Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Exceptional America?

I find it amusing that America is immune to global trends.

This article attempts to place unrest in Turkey, Brazil, and maybe Iran, in a global context:

From Turkey to Brazil to Iran the global middle class is awakening politically. The size, focus and scope of protests vary, but this is not unfolding chaos -- it is nascent democracy. Citizens are demanding basic political rights, accountable governments and a fairer share of resources.

Thankfully none involve racist nativism. Hell, "Positive dynamics are at work in all three nations." But the author misses an obvious participant in this middle class awakening for political rights (hello IRS!), accountable governments (politicians going native in Washington, D.C.), and a fairer share of resources (limit taxes and spending that benefit politically connected interest groups): America's Tea Party movement.

You'd think a global trend might include the home of the greatest middle class population there is. But America gets a mention as only an observer to this "global" phenomenon. Perhaps because it is inconceivable to think that positive dynamics are at work here.

Who knew we are that exceptional?

Tip to Instapundit. He's had a lot of interesting links lately.