American Values

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The United States is, without question, a leader among nations in the world today. America’s position in the world did not come easily, can largely be traced to the values that helped establish the country, and are the same values necessary for its preservation. That said, the American people and its government alike must carefully guard the values that formed the nation or be faced with the forfeiture of both. An apathetic citizenry disinterested in defending these beliefs that protect individual freedoms will likely witness these rights destroyed. Likewise, a government that seeks to pander to its base and placate only a portion of the population will strain the system and exacerbate fissures within society. Americans value individual …show more content…

Whether stemming from anti-feudal past, an abundance of natural resources, or the good fortune of being straddled by two oceans, the government formed and maintained by the people is qualitatively and quantitatively superior to any other nation in the world. Americans value a system based on self-reliance and a level playing field. It is this characteristic specifically that has helped place the United States on top in industry and technological advances. A can do attitude that is envied by other nations, the United States responsible for the most transformational advances in technology the world has witnessed. These advances in technology have largely powered the economic engine of the world economy. That said, what may be called exceptionalism by some could be interpreted as hubris by others. Americans solve problems, are innovative, and have a difficult time admitting defeat. It is this characteristic in particular that must be recognized and carefully examined in order to avoid inserting itself into areas where no suitable solution is likely. Considering recent events, the administration’s efforts to find common ground with Iran and its nuclear weapons program may provide such an example. The United States may sometimes view itself as the world’s mediator and, a problem solver, and by doing so with hubris, may enter into areas beyond its control endangering national security interests. Iran, under its current administration, should never be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon. American hubris, in this instance, will certainly lead to an increasingly dangerous situation for both the United States and its partner nations in the

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