Our global rankings are slipping

“Think of the most powerful state (country) ever known. It had a tradition of laws and representative government, a network of roads, and a system of communications that were marvels of their time. It boasted an urban culture, prosperous, with technology and engineering far surpassing those of its enemies. Immigrants wanted to be allowed to be citizens.

“Then, the military became entangled in more numerous and unprofitable wars, the elites feuded over the spoils from an extractive economy. Fewer products were manufactured and the nation became dependent on imports from others, the people burdened with taxation and predatory lending. Politics became increasingly corrupt, until only those wealthy enough to pay for a part of local government's budget could win local office. Senators (House) fought one another for power while the economy weakened and people suffered. Over decades, the currency became so degraded that other countries stopped using it as the basis for international trade. The resulting fiscal crisis helped to bring down the empire.” - Dylan Rattigan (journalist, author, former TV show host)

This describes the collapse of the Roman Empire. This also could be the United States. Our global rankings are slipping. We are third in household income, fourth in exports, fourth in labor force, seventh in literacy proficiency, 22nd in science, 27th in math, 49th in life expectancy, 178th in infant mortality and 137th in health care (dead last in cost). Think about it; 12 months until the next election.

Dick Steele

Keokuk