This post is a response to a question posed in its complete format: “Should we conclude that the only way America can be first is by making everyone else weaker and second including American citizens?”

If that’s considered a valid conclusion, it is derived from a mindset that fails to comprehend how strength arises from unity, not division. Such a conclusion is a recipe for weakening all parties, especially the U.S.

I would argue that it is this insular and protectionist mindset that has produced a Trump presidency that will end U.S. dominance as a global power.

The best way to think about this is to remember Clinton’s words: “The world is more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.”

Playing at being the toughest on the block in a childish King of the Hill game is an invitation to be knocked off one’s throne — and that’s precisely what Putin will leave behind as his legacy when he gets “retired” by one of his insiders.

Since the U.S. wants to be viewed as worthy of leadership, it faces the daunting task of making up for severely grievous misjudgments. Electing Trump for a second term is merely the final straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back.

The U.S. still needs to put Bush and Cheney in front of an international tribunal to face war crimes.

That’s how far off the mark this question is.

You are in for seriously rough times ahead, and it would be easy to write you off to face your self-fulfilling prophecies alone. Still, you’re going to disrupt the entire world’s economy during your downfall, and that truly sucks big time.

The consequences of being a global leader mean having to live up to being a leader, and you’ve just proven to the world that was utter horseshit… utterly dangerous horseshit.

Your days as a global power are numbered. You’re going to become the United Kingdom for the next century. You may as well start practicing your “sorries” now.