Submitted by Dennis Dowling, Nov 21, 2007 21:15

Review of the book "Gold and God" is somewhat off the mark in my opinion. Let's look at the simplest clues to understand how the "West" remains the dominant socio-economic force on the planet.

Spatiality. The Western hemisphere was developed within the last 400 years! Before that it was for all intents and purpose a wilderness with some civilizational progress. America was not filled with powerful cultures of the past, as were China, Japan, India, Europe Central Asia, Northern Africa, The Americas were isolated. No one of consequence was here as a Economic/Cultural powerhouse. For the last 400 years, the Americas' growth chart is almost vertical in comparison to the more culturally developed world. We are new in this business. We have moved upwards since the Founders established a firm footing on this soil.

Religious Endeavors, For whatever reasons in Europe, forced settlement of the Americas took place after tales of the Spanish circulated in the European capitals. People (Settlers) Capitalistic Venturers paid for the migration. Religious fervor will drive the human spirit to go to any length to achieve its purpose. Christians, debtors, wanted to worship without outside interference. These early settlers were highly educated in industrial skills, trades, communication, travel techniques, written languages and books. Use of monetary exchanges/currency developed the amassing of wealth!

Freedom to worship! Freedom to Work, Freedom from debt! Freedom to choose one's own destiny! And, In my opinion, Almighty God helped us every step of the way. These freedoms, under siege since our founding days, are our most valuable asset. Freedom to be creative. Freedom to search for answers! (Remember the Holy Roman Empire/Church of England approved all scientific ideas. If you did not please the Vatican/Church, you were oppressed.) Freedom to trade as one wished to! Freedom to become rich! Freedom to experiment. Freedom to communicate with whomever you wished, whenever you wished. Freedom to have equality.(Some later than sooner).

With these three ingredients, Nation Builing/Cultural Power Growth is absolutely possible!! Australia is another example of our own story. To a lesser degree, they are the US of Australia. Our own mirror image in the Pacific.

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