I watched Casablanca a couple of nights ago and wept. I was struck by how much we have lost. When Casablanca was made, we were admired, and respected. People across the world looked to us, a beacon light in midst of the darkness that was engulfing the world. And we lived up to that respect.
Now we are feared, distrusted, and the butt of the joke. We're distrusted by our allies because of our attacks against them by our President and our chaotic, inconsistent, and contradictory policy. And our enemies are emboldened by the same and our new found isolation in the world. Alliances that have been the pillar of strength for more than 70 years now crumble placing, not just us, but everyone at risk - all in the space of less than a year. We are now the darkness.
This had been buzzing in my head for several days. The temptation is to compare us to Rome. Well, they were the worlds first great super power and everybody likes to think they're big. But I think another comparison can be drawn to King Lear. Lear, in a fit of vanity, divides his kingdom between two of his daughters, disowning his youngest, Cordelia, because she failed to flatter him appropriately. In the end, Lear's kingdom is shattered by civil war. And, a broken man, Lear discovers, too late, that Cordelia, disowned and denigrated was the only daughter that truly loved him.
History, it is said, is written by the victors. So, only a history written from outside can hope to accurately show who the villains and who the heroes are in this piece - if any are to be found. In a democracy, we are all our Lear. And our Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia.
Some may take exception to this bleak assessment of our standing. Few like to think in terms of greatness lost. Fewer still are willing to accept culpability in that loss. And many have conflicting ideas in where true greatness lies. So be it.
