The Clinton Economic Experiment

One of the periods where America's debts increased and its economy suffered was during the era of George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr. The treatment during this period was like magic under Clinton, which was characterized as the "American Golden Age."

In short, when George Bush Sr. won the presidency, he stumbled and couldn't believe it himself. He tried various failed economic policies, costing America $2.2 trillion in debt!

His popularity plummeted, with American opinion polls indicating only a 22% approval rating. He panicked and thought, "What should I do, oh father of bushels? Oh, yes, start a world war! Participate in the war and bear its costs, O blissful one!"

There were leaked documents revealing that George Bush Sr. sent the American ambassador, Ariel Glaspie, to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, saying, "Kuwait, this small country, is playing with Iraq's economy, the big country, and this manipulation will cause a major collapse in Iraq's economy." Glaspie also revealed America's support for Iraq in anything it did, just as it supported it before in its war with Iran (even though America was already supporting Iran with arms deals in deceit and secrecy!!!). However, the message she conveyed aligned with Saddam's personal inclination.

Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait! Immediately after, Kuwait sought America's help and offered generous financing, fueling Europe's fears of a potential Saddam attack on other Gulf states and controlling their oil after occupying them from Iraq. So, they turned to Bush for help!

A massive global campaign ensued, gaining the approval of the UN Security Council to assist Kuwait militarily against Saddam. A military coalition of 34 countries, totaling over a million soldiers, with America alone contributing 697,000 soldiers with state-of-the-art equipment. This war cost America $3 trillion in the long run, according to Linda Bilmes, a public policy lecturer at Harvard University.

Despite Kuwait's promises to cover any costs incurred by America and its allies, Kuwait's losses in the war, the destruction of its infrastructure, and the burning of thousands of its oil wells left it unable to fulfill its promises. It even had to borrow from the World Bank to the extent that the smoke from the burning wells reached the skies of America itself. Any question about Kuwait reimbursing America is nonsensical.

The American debt ballooned to its highest levels, wreaking havoc on the economy, damaging trade and industry, with per capita GDP reaching its lowest levels in half a century!

Bush's term ended amid widespread anger from the people, and there were many calls for his impeachment for involving America in a pointless war.

Then came the "American Golden Age," as most historians called it, during Bill Clinton's era from 1992 to 2000.

His election slogan was brutally honest ("It's the economy, stupid"). Of course, we know who the stupid one was. Anyway, Clinton won the presidency and worked on all fronts to revive the economy. How? Let's see.

Firstly, in education, although the American curriculum was excellent, there was laxity among teachers, leading to student weakness and widespread truancy. Clinton fought a fierce battle with teachers' unions to introduce what became known as "teacher competency tests." This increased awareness of any new sovereign or economic decision. He won this battle, and it's still in effect. Afterwards, a significant amount of money was allocated to education and scientific research.

Secondly, a professional economic team was appointed to play with eggs and stones. The result was a reduction in interest rates on loans for small investors, encouraging any American citizen to invest and achieve the American dream, even if they were struggling to survive. Tariffs on most goods were abolished, encouraging innovative industries, as President Reagan did before him, leading to the greatest leap for technology giants like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Taxes on capitalists were increased while reduced for the middle and lower-income class, covering 15 million families. Taxes were also reduced for 90% of small businesses, along with many welfare programs such as child healthcare, minimum wage laws, and pensions. All of which significantly improved everyone's well-being.

Due to his concern for the poor and the middle class, Clinton's popularity reached 65%, the highest percentage any US president had reached since popularity ratings were invented. Forget about the 99.9% we often hear about; this is the real deal.

The direct result of these economic reforms was the reduction of poverty to its minimum level in America, a decrease in unemployment, a massive boost in the US stock market, and the complete repayment of the debts accumulated by Bush Sr., transforming them into a $559 billion trade surplus.

America emerged during Clinton's era as a symbol of strength, modernity, and globalization.

Clinton went a bit crazy towards the end, chasing after secretaries in the White House, believing in the rule "the mighty have the right to indulge." Then came George Bush Jr., who messed it up again with America's debts in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. And then Obama and his policy of neutrality and appeasement, leading to America's rapid decline in global dominance. But still, America remains the foremost power and superpower on Earth.

The American experiment continues to be the strongest dream, worthy of serious study, with the goal of achieving it from any country considering studying these experiences, without forgetting its many negatives and twisted methods.