Great Again” by investing in science and (non-military) technology. A commitment to public research, in part because of the Cold War, is part of why America was so great in the past. Now we just don’t seem to care as much about progress and growth.[/quote]

Yeah who needs science when we’ve got reality tv and the khardashians and big butts that don’t need no explainin.