Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Once Upon a Time in the West

Jakob Augstein


This week, the United States nearly allowed itself to succumb to economic disaster. Increasingly, the divided country has more in common with a failed state than a democracy. In the face of America’s apparent political insanity, Europe must learn to take care of itself.
The word “West” used to have a meaning. It described common goals and values, the dignity of democracy and justice over tyranny and despotism. Now it seems to be a thing of the past. There is no longer a West, and those who would like to use the word along with Europe and the United States in the same sentence should just hold their breath. By any definition, America is no longer a Western nation.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Everyone is encouraged to participate with civilized comments.