The Greatest Startup in History  by Tom Reynolds

Polls show that a number of Americans (mostly Democrats) are not proud of their country.  These people look for ways to put America down by finding every fault they can surface. 

In their latest newsletter, ‘Merrill’ (Bank of America) took offense at that.  It’s not 2A but it is worth reading as it highlights things that the naysayers usually omit and renews our sense of pride and optimism, that is so often missing from those that believe socialism and communism are the wave of the future.  Important parts are reproduced below.

On July 4, 1776, a group of risk-takers, entrepreneurs and revolutionaries launched what would become the greatest startup in history: The United States of America. It was an audacious venture.

The founders were attempting to build a new nation in defiance of the most powerful empire on earth. They possessed no established government, no central bank, no standing army capable of defeating Britain, no industrial base, and no guarantee that the 13 colonies would remain united. What could possibly go wrong? The odds, to say the least, were terrible.

Yet they proceeded anyway—and 250 years later, the gamble has produced results beyond anything the Founders could have imagined. The U.S. today is home to the world's largest economy, deepest capital markets, most innovative companies, leading universities, and most dynamic entrepreneurial culture. Its citizens have generated breakthroughs that transformed transportation, communications, medicine, computing, energy and countless other industries. The startup launched in Philadelphia has become the most powerful economic enterprise in human history.

And to this day, we continue to carry the DNA of our founders—optimism, imagination, relentless energy and curiosity, and fearlessness in the face of failure or uncertainty.

Ten Reasons to Celebrate: As America approaches its 250th birthday, pessimism has become something of a national pastime. Political polarization, geopolitical tensions, rising debt and questions over America’s future dominate the headlines. Yes, America has flaws, but, at 250 years old, the country still possesses a unique combination of advantages that no other nation can fully replicate.

First, no economy in the world is as large, diverse and wealthy as the U.S.

Second, geography remains America’s superpower…Protected by two vast oceans and bordered by friendly neighbors.

Third, no major economy reinvests itself as relentlessly as the U.S.

Fourth, the U.S. remains a magnet for foreign capital.

Fifth, America remains the home to the world’s top global brands. 

Sixth, America’s hard power remains unmatched…Economic strength ultimately rests upon security, and, by this metric, the U.S. maintains the world’s most capable military force.

Seventh, America remains the world’s technology leader.

Eighth, the top-ranked universities in the world are in the U.S.

Ninth, the U.S. dollar remains the cornerstone of the global financial system...the greenback remains the world’s dominant reserve currency, the primary medium of global trade and finance, and the ultimate safe-haven asset during periods of crisis.

Finally, America remains one of the world’s most competitive economies.

Can anyone name a socialist / communist nation that can begin to compare?