lead, more than just a pencil tip

America continues to pride itself on being leaders of the world. What no one questions is, should we lead? and are we even capable of leading?

"What no one questions is the certainty that we are capable of, indeed accustomed to, exercising such leadership, and, more basically still, that our ideals as a nation entitle us to do so."

Foreign affairs are important. Maintaining relationships with other countries for reasons of security and trade are necessary. However, when our idea of leading transforms into imposing our cultural and moral beilefs onto another country, I think we've gone too far. War in Iraq, too far. Exportation of fast food, too far.

We don't need to lead to be the best. And we don't have to be the best at everything. Look at the state of our economy. We can't cover that up, or pretend to be the best anymore.

I say we, and I mean America, the country of my birth. However, it is becoming more and more difficult for me to identify myself with a country I am not proud of.