1. The Arab Spring
The perceived threat:
The past two years have seen a lot of change in the
Middle-East. This historically volatile region has seen regime changes and
revolutions in countries like Libya and Egypt. In other countries such as Syria
and Jordan, people are still protesting and fighting for change. Unfortunately,
to finance these revolutions, rebels and revolutionary leaders have to look to
anyone and everyone for donations. Radical Islamic organizations such as
Hezbollah, al Qaeda, and the Muslim Brotherhood have stepped up to finance
these revolutions. It is thought that this will allow Radical Islamic Jihadist
movements to influence politics in a region already filled with anti-American
sentiment.
Why we shouldn't worry:
In many of the countries that have experienced revolution or
regime change American sentiment is actually pretty high. It turns out that
unlike what we are led to believe, the average Arab in the Middle-East does not
hate America. What about that core group of radical Islamists? Turns out they
haven’t been able to influence the new governments as much as they would like.
The new governments have stepped up to show support for America and appear to
be rather moderate in many countries. For now, look elsewhere to find a real
threat to America.
2. China
The perceived threat:
Over the past 10 years the American government’s deficit has
been increasing exponentially. Who is funding this deficit budget? It seems
that China is footing the bill for uncontrolled American spending. So what if China
decides to cash in on its loans to America? It would 100% without a doubt crush
the American economy.
Why we shouldn't worry:
Our economy is linked to China’s; if they were to crush our
economy they would also essentially be crushing theirs. Exports to America and
its allies form the backbone of the Chinese economy. Unless China becomes
self-destructive we won’t have to worry about China destroying our economy
anytime soon.
3. The Global Economic Crisis
The perceived threat:
The American economy is linked to the global economy. With
the crisis in the Euro-Zone and in countries such as Spain and Greece what’s to
say were not next. After all, we are in the process of attempting to recover from
a recession of our own. Without a strong global economy to help us how can we
hope to get back on our feet?
Why we shouldn't worry:
Countries such as Greece and Spain are much fiscally weaker
than us. They also use what many see as a failing currency. Not only is our
economy on the upswing, but we are creating jobs and starting to reduce the
deficit. The dollar, although week at times is still a strong currency and is
recognized as one of the best international currencies. Unlike the rest of the
world we don’t have to worry about the global economy as much as our own. In a
few years we will be just fine. Just give it some time.
I don't think you understand how serious the current crisis is. It isn't just that we are linked to Europe through imports and exports, but through credit. American banks lend and borrow from European banks and countries on a daily basis. A collapse in the European economy which will necessarily occur with a collapse in the banking/credit market will have ripple effects that will resonate through the American Economy. Credit is a necessary part of our economy and if our banks are negatively impacted you will see a rerun of 2007. Don't be so quick to claim that we shouldn't fear. We should worry, but we should also prepare. New federal capital requirements have already made our banks safer more stable than before as demonstrated by the results of stress tests released last spring. But that by no mean guarantees American credit stability. Also, the Euro still has a higher value than the dollar. The dollar has been extremely volatile over the past few months, and check your facts before you claim that we are creating jobs at any significant rates.
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