A friend of mine argues that the greatness of the United States lies in its social system. But what system are we talking about—the one envisioned by its Founding Fathers or the one we have today?
The American system has evolved, but its inherent strength remains. If America is still as great as some claim, then Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) slogan seems redundant.
However, with the decline described by Packer's The Unwinding being true, burying our heads in the sand won’t get the country out of the woods. I’m reminded of a Chinese saying, 办法总比困难多 (bàn fǎ zǒng bǐ kùn nán duō), meaning "There are always more solutions than problems." This optimistic outlook suggests that no matter the challenges, there are always ways to overcome them.
Throughout its history, the U.S. has faced many significant challenges and often emerged stronger. Like the Civil War, the Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement, 2008 Financial Crisis, and Jan 6 Capitol Riot.
During the 1929 Great Depression, a severe worldwide economic downturn led to widespread unemployment and poverty. The country pulled through with FDR's New Deal, which included numerous public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations. For example, New Deal programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided jobs for young men in environmental conservation projects. The Public Works Administration created jobs through large-scale public works projects, such as building roads, bridges, and schools.
More recently, the 2008 Financial Crisis led to widespread foreclosures, unemployment, and financial instability. The government intervened with measures like the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to stabilize the financial system, stimulate the economy, and promote recovery.
Throughout its history, the key to turn things around in times of crisis is always government intervention, which brought in social order, provided hope through a more socialist approach to economic problems. These programs, offering many public services, challenged the essence of out-of-control laissez-faire capitalism that preceded the Depression.
Today, many developed countries, including the United States, have mixed economies. They combine capitalist market systems with heavy government intervention and elements of socialist welfare, such as healthcare and social safety nets, regulatory frameworks, and public services like free education. In fact, the high welfare state is part of the attractions for millions of people attempting to come here.
The New Deal's heavy government intervention not only had features reminiscent of socialist policies but also set a precedent for a more active government role in economic and social affairs. This influence continues in U.S. policy today.
The American social system has evolved over time, becoming a hybrid of capitalist and socialist origins. It is no longer the one created by its Founding Fathers.
In conclusion, the American system has transformed significantly from its inception, becoming something the Founding Fathers might not recognize. This dynamic adaptation, driven by historical challenges and government intervention, has ensured the country's progress in the face of crises.
The question remains: How will this system continue to evolve to meet today's challenges? Just as the Chinese saying suggests, "There are always more solutions than problems," so too must America continue to find innovative solutions if it hopes to make America great again.