The End of "Empire" for America?

It has become fashionable once again to look at the United States of America and proclaim it to be an “empire” in decline.  Smart observers and talented writers from around the world are once again watching America’s policies and military actions with dismay.

At LLTR, we don’t know which “theory” about history or nations will look like it predicted the right answer in the years ahead.  We don’t really know if our situation today is just another step in the growth of the Republic or if it signals a (permanent) downward turning point, as so many others believe today.

What we do know is that, long before America was a geopolitical superpower, we were a beacon of hope.  A promise built on the ideals carried forth from the Founding period to today.  Untold millions of humans from all around the world have for generations wanted to join us here, wanted to share in the promise of fundamental liberty.

That is not inconsequential.  That is proof.  We have never had to claim to be a great country – the hopes (and thanks) of peoples around the world showed it to be true.

Whether or not we have the most powerful military in the world, and whether or not there are other nations with the desire and the tools to contest our influence on the world stage, America has always been and will remain a great nation so long as we hold true to our ideals.  For ourselves and our communities here.  And for all those elsewhere who yearn for the same opportunities for freedom and happiness.

So long as we can stand clear-eyed and firm behind a belief in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all, we will remain a great nation.

That is what we believe.

And this is why we enjoy working on LLTR, on creating all our designs.  It is an outlet for our own gratitude and patriotism, and it is a way for us to share that with others.  To create the images and messages we ourselves want to wear, and to give voice to our ideals, our history, and most importantly, to our future.

Long Live the Republic.