Toward A New Afrikan Revolution: Volume II by Raheem Khalid

Author:Raheem, Khalid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Khalid Raheem
Published: 2022-05-08T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

Some Notes On The Current Economic, Political, Social And Cultural Situation Within The United States

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of $21 trillion, the United States continues to lead the world in this category, but is no longer the most dominant economic force on the planet. It faces stiff head-to-head competition from China (GDP of $15 trillion). For example, China has made inroads throughout both Africa and Europe in establishing trade agreements and financing infrastructure projects, particularly in parts of Africa. Also, the U.S. has competition from the up-and-coming regional economies and transnational alliances such as that between Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). As for universal dominance, this has developed into basically a two-nation contest. No other nations come even remotely close to the GDP of either the U.S. or China. The closest competitors such as Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom all have single-digit trillion dollar GDP’S.

However, internally the U.S. has a lot of debt, a significantly weakened manufacturing base and decayed infrastructure (roads, highways, bridges and family support mechanisms such as childcare, senior care, etc.). Additionally, the U.S. spends a lot of money on the military and has over 750 military bases scattered in over 80 countries around the world. By contrast, China has only five (5) such bases.

What really keeps the U.S. afloat internationally is the recognition and acceptance of the U.S. dollar as the agreed upon standard currency for conducting business throughout the world AND the vastness, dominance and sophistication of the U.S. military. They’re like the neighborhood clique that owes everybody: but also has the best connects, the best shooters and the best weapons. As long as they owe you, you’ll never go broke. And, they will pay you when they can…, International gangsterism continues to be on full display.

Currently, the United States struggles with the contradictions and tensions of attempting to align its political identity and public narrative as a constitutional republic while reacting to segments of the populations’ growing attraction to fascism. Increasing numbers of (mostly white) U.S. citizens are embracing the ideas and ideals of fascism as indeed a viable alternative and solution to the perceived current economic, political and social crises.

Hence, we witness the growing visibility and public acceptance of the various right-wing and neo-fascist groups and organizations within U.S. civil society (mainstream media, public officials, business community). Open displays of disdain and hatred toward immigrants of color, racial, ethnic, religious and cultural minorities have rapidly become more prominent. There’s no need to hide it anymore.

Economic policy and cultural wars dominate much of the political discourse among and between the leadership of the democrats and republicans. However, among and between the majorities of Black people, bread and butter issues such as jobs, affordable housing, food security, police accountability, education, health care, transportation and public safety rule the day. There exist a real and serious disconnect between the government and the governed.

The cultural crisis within the United States is profound and continues to have not just domestic, but global impact and implications due to the worldwide popularity of U.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.