what a miserable place Bedford Falls would have been without him. As Kagan sees it, America's impact on history mirrors George Bailey's impact on Bedford Falls. Thanks to the power wielded by the United States, the entire postwar era has been "a golden age for humanity." Among the hallmarks of this golden

the probationary guardian angel? Clarence saves George Bailey from suicidal despair (and earns his wings) by showing George what a miserable place Bedford Falls would have been without him. As Kagan sees it, America's impact on history mirrors George Bailey's impact on Bedford Falls. Thanks to the power wi

hich we desperately cling, and which people like Robert Kagan exploit to the fullest. In the real EFTA_R1_02208922 EFTA02723141 world, unlike in Bedford Falls, wishful thinking won't prevent the building and loan from collapsing. Either the books balance or they don't. As for living happily ever after—wel