We’ll Always Have Paris, Texas, by Jack Perry

The tone of this article is pitch-perfect sardonicism. From Jack Perry at lewrockwell.com:

Is America getting worse or better? Is America going to be “great” again, whatever that has meant since the 1980s? But more to the point, what difference does any of it make? Let’s be honest here about the so-called future of the United States of America. Since the dawn of what humanity likes to call “civilization” (i.e. the ability of a government to rob honest people under the guise of taxation), very few governments/nations/kingdoms have survived more than a few hundred years. Now, the United States has had a pretty good run. We’ve done a lot and accomplished a lot, not the least of which is inventing the ability to destroy the entire planet.

Why are we so sentimental over this entity we call “America” anyway? I mean, what is this, some kind of family obligation here? Like the much-dreaded family Thanksgiving meal that always degenerates into a drunken brawl because Uncle Gus can’t hold his liquor or his tongue? What means this anyway? To be “great”? Does anyone know if Alexander attached “the Great” after his name himself, or did that happen after his demise? These are questions I shall endeavor to answer.

First, I suppose it causes some to swell with pride to know that we can annihilate the entirety of humanity and all other beings save for cockroaches. This, of course, in order to preserve our government’s concept of government and an economic system, which are now one and the same. Since we cannot be patient for Doomsday to arrive and movies don’t satisfy our appetite for it, we engage in wars as a kind of appetizer for the much-awaited main course. Or, rather, the final course such as the case may be. Now this is all rather fascinating to ponder, but my question is this: Why must I pay for it? Much as I have tried, I have not yet discovered a use for nuclear weapons myself. I should rather have my money back. And if the government wants Doomsday, well then, let them put a jar in every convenience store and beg donations for it.

Second, at what point was it decided America ever was “great” to begin with? This is merely what America has said about itself. When other nations have said this of us, it’s because they wanted something from us. Foreign aid, or grain, or weapons, perhaps. Maybe all three at once. Let us not forget that AMC Motors said the Pacer was a “great” car. Everyone says this of the flawed product they wish to sell, not the least of which is this product we call “America”. Myself, I am not thrilled with this product. At least the AMC Pacer was known to get from Point A to Point B on often enough occasions. Whereas, America still has not decided where it is going. To being “great” again? Where is that destination? I daresay it’s not on any map the government has.

To continue reading: We’ll Always Have Paris, Texas