Subject: Re: I must need to drink more Kool-aid
If we're no longer going to do what's good for the world, but instead do what's good for us,...

But those are seldom mutually exclusive.

You said it (or implied it) yourself when you pointed out that countries will reassess how they view us, and act accordingly. Before 2025, they largely viewed us positively. Their policies, therefore, were -on the whole- friendlier. So, we were more likely to get something we wanted. Be it a military base, or a lowering of trade barriers, or even just the other country not looking to China (or Russia). "Goodwill" has a value, even if it is intangible.

The Felon's facile chart reflecting his facile (mis)understanding of economics is clearly NOT putting America First. As you say, we're just another powerful country now. Somewhat ironically, I read an article several weeks ago that Germany is stepping up to be the "Leader of the Free World". Germany. The ones who caused us to assume that role 80 years ago.