Why are we, as human beings and Americans, so convinced of our survival?

[elocs]

Most all of us can conceive and accept the end of our lives as individuals, but we cannot seem to be able to accept it as a species. Many species have come and gone in the history of this planet, yet homo sapiens have only existed for a short time and seem to believe they will always be here. We have global warming, nuclear catastrophe, germs, and viruses, yet humans cannot conceive of a world without them.

The United States, as a nation, believes the same thing concerning our survival as a country. Many nations and empires have come and gone throughout history, yet in this country most people cannot conceive of a world without the United States even though we have only existed as a nation for 230 years. Our conviction of our everlasting survival as a species and a nation can only hasten our demise. Unfortunately too many Americans are too fat, comfortable, spoiled, and greedy to aid in the survival of our species or our Republic.

[gkdmaths]

1. If we werent so convinced,

we probably wouldnt be here right now.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Empires rise, and eventually they fall, in a sort of karmic gravity.

Why should we be any different? Even Ben Franklin didn't think the Republic would last.

The real questions might be: how long will it take, and how will it happen? Will we gradually fade into a second-string country, still somewhat important but not on the top of the heap, sort of like post-imperial Britain? Will we come apart in a short period of time like the Soviet Union? Will we be conquered or, more likely, overcome economically by a rising power like China?

In any event, we should fasten our seatbelts; I think it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. HUBRIS

encouraged and supported by religion and politics.

[Mythsaje]

4. Because, as a species

we've done some fucking amazing things. And we stand on the verge of many more.

And probably also that at least 60% of us are optimists.

[elocs]

7. I don't think it is optimism.

I think in this country if people have jobs, are comfortable, and can spend money as they please, then they are not too concerned about the effects of global warming that may severely impact their grandchildren. There are also too many who are more than willing to trade their hard earned liberties for temporary security. We may not be conquered, but this nation may cease to be a democratic republic. We would be like the frog in the water and not be aware that the pot is boiling until too late.

[savemefromdumbya]

5. nobody is watching China

[Glorfindel]

6. England abides, though transformed many times since 1066

through war, revolution, plague, civil insurrection, reformation, regicide, restoration, the gain and loss of empire...and this gives me great hope for the American experiment. Five hundred years from now we may be changed utterly from what we are now (it's almost inevitable), but I think we'll still be around. We may be a third-rate backwater of a country, hawking its handicrafts to a bored world, or a multi-planet-spanning empire, but I believe we'll endure and prosper, and that Democrats will continue to be the true Progressives and Visionaries of the human race. I say this as one who has chosen not to pass on his genes, but future Democrats will be my children, and I say "God bless 'em!" :dem:

[elocs]

8. Ah, but will the human species abide?

The survival of humans aside, I believe that this country will survive, but in what form? If we begin to lose our democracy, how many people will raise their hands or voices to stop or slow its demise? There's too much of the "it can't happen here, or to us" attitude.