20) Unrivaled Ego Squared

The Unites States of America is a country born from a lustrous history. Its origins take root in the captivating struggles of freedom that sparked off reform of world governments. It is a wonder how a country with one of the shortest lifespans is also one of the strongest in the world.

As one ponders such success, they may question the leadership, the form of government, or the premise of freedom from which the United States was built on. But others, like me, may question not the origins, but the effects.

There is little doubt the United States was shaped by its respected and honorable military tradition. Through countless wars and conflicts, the U.S. has prevailed, becoming stronger and better. This has formed a foreign policy not afraid to use excessive force. It is through this brute force that Americans love to rely on for change.

But after how many success before you begin to believe in your invincibility? And how many wars will be lost before you realize otherwise?

Few patriots in any country want to admit failures. Not even regular people like you and me want to either. So when you ask a true American patriot about the Vietnam War, or perhaps the current war in the Middle East, they many shy away from a straight and honest answer.

This is not to say that they're wrong, but rather to prove an ego.

Let's admit it: why shouldn't Americans have an ego? They were able to build a world superpower in less than 300 years. Compared to a country like China, which has been around for more than 2000 years, America seems to be filled with unrivaled leadership and military strength.

It is debatable as to whether the United States is the best country in the world. It contains numerous flaws, as any human has. One of these flaws just happens to be an ego.

In my eyes, as a young student, I question the influence egos have in running a country. As a warrior, I believe it to be dangerous and foolish. As a pacifist, I see it as a vice. And as a leader, I see it as the devil himself.