God Bless America on this 4th of July While I love this day with my family and friends, savoring a classic July 4th BBQ, drinks, and camaraderie followed by all of us watching a big fireworks display, I also can't help but feel for and reflect on the America I know. Because I was born in 1949, which was four years after World War II ended and at the start of the new world order (the American world order), I rode the wave up, living the American Dream in the land of opportunity when it was at its best. I was weaned on equal opportunity, economic and political freedom, rule of law, and democracy, and I was fortunate enough to have parents who were of the greatest generation, who overcame The Depression, fought in the war, and gave me a strong upbringing that included a good public-school education that allowed me to take advantage of the equal opportunities to live the American Dream. While it was never perfect in providing that to everyone, I felt that it always had the moral beacon and fundamentals to be great and continue to improve. You can hear in my description my deep-seated beliefs about how America and its people should be. I also saw the generation that came after the greatest generation (i.e., my generation) run up government debt, let the country’s infrastructure break down, allow huge polarities in opportunities and living conditions to develop which led to pervasive economic and social inequalities, homelessness, mental illness and drug problems, and the relative decline of America’s economic, military, and moral leadership in the world. It is surrealistically shocking to me to see the condition the United States is in, such chronically horrendous leadership that has reached an apex in terribleness that is reflected in our two presidential candidates, our representatives in Congress, and how they deal with each other. They are so unimaginably worse than I ever could have thought possible. Having experienced nearly one whole big cycle of up and down and from studying the patterns and causes of history, I worry about what might be ahead (what I call “Stage Six of the Internal Order Cycle,” where the rule of law breaks down and there is some form of civil war). That is why I pray to God that this is just another one of those times of darkness that is just before the dawn of America’s rebound—and that God will bless America.
What makes the United States great is our ability to come together when needed. We will face moments that require unity again, and it doesn't have to involve violence, especially within our own borders. The world depends on and looks up to the United States, even when we don't always show our best side. The US, like anything else, is not perfect, but the core values of freedom and the pursuit of happiness are ideals that people should always strive for. Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸
Richard Lee
2w
I 💯 agree with what you’re saying - but more importantly rather than report on what you see… what are you going to do about it? As a .0001% are you willing to pay your fair share of taxes and prob more importantly, advocate that others of similar wealth do the same? I hope you are and I sure am… and it’s not just about taxes - but a crucial first step esp for people of means…
Sad and scary times our country is in now..
That makes the two of us….
It's incredible how the color of someone's skin changes everything about how they see a country. 1949 huh?? At least it was good for some folks. All the things that you claim America is doing now it was always doing to Black Americans and Americans of color only much worse. Welcome to what America always was from the very beginning. A horde of mentally ill people that claimed other people around them were inferior and meant to be conquered and made homeless, hopeless, without freedom, without justice, and without peace. All spearheaded by a leadership that never had morals to begin with. America is what it always has been, it really should be no surprise. Happy 4th of July.
AMERICA IS PROUD OF YOU RAY DALIO You are a beautiful gift to America because you sacrificed and gave a lot of your time and intellectual effort, including books, lectures, meetings, and your personal money, to support many issues that concern the American citizen. Your wife is also an elegant person who has helped with education issues and student assistance. I believe that if there is a new, strong center between Democrats and Republicans that rises above conflicts with the goal of making America great, then I assure you that the only suitable and beloved person internally, externally, and internationally for the next stage of leading America from the White House in Washington is you, Ray Dalio. Walking with you here for more than two years and fighting with you in life is an honor and a privilege.
Unfortunately, it is inevitable that the US will become just one of the poles in the world, losing its dominance and leadership, soon. Yet, perhaps, the US could remain livable country, I hope. The mounting debt and poor leaderships are great concerns, though.
The "greatest generation" and their era weren't as ideal as often portrayed. Consider major events like the assassinations of JFK and RFK, Watergate, the Vietnam War, and Bush Sr.'s Iraq war in the 90s. These show that political corruption and questionable decisions have long been present. Let's not forget segregation and Jim Crow laws, which reveal deep-rooted societal divisions. While America may have been economically stronger then, this same generation introduced the fiat currency system, leading to long-term inflation issues. Yes, there was economic prosperity, but with less global competition. Today's younger generations face tougher economic challenges, partly due to increased competition and the long-term effects of past decisions. In essence, each era has had its problems. The current generation might seem louder in voicing concerns, but they're grappling with complex issues that have evolved over time.
Tom B.
2w
In Abraham Lincoln's words: "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be ,,, dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Ray Dalio How about some accountability for yourself, here?
Data Scientist @ Allegion | MS in Data Science
2wIf you believe in the Four Turnings theory, the Millennials are the next iteration of the greatest generation. That would mean we will be the ones tasked with overcoming an existential threat to America, but if successful (not guaranteed), we could write the trajectory of the next 80-100 years of American life. If we win, I vote we return to the vision of the first “greatest generation”. A vision of responsibility, stewardship and morality to create a system that works for anyone who wishes to participate.