What glum Americans are missing about our standing in the world

When I went to serve as U.S. ambassador to India in 2009, I hoped to learn more about that country’s vibrant democracy and our shared values. I gained an additional benefit while overseas: I learned that America is still deeply admired around the world and the place where many people want to live out their dreams. Consequently, I have been appalled by the gloom of those predicting that America’s greatest days are behind us. These sentiments seep through our society, from pundits to parents at my daughter’s basketball game, as people complain they are “despondent” and “depressed” that our children will be left behind by the United States’ “decline.”

Frustration at current conditions is understandable. Millions of Americans are out of work. Our trade deficit runs about $44 billion per month. The news is filled with stories of greed and corruption. Congress is paralyzed by partisanship. Meanwhile, we hear that India and China are outpacing us in infrastructure, technology and manufacturing capability, and investment.