Having declared its firm intentions, the U.S. searched for a firm place to stand, trying for some kind of footing in the slippery world.
The nation's chief dilemma rose from the fact that its old status had changed, though few seemed to realize it. The U.S. still thought of itself as the peacemaker—or as the umpire on the high chair at the tennis game. But now the U.S. was down on the court, sweating, lobbing back deep smashes, sprinting to the net to dig up drop shots.
There were shouts, earnest but in questionable taste, from the sidelines. From Fulton, Mo.,...
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