Wise Proverbs

Thomas Friedman explains that there can be several types of America's, but in the end we can only be one.

"There is a Chinese proverb that says: When the wind changes directions, there are those who build walls and those who build windmills" (Pg. 24, Hot Flat And Crowded) 

 this proverb explains that the wind, being our economy and way of life, may change but it is our decision weather to isolate ourselves with a wall, or use that "wind" to our advantage by building a windmill. At the moment America is an isolationist country but if our wind were to suddenly change directions and we need to be dependant on other countries we have to make the right decision by branching out. in the end America wont branch out because we will think that we wont need help from outside country, which is what makes us isolationists.