The United States of America is a declining global power related to the never-ending war, lack of political cohesion and the greed of Americans to self-indulge rather than attempt to make the U.S. a better place as a whole. The U.S. showed its vulnerability when New York City was attacked, the twin towers destroyed and thousands of innocent lives were lost, an event forever known as 911. How could such an event like this happen to the so-called superpower known as the United States of America? As stated on page 2 of the readings, the defense department was not defending their own borders. They were too busy defending other countries. While it is important as a superpower to help others in need, a government should first have all matters of “home” secure before extending a helping hand to others. That is a lesson learned at the expense of New York City. The borders of the U.S. were not secure enough to keep terrorists out. They crossed the U. S. borders, came right in, made their selves at home, blended into society, learned to fly airplanes and used that knowledge to destroy the sense of governmental security Americans had. Post 911, Americans have seen a great lack of political cohesion. President Bush lied to Americans to win support to launch a war on terrorism. In the words of Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfield, “forget about exit strategies; we’re looking at a sustained engagement that carries no deadlines.” (2). that statement alone should have sent fear into the minds of every politician capable of voting for or against the war as well as every American citizen. Politicians should not lie to the people they represent to push forward their own agenda. Republicans and Democrats have always battled to push their own ideas forward. A healthy battle for the betterment of your represented citizens is a good sign of checks and balances and should serve to the