The United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday on this very day. This is the day that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by the original forefathers in 1776.
Even the biggest critic has to agree that America has had an extraordinary two and a half centuries. Progressing from a backwater, primarily agricultural outpost of the British Empire, to an industrial and military giant.
The nation's leaders have sold the notion of 'Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' to millions of immigrants who have flocked there from places as far afield as Ireland and Russia throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The great 1849 gold rush saw a vast expansion westwards and many Native Americans lost their lands and their culture during the relentless profiteering of this era.
America twice came to Europe's aid during both World Wars. Uncle Sam then became Europe's protector during the Cold War.
Since then the nation has become the world's principal economic and military superpower. It has dominated the global geopolitical scene being the principal funder of the World Bank, the UN, NATO and many other NGOs.
American popular culture has also been dominant through the media of music, films and television. Then we have the F.A.N.G.S. which have hegemony of the internet, all listed on NASDAQ and developed from start-ups in Silicon Valley
However, recently the American Dream and the perception of 'Land of the Free' has sunk to new depths of despair. The re-election of Donald J. Trump as president, as well as the increasing multipolar political sabre-rattling has seen America lose a lot of respect.
This month we will debate this issue. So please join us and all's we ask is that you are respectful of other people's views, whilst refraining from abusive language.
