Just want to get a discussion going. We all know about the great potential for greed and evil in capitalism, but where would we be if not for America and it's history of great free thinkers and innovators?

There's a lot to shit on for sure, but it's not like we've ONLY been a parasite to the world. Think of the innovations in technology and the development of foreign technologies that ocurred in the capitalistic free enterprise in the USA.

Try to imagine eliminating every contribution we've brought to the world. Where would it leave us? Maybe not talking to each other on the internet from countries all around the world for starters.

I'm skeptical of anything I deem to be overly powerful, and the USA fits that description, but to be objective, let's take a step back and discuss some of the positive changes that have originated from America.

I think the world would and could do just fine without nascar, and rednecks!

Seriously though, it's an interesting thought. The first thing I think is medicine. I'm not a huge fan of doctor's, but imagine what today's life expectancy would be compared to say 1807, if the advances weren't made.Hardly just american though, you might need to be a little more specific maybe. :)

Off the top of my english head I'd say Teflon, the wonder of the non-stick pan, just as a starter you understand. :)

Your point is valid though Mr Warm, we all need positives.

Hey, something I thought of and can't believe I didn't mention. One of the most important American contributions:

ROCK AND ROLL!

No American blues and Chuck Berry = no Beatles, The Who or anyone who came after.

It is astounding and a little shocking, and appropriate to the topic of the thread, that slavery birthed popular music!

There would be no Mick Jagger without slavery! No blues, no jazz, or rock and roll, nor other genres that have branched off from spiritual slave music.

That is a downer.

And now think of all the other things that have have developed from and are deeply rooted in capitalism. Capitalism, a flawed and somewhat cruel system that once, (and arguably still does depending on your definition of the word) enabled slavery.

Let me think, just a few .....
The Wright bros.. manned flight.
Dr. Salk...Polio vaccine
Treatment for T.B. in days rather than years..
Commercial electricity, recorded sound and telephones-Bell
Trans Atlantic flight- Lindburg
Just to mention a few.......

Alexander Graham Bell... for those of us on dial up and Dsl....