The Friendly Giant

A fellow at work was complaining about the Americans, so I posed a question to him. "Has there ever been a nation with so much military power, economic strength and cultural influence, which used that strength so benignly?" And of course the answer is "no". For whatever failings they have, they tend to use their influence in a way that is designed more to bring peace and prosperity to others than it is to bring wealth and power to themselves. No, they are not completely altruistic, but every other empire the world has ever known has focused entirely on bringing the most good to themselves. This is what separates the Americans from others. (On a lighter "note", American patriotic songs seem terribly amateur compared to the great British imperialistic anthems).