How America Can Rise Again

Atlantic Monthly by James Fallows | Jan. 5, 2010 (Opinion)

Today’s fears combine relative decline—what will happen when China has all the jobs? and all the money?—with domestic concerns about a polarized society of haves and have-nots that has lost its connective core. They include concerns about the institutions that have made America strong: widespread education, a financially viable press, religion that can coexist with secularism, government that expresses the nation’s divisions while also addressing ... Full Story »

Posted by Derek Hawkins - via Ellen Miller, Tim O'Reilly

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Subjects: World, U.S., Business
Topics: Poverty, U.S. Economy, Finance, Social Change, Jobs
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Posted by: Posted by Derek Hawkins - Jan 5, 2010 - 8:59 AM PST
Reviewed by: Derek Hawkins (review), Jon Mitchell (review), Kaizar Campwala (review), Andre Heinemann (review), Fabrice Florin (review)
Content Type: Article
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Edited by: Fabrice Florin - Jan 6, 2010 - 11:02 PM PST

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Jon Mitchell
3.9
 by Jon Mitchell - Jan. 5, 2010

What this lengthy piece lacks in objectivity, it makes up for in research and expertise. It brings a vigorously contemporary tenor to what the author repeatedly states is a timeless question of whether America is a society in decline, and it deftly dissects the factors that play into the answer.

The point is well taken that "we've been here before;" Fallows' litany of doomsday moments on page 1 clearly demonstrates that this feeling of being on the precipice has been a fixture of the modern American psyche. I'm also interested in the idea, backed up by Cullen Murphy and others in the piece, that this alarmed feeling is an American strength, because it calls us to action. I think it's fascinating that, according to Fallows, history reveals this tendency toward political ... More »

“[O]f course any discussion of American problems in any era must include the disclaimer: the Civil War was worse.” “’And we will look on in awe ... More »

See Full Review » (14 answers)
Andre Heinemann
4.4
 by Andre Heinemann - Jan. 6, 2010

Well written piece putting current thinking into historical perspective. Not the easiest topic to cover, but Fallow did it well, with perspective, insight and a bit of humor along the way. Well worth reading.

I really enjoyed this piece, even though it took more than one glass of wine to read it. Fallow's perspective and insights are well worth the time, and his humor made the time pass quickly. I wish more people will read quality articles like this one, rather than indulging in the shallow short-lived world of cable news.

“Tempting as the thought is when watching the Senate on C-SPAN, we can’t really hope for a coup.” And to continue with ... More »

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Kaizar Campwala
4.3
 by Kaizar Campwala - Jan. 6, 2010

A difficult topic to write about with perspective and without self-righteous philosophizing. Fallows performs admirably. Recommended read.

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Fabrice Florin
4.0
 by Fabrice Florin - Jan. 6, 2010

Must-read essay about America's prospects for the future, by Atlantic national correspondent James Falllow. This in-depth article argues that the U.S. can pull through the current crisis, but that we must fix our old, broken government. An eye-opener. Highly recommended.

See Full Review » (11 answers)
Derek Hawkins
4.0
 by Derek Hawkins - Jan. 5, 2010
Derek posted this story.
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