I’m truly perplexed as to whether I should be glad or sad to be a so-called ‘American’? From ChatGPT I asked how many years since my birth in 1950 has the United States been involved in foreign conflicts and the response: “Since 1950, the United States has been involved in foreign conflicts for roughly 70+ of the 76 years up to 2026, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War interventions, Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and various smaller operations.” For the life of me, I cannot figure any significant explanation other than the U.S. was the preeminent financial and military power after WW2 and has flexed those muscles ever since to maintain that power post at all costs. And what a cost, again from ChatGPT: “Studies indicate that international sanctions, particularly unilateral ones imposed by the U.S. and EU, have led to significant mortality worldwide. A 2025 study in The Lancet Global Health estimates that such sanctions are associated with approximately 564,00 excess deaths annually, with children under 5 accounting for 51% of these deaths. Another study suggests that since 1970, these sanctions have been linked to about 38 million deaths globally. While these are estimates subject to debate they underscore the severe results of sanctions and embargoes on goods and services.” The point here being that through financial strength the U.S. and its counterpart the EU has inflicted as much or more pain and suffering financially than militarily. ‘Money and power’ go hand in hand and have ultimately led the area of the globe where the Industrial Revolution got its birth to become way too prideful, considered the root of all sin. And this is pridefully termed, ‘American exceptionalism’! I’m no doubt glad to have had the opportunity to freely express my opinions and to pursue my own career with few obstacles, but at what price to the rest of the world makes me quite sad…