In recent weeks, we have seen natural disasters and incidents that have irreparably stained many parts of our nation.
In the Gulf of Mexico, the oil spill has raised many questions that remain unanswered. In spite of efforts to stem the flow of oil and clean up the incredible mess, this ongoing disaster threatens the environment for hundreds of miles. Torrential downpours in Nashville have caused flooding, killing several people and causing incredible damage.
Beyond these natural disasters, incidents like the attempted car bombing in Times Square and the wide range of horrific crimes committed on a daily basis are reminders that there are still troubles in the world that often manifest on our doorstep. These latest events have dominated the news and the American consciousness while making one fact very clear to me: We face dire problems here at home.
Ever since the end of America’s isolationist policy and the advent of our reign as a global police force, so many of our policies have been focused overseas and on conflicts far beyond our borders.
From the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the innumerable connections in international trade, the United States has relished its role as a world superpower and permanently tied itself to the international system.
However, it is becoming increasingly apparent this exterior image of a global superpower is resting on a rotten core where problems with the very structure of our nation are leading us toward conflict. Many of these troubles stem from government funding and use of taxpayers’ money. Specifically, we are spending too much money on space exploration and foreign aid.
Recently it was announced that NASA would receive billions of dollars to continue its missions into space and try to get back to the moon. While space exploration is a laudable pursuit, there are many more places on Earth where those funds could be put to better use. In terms of NASA’s ambitious program, we are attempting to run before we can walk and extending ourselves into space while ignoring issues at home.
The U.S. also extends itself terrestrially, providing large amounts of aid and assistance to countries around the world. While it is important to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need and combat global problems, much of the national budget is eaten up by commitments to developed nations, lessening the amount available for our own domestic pursuits.
While some of these financial commitments may seem necessary, the U.S. is too focused on being a superpower and policing the world that it ignores domestic issues that threaten stability. There are problems with education and transportation that must be addressed and remedied if we ever hope to attain the goals we have set for ourselves.
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the attempted Times Square car bombing serve as reminders of these issues. It will take a sustained effort to alter the patterns of government funding and extract ourselves from the international system that has us ignoring problems at home and living beyond our means.
Joshua Lee is a political science junior.
