Part 3

Can U.S. Save the World?

   Again? 

   The historian in this interview makes an analogy to the 1930s, "when the world was spinning out of control." Western democracies such as France were wavering. 

   Even in Britain, some conservatives thought Hitler was better than the alternatives. People expected the world would be choosing between fascism and communism. Churchill, an arch conservative, recognized the danger. 

   In 1941, Great Britain held out - pending U.S. help - Switzerland and Sweden were neutral, while the rest of Europe was fascist-sympathetic (Spain) or under German, Italian or Soviet control. 

   Today in America, the right may think the extreme right is more reliable than the moderate left. The moderate left may suppose the very radical left is better than the moderate right. But when that happens, it's more probable that the ultimate winner will be one of the extremes. 

   It's what happened in Russia, the historian says, and in Iran, where religion is far more important than right and left. Iran's revolution in 1979 was neither right nor left. The shah was hated by many, including moderates. 

   They all joined forces thinking that would solve their problems. Yes, they got rid of the shah, but religious radicals outmaneuvered moderates. 

   The shah was well educated, but he had no idea what was going on with the people. Catastrophic outcomes follow when powerful leaders are out of touch. 

   Socialism is popular among some American students. Others are uninterested.

   Our educational class has not informed young Americans that socialism is no panacea. Many don't know that the U.S. saved the world during World War II. 

   Now we have leading Sen. Schumer confidently yelling during a post-election rally, "We will win Georgia and then we will change America!" To what? 

   The world is not sure America wants to save it again.

        Jimmy