The most powerful nation on Earth

I am reminded of a recent discussion I had with a friend who was deeply concerned about how America was being perceived abroad. At the time, America's activities in Afghanistan were reaching their peak. However, I have had similar conversations with other people since, and not all relate specifically to the so-called "War on Terror."\nDo you know what is really scary about America? Realizing that you have arrived in a country where there are 270 million people when you just left a country that has only 18 million. This is the contrast between the U.S. and Australia. It is particularly striking when you realize both countries are essentially comparable in landmass.\nThis statistic can be brought home in the most unexpected circumstances. On coming here I was astonished by the number of jet trails that seemed to permanently criss-cross the sky. As naïve as that may sound, it seemed (and still does) like an extraordinary amount of air traffic.\nTo a foreigner, America seems to have more of everything: planes, cars, stop signs, television stations, (bad television stations), soda brands, cereals, fast food restaurants, cheerleaders, actors, producers -- the list could go on forever.\nThis country also has more money and power than most. America's superior military and diplomatic muscle makes it a major player in the world arena. As a consequence, it is the most watched country on the planet. \nThere is an economic cliché -- if the U.S. sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold.\nYou only have to see the number of flags flown about town to realize that this country is more patriotic than most. It can also seem that ordinary Americans are very geocentric in their view of the world. The fact that George W. Bush had barely stepped outside the country before his presidency is a case in point. Outside America, there were many people who questioned the adequacy of such a man for governing the most powerful nation on earth. Today, within America, people still do.\nHowever, current events have forced many Americans to broaden their mind's view beyond their country's borders. As a consequence, more are questioning America's foreign policy. In doing so, there seems to be a growing uneasiness in some Americans that the U.S. is now paying the price for sticking its nose in too many places where it has not been wanted.\nThe world would undoubtedly be a different place without America's dominance. But, I sleep better at night knowing the U.S. is prepared to expose itself. \nRecent experience shows that the costs associated with this exposure can touch closer to home than anyone could have expected. While there is often an element of self-interest involved, I see few other countries willing to bear this cost.\nThe use of deadly force in any circumstance is a complex issue and should weigh heavily on any intelligent person's mind. The "War on Terror" should be no exception. \nI don't pretend to have any of the answers. It takes a better person to come up with those solutions. I only hope they are also the ones making the decisions.\nAmerica's prominence in the world can make it an easy target for criticism, but life would undoubtedly be less safe without the red, white and blue flying high across the globe. \nDo you know what is really great about America? \nThat it exists.