What happens when China starts to behave like America?

Think about it. Everything we do in the international community is done because our interests are at stake. Or we perceive they are. Or we convince the world it’s the right thing to do. Or if we don’t take action, then nobody will.

We were the world's leading power of the 20^th century. Now China is well on its way to replacing us in this century.  Since 2009 China is the largest energy consumer, so what might we expect them to do? Follow in our footsteps?  We could view this push to the backseat as a threat to our world dominance, or we could breath a great big sigh of relief and let China become the world’s whipping post.  We might need to suck up our pride to in order to sit comfortably as number 2, but life could become so much simpler. We could live in the shadow of China, and be more like, you know—Canada, UK and Australia.  We might have to change our national bird to the Turkey- something more conciliatory than a predator. This would make Ben Franklin very happy. And of course China could become the majority financier of the UN and have the privilege of hosting the UN in their country. 

I can’t wait until the next world crisis comes along and Chinese President Hu Jintao says, “Bring it on”. Can’t you just see him landing on an aircraft carrier with a huge banner (electronic no doubt) that says, “Mission Accomplished”?  Then maybe we can go off quietly and fund domestic things like health care, infrastructure and education. Someday we might even be manufacturing goods that are exported to China and sold at the Beijing Walmarts.  Yep, that would be the life.