Interlude: Dark Ages America Part-6

Continued from Part-5.

9. Berman devotes considerable energy to the topic of roads not taken. As an historian, the author presents an interesting case concerning the current state being a product of history and not an accident. Falls just don't happen. The USA has spawned a collective culture that reflects its collective values (thus affirming Unity is the Bad Part of Community). Berman points out that almost all Americans by default are effectively Capitalist Protestants individualists. One has little choice in an environment defined by consumer economics. This current state is the result of progress for its own sake. A race towards nothing begets nothing.

The author does make a further interesting observation. As America has no true aristocracy, no obligation is felt toward the greater society by the ruling elites. The USA has become a banana republic.

Next.