Could we survive in a WWIII???
That's an interesting question. Historically, America has always bucked up and done the things necessary to win major conflicts but in those days we had a different breed of American. Being a 20 year Navy retired military service guy, it's bred into me to beat the drum loudly and wave the flag. That is my most natural instinct. I have a very deep love of country but we are a changed nation. Our young people are not the same caliber of young people we had back during WWII, Korea, and in the dark days of Viet Nam. Instead of a country of "us" we are now a country of "me". Attitudes of our young people are much different than back in those days. To clearly see evidence of this go to the mall and sit on a bench for an hour and watch and listen to what comes by. Lots of people don't even stand up or place their hand over their heart at ball games, before NASCAR races, when the flag passes by in a parade. In a lot of ways, we have become a sad lot. Our politicians in Washington don't have the same mentality as the politicians did back in the WWII days. Many have never been in the military and are completely clueless as to how to fight a war or what exactly is needed. Should the feces hit the fan, I believe we would be badly thrashed about the head and shoulders until we took a deep breath and got our act together. I hope it never comes to that. Could we win a WWIII? I'd have to say at this point it would be a 50/50 chance unless we used nuclear weapons. I hate to say this but because of what we have allowed to come of our financial status around the world, the value of the dollar, the size of our military, and various other reasons led me to believe we are dangerously close to becoming a Third World country instead of remaining the mighty power we once were.
Sadly I have to agree with you. Further when I say that I refer to the nation as a whole, not our men and women in uniform. For us to regain the national fire in the gut as we once had as a nation as a whole, I think it really takes tragedies like 9/11. National pride has been made something to be ashamed of instead of something to respect. Taking pride in ones nation does not mean that you are a war monger or a redneck.
We are fortunate to be one nation made up of many ethnic and cultural pasts. The new comer should be taught to embrace the values of this nation and her past. They should value the pride and sacrifice of others who made it possible for them to come here and have an opportunity at a better way of life.
Our own young people need to value these same things. Material things are wonderful, but, they have come with great sacrifice and they come from the foundation of our values of old. Our son just turned 12 years old and the best thing we did was put him in the Navy Sea Cadet program when he was 11. Yes he learns about war and battle, but, he also learns national pride, self respect, respect of others and how to give back and to do for others, without thinking of himself. Again, the values which made this nation a great one.