By Alexander Green Editor’s Note: Memorial Day is an occasion for Americans to reflect on our great nation – and the men and women who have given their lives defending it.
Today, we wanted to remind you that our fallen soldiers didn’t make these sacrifices in vain. We think you’ll appreciate this essay on American greatness from Alexander Green’s Beyond Wealth series.
It’s not fashionable to talk about America’s greatness these days.
Most of us prefer to grouse about the weak economy, the federal debt, political gridlock, stagnant wages, terrorist attacks, racial tension, the state of popular music or A-Rod’s batting average this season.
There is a sense among many that we are no longer an exceptional nation, that the country is in decline, that the American Dream is over, and that our children and grandchildren face a diminished future.
I disagree. And you should, too.
Let’s take an objective look at where we’re headed. But let’s begin with a few indisputable facts about the present:
American lives have never been longer. (In 1900, life expectancy was just 40 years.) This near doubling of the human lifespan may be the single greatest achievement in the history of civilization.
Our standard of living has never been higher. (Look around you at all the labor-saving devices, the huge variety of goods and services available, the luxuries – from flat-panel TVs to Starbucks’ lattes to Egyptian cotton sheets – that permeate your existence.)
Our homes have never been larger. According to the Census Bureau, the median square footage of newly built single-family homes is 2,400 square feet. That’s nearly 1,000 square feet larger than the median home built in 1992.
The American workweek – at 34.4 hours – has never been shorter.
Computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones – which are revolutionizing our lives – have never been cheaper or more powerful.
We are the world leader in technological innovation. The internet was created here. If we are no different from the other Western democracies, why were transformative companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Tesla and Uber – to name just a few – all founded here?
American cities have never been safer. (Violent crime is in a long-term cycle of decline.)
Educational attainment has never been greater. (Eighty-eight percent of Americans have a high school diploma. Fifty-nine percent have some college experience. Forty-two percent have an associate or bachelor’s degree.)
The essentials of life – food, clothing, energy and shelter – (in inflation-adjusted terms) have never been more affordable.
All forms of pollution – with the exception of greenhouse gases – are in decline.
The American military – the primary defender of the free world – has never been stronger. (The U.S. spends close to what the rest of the world does on defense: more than $600 billion. Per year.)
American agriculture is the envy of the world. Our farmers now grow five times as much corn as they did in the 1930s – on 20% less land. The yield per acre has grown sixfold in the past 70 years.
Source:: Investment You
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