Can America survive itself?

Before some people get too bent out of shape let me assure you that
this is not a "hate America" or "American bashing time". This is an
honest attempt to understand and find answers to some of our most
pressing problems.

Personally I feel there are far too many that are tied to politics. Both
parties suck. The Republicans are greedy, hypocritical and intellectual
cowards. The Democrats are spineless, pie in the sky dreamers. The
fact that hardliners on both sides have deluded themselves into
thinking they speak for the whole country is OUR fault.

It is now so corrosive that if th United States had been hit with an
earthquake like Japan I really do not believe we would recover. Not
because we as Americans are not capable, but because our politics
would not allow it.

Those politics are unfortunely becoming just as bitter in our society.
The far left and far right "news" makes this easier. When we have
to work twice as hard for less we find ourselves even more stressed.
So now we see someone on tv who we think is to blame for our
problems and we yell at the tv. That does'nt work so we yell at the
neighbors kid. The really sad thing is what we are screaming tends not
to make sense anyway.

There was a video on ATS the other day where a kid who was being
bullied finally stood up for himself. There were some who said he should
have run, a great many who thought he did good. Unfortunately some
dimwit blamed the whole thing on liberals. At what point does a person
turn off the noise?

Another thing about politics that is destroying us, but actually has a body
count behind it and no one gets prosecuted.

It goes by the term "Chicken-Hawk", but has other names. Cowardice,
Yellow-bellied. Many people in government have it but for some unknown
FACT, Republicans seem to thrive in it. Senators John McCain, Robert Dole,
John Warner, Chuck Hagel being the exception (that I can think of).

The point I am trying to make is this. A few years ago a law was passed that
made it illegal for a person to claim decorations and medals that were never
awarded. Stolen Valor I believe. How come we have these so called patriotic
Americans; Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Guiliani, Boehner, Cheney who never
served day one in the military. Don't get me wrong. I am not criticising anyone
who did not serve, just those who think it is alright to send others to die at the
drop of a hat for b.s. reasons and then call people traitors for asking
questions. Just ask Goergia Senator Max Cleland about these so called
"patriots".

When we can call cowards what they are and all Americans know and
understand that they are cowards then we will be better off.

Other than the cowardice part I tried to be moderate but even that will
be taken as an attack. So here goes.

How can we save our country. The first step is civility.

Is one particular nation more important than the globe and our species?

The first step is admitting the lie of separatism.

Zroth;

In the grand scheme of things no one country is more important than another.
But me being an American, the problems faced by and needing to be corrected
by Americans is more important to me. Everyone complains that we need to mind
our own business and I wish we always did myself.

reply to post by capgrup


America was founded to be an example of progression. We are not.

Earth is home to Human race.

America should yield for something greater.

i think the majority of the population in our country is to indoctirnated into the consumer based way of life and fast gratitude and it will take a extreme event to snap everyone out of their trance. just my opinion

reply to post by Respectisearned08


I agree and think it just continues to get worse. Major disasters are often what it takes to snap people out of their "routines".

I was in NYC after 9/11 and people were different. For quite a while, they showed one another respect - on the subways it was clearly evident. I remember thinking, gee, I hope this lasts, But, of course, it didn't.

I wish something positive would wake people up, but I'm not sure what it would be.

Getting along and showing respect is so much more pleasant.

Ok - pollyanna is signing off now...

Zroth;

Okay, you have my attention. What do you feel we should do . If we
have problems taking care of our own people what do we do about
others. Most countries these days want nothing to do with us.

reply to post by capgrup


Countries do not want our corporate wares.

In Wisconsin an aquaponic farm produces 1000000 pounds of food, per year and 10000 fish on 3 acres. This technology is delivered to countries that have food shortages.

That is one example. US citizens can show love through giving and sharing.

The greed of our consumer crusades and barbaric military occupations for resources is why most people don't like us.

I think, I hope, we are on the verge of some catharsis which will bring the necessary fundamental changes so that America can be strong.

Everyone knows that things have gotten twisted and there is a terrible strain on people with middle and lower incomes. The national debt is absurd. Toxic derivatives in the financial markets could completely devastate the whole economy. The main psychological problem in America is that everyone is somewhat fearful of the future. Things haven't gone well for a very big percentage of the population.

What's it going to take to fix it? We will need to elect smarter and more ethically honest leaders at all levels of government. The country elected Obama on hopes that he would lead Congress in dramatically more sensible and change making directions. Unfortunately, Obama comes across like your average corporate CEO. Congress is in dire need of smarter and more ethical members.

America is like a household with terrible financial problems. Decisions have to be made and actions have to be taken to get the family out of trouble as soon as possible. I'm laying this on the doorsteps of the executive and legislative branches of government because when there is the right leadership in place in those branches, positive steps can be taken to get us, as a country, out of this mess.

Our country is at a crossroads in history. We see through the fakes and self aggrandizing parties like never before and when big, fundamental changes are not made and positive results are not achieved --- we, as voters, are not likely to fall for the "change" rhetoric a second time.

It's time for new leadership at all levels of government. America is in trouble. There is no time to lose.

Zroth;

I pretty much agree with you on the military issue. The fish thing I never
heard about. I do agree it is a great idea but there is also a public relations
problem.

Alot of places in Africa still believe in witchcraft. They kill albino's for their
livers. Some believe American food is tainted or we poisioned it so we
"colonialise" Africa.

I know this comes back to the past mis-use of our military but until we get
past that mistake (which we do by using your method)[catch 22] we just
go in circles.

And if Gov. Walker has any say in the matter hed would charge so much
to make it damn near impossible.

(I am pessimist)

Switchingyard;

To me politics is the majority if not the whole cause of our decline. They
work for the corporations and not the voters. I voted for Obama and have
become disappointed completely. Not by issues like right wingers
think I should be but his lack of domestic strength.

I still would not have voted for McCain so there is no reason for
conservatives to gloat.

The last few months I have written Sen. Corker, Rep. Blackburn, and
House Speaker Boehner. I am going to try and get those on this thread
to highlight the crap that comes from D.C, but I will have to do that latter.

reply to post by switching yard
I could not agree more, America like it or not is the world policeman which i'm sure you guys don't mind, but the U.S has to sort out their problems at home(have some me time) for a change. You have to ask yourself why is the rest of the world sitting back and watching you fight multiple opponents at once and giving token assistance. Maybe to see the Greenback collapse.......

Originally posted by capgrup
Before some people get too bent out of shape let me assure you that
this is not a "hate America" or "American bashing time". This is an
honest attempt to understand and find answers to some of our most
pressing problems.

Personally I feel there are far too many that are tied to politics. Both
parties suck. The Republicans are greedy, hypocritical and intellectual
cowards. The Democrats are spineless, pie in the sky dreamers. The
fact that hardliners on both sides have deluded themselves into
thinking they speak for the whole country is OUR fault.

It is now so corrosive that if th United States had been hit with an
earthquake like Japan I really do not believe we would recover. Not
because we as Americans are not capable, but because our politics
would not allow it.

Those politics are unfortunely becoming just as bitter in our society.
The far left and far right "news" makes this easier. When we have
to work twice as hard for less we find ourselves even more stressed.
So now we see someone on tv who we think is to blame for our
problems and we yell at the tv. That does'nt work so we yell at the
neighbors kid. The really sad thing is what we are screaming tends not
to make sense anyway.

There was a video on ATS the other day where a kid who was being
bullied finally stood up for himself. There were some who said he should
have run, a great many who thought he did good. Unfortunately some
dimwit blamed the whole thing on liberals. At what point does a person
turn off the noise?

Another thing about politics that is destroying us, but actually has a body
count behind it and no one gets prosecuted.

It goes by the term "Chicken-Hawk", but has other names. Cowardice,
Yellow-bellied. Many people in government have it but for some unknown
FACT, Republicans seem to thrive in it. Senators John McCain, Robert Dole,
John Warner, Chuck Hagel being the exception (that I can think of).

The point I am trying to make is this. A few years ago a law was passed that
made it illegal for a person to claim decorations and medals that were never
awarded. Stolen Valor I believe. How come we have these so called patriotic
Americans; Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Guiliani, Boehner, Cheney who never
served day one in the military. Don't get me wrong. I am not criticising anyone
who did not serve, just those who think it is alright to send others to die at the
drop of a hat for b.s. reasons and then call people traitors for asking
questions. Just ask Goergia Senator Max Cleland about these so called
"patriots".

When we can call cowards what they are and all Americans know and
understand that they are cowards then we will be better off.

Other than the cowardice part I tried to be moderate but even that will
be taken as an attack. So here goes.

How can we save our country. The first step is civility.

The problem is with everyone over the age of 40. The last pathetic remnants of the "greatest" and silent generations, the whole mess of the baby losers, and the older Gen Xers that sold their souls to corporations.
These people either A) need to be made gone(no exceptions for the super rich either), B) forfeit their "right" to vote and/or run for elected office(or be appointed).

If that happens the world would be a much better place. But the reality is the elder generations will continue to fill their over-larded stomach's with more and more till their is none left for anyone else. Look at how much these people consume and demand for?

It is like the story of Cronus, how he kept consuming the younger generations to stay in power. Other than a generational war or revolution, I just don't see things getting better.