Rise over run.
I heard a theory once that the zenith of the American Empire was the first term of Clinton’s presidency. It is an interesting concept.
The U.S.’s perception of itself has changed so much in the last decade. In the nineties, we were on top of the world. American foreign policy was strong. We had the internet boom bolstering economies that were desperate for change. And anti-American sentiment seemed far away and tedious.
Things are very different now, and the last six years have created deeper questions about the role of the U.S. in the world. It has been a difficult path of self awareness for our nation. We have no claim to perfection. Whether you agree with the zenith theory or not, the USA is not sanctified, and it will not last forever. There is no reason for it to do so, and the next world power will clearly point out our mistakes.
In the meantime, I am optimistic that we can still offer something positive to the world. A frustrating decade does not mean the end, and there is still time to strengthen the American identity in the eyes of the world. Democracy is a good reminder of how quickly things can change.
........
We had the Black & White art exhibit about a week ago. If you missed it, check out the write up over at the Lahash blog.
The turnout was great- we had over 250 people attend, and the Urban Grind coffee house was the perfect spot to hold it in. Their staff was phenomenal. They went out of their way to accommodate us as we completely took over their space.
The whole event went much smoother than we could have anticipated. In spite of all the people we were inviting, the amount of art we were handling, and the number of people helping put it on, there were no major fiascos. The biggest problem was removing the art after the show. Our double-stick mounting tape became very permanent after two days, so it took a long time to get everything off the walls.
........
I’ve been getting a lot of joy out of downloading the This American Life podcast. I think it is on of the highest quality productions on radio, and it is always very entertaining. If you haven’t ever heard the show, take a little listen.
........
Dan’s parents got back from Sudan last night. It was great to see them. They looked a bit more tan, and they both looked thin after a diet of rice and beans for a month straight. We welcomed them back from rural East Africa with a plate of cinnamon rolls and the latest updates on national news. So much to digest.
The U.S.’s perception of itself has changed so much in the last decade. In the nineties, we were on top of the world. American foreign policy was strong. We had the internet boom bolstering economies that were desperate for change. And anti-American sentiment seemed far away and tedious.
Things are very different now, and the last six years have created deeper questions about the role of the U.S. in the world. It has been a difficult path of self awareness for our nation. We have no claim to perfection. Whether you agree with the zenith theory or not, the USA is not sanctified, and it will not last forever. There is no reason for it to do so, and the next world power will clearly point out our mistakes.
In the meantime, I am optimistic that we can still offer something positive to the world. A frustrating decade does not mean the end, and there is still time to strengthen the American identity in the eyes of the world. Democracy is a good reminder of how quickly things can change.
........
We had the Black & White art exhibit about a week ago. If you missed it, check out the write up over at the Lahash blog.The turnout was great- we had over 250 people attend, and the Urban Grind coffee house was the perfect spot to hold it in. Their staff was phenomenal. They went out of their way to accommodate us as we completely took over their space.
The whole event went much smoother than we could have anticipated. In spite of all the people we were inviting, the amount of art we were handling, and the number of people helping put it on, there were no major fiascos. The biggest problem was removing the art after the show. Our double-stick mounting tape became very permanent after two days, so it took a long time to get everything off the walls.
........
I’ve been getting a lot of joy out of downloading the This American Life podcast. I think it is on of the highest quality productions on radio, and it is always very entertaining. If you haven’t ever heard the show, take a little listen.
........
Dan’s parents got back from Sudan last night. It was great to see them. They looked a bit more tan, and they both looked thin after a diet of rice and beans for a month straight. We welcomed them back from rural East Africa with a plate of cinnamon rolls and the latest updates on national news. So much to digest.
posted by Erin 11:30 AM
1 Comments:
This American Life has a podcast??? That's the best news I've heard today. :-) I subscribe to several NPR podcasts, like Driveway Moments and Story of the Day. I've looked for TAL but I never found it, so I assumed you had to buy it. I really love that program, but have only rarely been able to catch it on the air.
Did the American Empire peak out in the Clinton years? I can only opine that it's been barrelling toward its nadir these past six. I can't help but feel optimistic after the recent elections. And hearing the words "Nancy Pelosi, the new Speaker of the House" first thing on the radio in the morning - ah, what a feeling!
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