How did European settlers treat Australian land and how did the use it, compared to aboriginals?

Explanation:

a very long article

January 6, 2010 11:42 AM Subscribe

How America Can Rise Again by James Fallows

Is America going to hell? After a year of economic calamity that many fear has sent us into irreversible decline, the author finds reassurance in the peculiarly American cycle of crisis and renewal, and in the continuing strength of the forces that have made the country great: our university system, our receptiveness to immigration, our culture of innovation. In most significant ways, the U.S. remains the envy of the world. But here's the alarming problem: our governing system is old and broken and dysfunctional. Fixing it—without resorting to a constitutional convention or a coup—is the key to securing the nation's future. (via|previously)

posted by kliuless (61 comments total) 17 users marked this as a favorite

The "rise" part of the question reminds me of Bill Maher's line, which was a lightbulb moment for me: Why can't America get it up any more?

posted by Joe Beese at 11:48 AM on January 6, 2010

I seriously doubt America has been through even one, let alone multiple, "cycles" in the mere 50-100 years it has been a world power.

posted by DU at 11:53 AM on January 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

In most significant ways, the U.S. remains the envy of the world.

Hmmm, I'm torn here. Nelson laugh or crazy dude laugh?

posted by i_cola at 11:55 AM on January 6, 2010 [4 favorites]

Our government is old and broken and dysfunctional, and may even be beyond repair. But Starr is right. Our only sane choice is to muddle through.

So basically, yes: America is broken, and the best solution is: no solution.

posted by blue_beetle at 11:56 AM on January 6, 2010

a 3 branch government