Can America Ever Redeem Its Greatness: Lessons From the 60s

I hope so. Once a beacon of international leadership, America has faced a severe decline since the divisive and insular leadership of 2016. It's a journey of recovery that seems daunting, but the lessons from the mid-to-late 1960s could provide valuable insights.

America's Golden Age: The 1960s

60 years of progress crumbled in a single night on November 8, 2016. For my children, their children, and everyone else's sake, it's my wish that America restores its former glory within a similar timeframe. The 1960s represented a period when the US truly shone as a global leader.

A Time of Social and Economic Progress

The 1960s saw a transformation in American society. Politicians worked to dismantle discriminatory practices against races and genders, ushering in a new era of social justice. The civil rights and women's movements were at the forefront, both in political circles and public awareness.

Scientific advancements flourished, making the US a world leader in science. Religious groups showed little opposition to these advances, recognizing the harmony between science and religion. Personal beliefs were largely kept private, absent from public discourse.

Prosperity and Democratic Dynamism

From an economic standpoint, the U.S. was at its peak, with American industries thriving and middle-class prosperity widespread. The government understood that bottom-up economics was the key to economic power, with top income earners paying as much as 70% in taxes. This ensured that more spending power was allocated to the masses, stimulating the economy through increased domestic consumption rather than overseas investments.

Empowerment of Workers and Environmental Awareness

The American workforce also saw significant gains, with stronger labor unions providing employees with a voice. This led to a shift away from the oppressive nature of the two traditional political parties, who were seen as having their own ideologies hammered into the populace. There was also growing concern about the overexploitation of natural resources and the impact on the environment.

Reviving America's Glory Years

To return to this period of American greatness, several key actions must be taken:

Promote the rights of minority ethnic and gender-related groups who face discrimination.

Embrace and promote science, keeping religious views private.

Implement higher taxes for the rich to redistribute wealth more evenly.

Reinvigorate trade unions to give workers the power to advocate for better conditions.

Discard rhetoric about communism as an existential threat and instead focus on overcoming the rigid policies of the two major parties. Look for alternative parties with environmental protection at the core of their platforms.

Conclusion

While the path to redemption is long and winding, there are clear historical precedents that show America can regain its former greatness. It starts with a renewed commitment to social justice, scientific advancement, economic redistribution, and environmental stewardship. Only then can we witness a true revival of the American spirit.

References

For further reading, consider exploring historical accounts of the 1960s in America, focusing on the civil rights movement, economic policies of the era, and advancements in science and technology.