The Myth of America's Decline--and the Reason is: You

We all hear the scare stories about China on the rise and America in decline.

I'm not old enough to recall the 1950s predictions about the Soviet's communist economy overtaking ours, but I recall very clearly the huge wave of hysteria in the 1980s and 1990s about the Japanese burying us.

Well, of course the Soviets bit the dustheap and the Japanese have mired in stagnation for over two decades.  Can anyone think of one innovative new product category that the Japanese created? 

Well, now comes along a great read that examines America's competitive position in the world: The Myth of America's Decline:Politics, Economics, and a Half Century of False Prophecies, by German newspaper editor Joseph Joffe.

The greatest reason for America's strength is that here innovators like you have been able to thrive... and drive our economy forward.  The Soviet, Japanese, and Chinese economies tellingly have this in common: Massive state interference in the economy and near-total domination by large manufacturers.  Ditto South Korea, by the way.

America's large manufacturers have declined in significance, but due to relatively lower interference by our government, new businesses step in, fill the gap, and build in its place a mountain.  America's competitive strength can be lost through erosion over time, however; it's not a "given."  We need to remember this when choosing our leaders! 

Joffe's book will give you plenty of "ammunition" when you find yourself in your next discussion on the government's role in your business.