The role of the West has changed radically over the centuries. Our world domination is now at stake and we must all decide whether to participate in fight or flight. “America faces many challenges…but the enemy I fear most is complacency. We are about to be hit head-on by global competition…We must now establish a sense of urgency.” There are two culprits that can be attributed to the complacent attitude and slow decline of the United States: China and India. These two countries surpass us in terms of economic success, global competitiveness and education. First, the United States is considerably confused when it comes to real gross domestic product, as our third-quarter 2013 gross domestic product numbers show. “America's economy grew 2.8% in an annualized pace in the third quarter, an acceleration from the 2.5% growth pace in the second quarter and well above consensus estimates of 2.0%. This is where I have to agree with the educator above when he says, “We now need to establish a sense of urgency. »1 Yes, we see the numbers and the word acceleration immediately pops up. Everyone's sense of urgency immediately deflates a little, as the numbers provide a warm sense of reassurance. As a fellow American, I can understand that seeing these numbers and thinking that all is well, America will find a way to turn back the clock. This idea of ​​being content with the way things are and not trying to improve them is why we have fallen behind. At the very bottom of the article, we understand why so many people see these numbers and feel a false sense of hope, only to discover the truth later. "This GDP report is expected to be more preliminary than usual due to the government shutdown and resulting delays in date... middle of document......2013. .Riley, Charles and Sophia Yan. "China GDP reaches 7.8% amid credit concerns. » CNNMoney. Cable News Network, October 17, 2013. Web. November 15, 2013. “At 4.8%, fourth quarter GDP is better than third quarter; The path to recovery may be gradual." - Indian Express. ENS Economic Bureau, June 1, 2013. Web. November 15, 2013. .McCormick, John. "Child poverty remains high as U.S. income stagnates." Bloomberg. com. Bloomberg, 18 September 2013. Web November 15, 2013. Kennedy, John F. BrainyQuote, nd Web... 2013. .