Socialism Stifles 'Exceptionalism'

Larry Kudlow wrote recently: (All emphasis mine - HH)

A quick word on Russia. The issue here is certainly not that they are returning to Soviet-style dictatorship. Elections will continue. Though there will also be things I don't like regarding lack of media freedom and perhaps state encroachment on business. But there's no turning back for Russian democracy. It will be Russian style. However, the tough points will be foreign policy. Russia will remain mischievous with Syria and Iran and probably North Korea as well.

This is something we'll have to live with. They are not the potent force they once were on the world scene. But they may cause us trouble from time to time. Be ready for it. There's nothing we can do about it. That is, except remain strong militarily and economically and defend our national interests around the world in order to make us safer at home. That's really all we can do. But in the end, that will make us strong no matter what Russia does.

I concur. We have a large advantage over other countries in that we have a capitalistic economy and a strong work ethic. These two factors along with a firm moral foundation breeds exceptionalism and exceptionalism allows a country to play a major role on the world stage with or without the approval of "world opinion".

Socialism stifles exceptionalism. Socialism promotes mediocrity through "equality". Look at Europe. They are weak militarily, have high unemployment, have short work weeks, have early retirement, expect government to take care of everything for them, cannot sell military arms to the U.S. because they are outdated and inferior and therefore must rely on selling them to third rate countries.

Like Larry Kudlow so succinctly stated, about all we can do is to:

remain strong militarily and economically and defend our national interests around the world in order to make us safer at home. That's really all we can do. But in the end, that will make us strong no matter what Russia does.

Or anyone else for that matter.