Actually, America could very easily be self-sufficient. We have oil, natural
gas, Uranium, Gold, Silver, Rare-Earth elements, diamonds, gemstones, minerals
of all sorts, lots of fertile farmland, lots of livestock, Manufacturing plants,
refineries, wineries, beer and wine making industries, textile plants. A lot of
people skilled in many crafts. Some of the World's top schools.
The US is one of the top three exporting nations, and the leading consumer
nation. The rest of the world would be seriously impacted by the loss of the US
as either or both an importer or exporter.
The US consumes 13% of the World's products. The US also provides 8.5% of the
World's imports, and 41% of the World's military spending. If the US pulled a
self-sufficient position, the World would plunge into a Global depression. And
interestingly, The US debt would shrink rapidly, and could disappear in as
little as one year. The plain fact is the US drives the World's economy. Like it
or not. That is not to say other countries could not do without the US, or that
other countries could not pick up the slack to cover such a loss. But the US
would actually do better without the rest of the world, from a strictly economic
perspective. Not that I promote such and idea.
The US is also the World's largest charitable giving nation. Something many
people try to deny, or spread FUD about. In fact the US donates more, in total
giving, than the next two leading countries combined. But not in per capita.
While it might be fun to bash on the US, for our crazy, disturbed jerks of
politicians and their policies, and greedy as sin corporations, there's a lot to
be thankful for also. I'm not always proud of the US, but I am proud of
Americans in general.
I thought I should point that out, as this is Groklaw, which is all about facts
and defeating FUD and misinformation.[ Reply to This | Parent | # ]
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