The Greyhound Editorial: In reality, everything is about respect
Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: Opinion
The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing reached their conclusion two Sundays past, and still the feats of the legendary Michael Phelps remain on the minds of all who watched his historic swimming performances. And who could blame anyone for still remembering? The man won eight gold medals, enabling him to add to his lifetime medal count and allowing him to claim, indisputably, the title of greatest Olympian of all time. Phelps' victories - his actions - not only won him gold, but the admiration and respect of other athletes in other countries.
So what can the United States learn from Michael Phelps?
If anything, Phelps' successes illustrate for the United States that stature and respect are attributes earned, not given. Drive, determination, dedication and an understanding of others are necessary in order to engender the respect of others and thrive in any community. The same applies to the United States.
Heading into a presidential election, America needs to re-evaluate what role it wishes to assume in the world. Can this country continue to operate according to its own agenda without empathizing with the plights of other nations? Should America be allowed to use its status as a successful country to impose its will regardless of other consequences? As a leading nation in the world - and, arguably, the leading nation in the world - what tasks and challenges should the United States spend focus on, and in what way should that focus take shape?
To wrongfully or arrogantly assume that America occupies a special place in the world simply because of its existence is narrow-minded and shortsighted. To further assume that America shares nothing in common with the world's other nations is as narrow-minded. The United States is a great country with a wealth of opportunities and a great deal of power. We should exercise such power, but that power should be channeled in ways which can better the welfare of the world, thereby improving the status of the United States.
Greatness is expected from any powerful entity. But with that greatness comes a sense of duty and responsibility. America is not alone in this world. The United States can speak to certain views and certain groups and different peoples all it wants. But to truly go for gold, America will have to act in such a way that engenders the admiration and respect of other countries as well.
So what can the United States learn from Michael Phelps?
If anything, Phelps' successes illustrate for the United States that stature and respect are attributes earned, not given. Drive, determination, dedication and an understanding of others are necessary in order to engender the respect of others and thrive in any community. The same applies to the United States.
Heading into a presidential election, America needs to re-evaluate what role it wishes to assume in the world. Can this country continue to operate according to its own agenda without empathizing with the plights of other nations? Should America be allowed to use its status as a successful country to impose its will regardless of other consequences? As a leading nation in the world - and, arguably, the leading nation in the world - what tasks and challenges should the United States spend focus on, and in what way should that focus take shape?
To wrongfully or arrogantly assume that America occupies a special place in the world simply because of its existence is narrow-minded and shortsighted. To further assume that America shares nothing in common with the world's other nations is as narrow-minded. The United States is a great country with a wealth of opportunities and a great deal of power. We should exercise such power, but that power should be channeled in ways which can better the welfare of the world, thereby improving the status of the United States.
Greatness is expected from any powerful entity. But with that greatness comes a sense of duty and responsibility. America is not alone in this world. The United States can speak to certain views and certain groups and different peoples all it wants. But to truly go for gold, America will have to act in such a way that engenders the admiration and respect of other countries as well.
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