No Heart

If ATS is any indication of my country, or the world, then I am truly saddened. It's no longer about making our lives, and everyone else's better, it's become about "I".

We have lost everything that has made us great. We are losing our heart, we are losing our compassion, we are losing what once kept this country together.

I'm tired of being called every name in the book, my beliefs range through all of the political spectrum, and i am often pinned by others as to believing one political ideology....but in reality...I do not.

I just want what is best for my country to succeed. I want people back to work and I want was is best for everyone's family, not just my own.

When i look into my daughter's eyes, i see nothing but innocence...innocence that is going to be left with garbage as she grows older.

it's not about ideology anymore. We have to overcome ideological grounds and find a way to overcome them to make a better life for the future of our kids....without sacrificing the welfare of the poor and elderly....but unfortunately...that is the road we seem to be on.

Call me a socialist...call me a communist...call me whatever you damned want.

I just want what is best for the people of my country and my family. If that makes me an evil person...well then there is nothing i can do to sway those who think that.

The US has become a cold place.....not only do we blow trillons on wars we don't understand...we use that very same reason to slice the necks of our own countrymen.

Unfortunately family, that's the way the world has moved. I wouldn't say it's the "natural evolution" of man, but it is an evolution, as sad as it is. We have been steered in this direction, divided and conquered from the very beginning, starting with race, nationality, then age, complexion, background, social economic status, religion, education, and so forth. Then, on top of that, everyday influences go into fueling our ego, making us only concerned with ourselves, only impressed with ourselves, and more. Sad, but it's our new reality.

The sad thing is, what is generally best for us as a community ultimately is best for us as individuals. Strong communities provide a firm foundation for families and vice versa. Until the time comes when we all can put others before ourselves we will have major problems. It's a sad lesson that the majority of the human population has yet to learn and those who have learned it sometimes forget to actually practice.

We've become callous and selfish.

Seriously, i don't care about me. If i have to live off of toaster leavin's then I will. But god forbid, can we at least get our crap together for our kids and set ideological differences aside and simply do what is right?

Why do we keep trashing people in our own shoes or those who are worse off? That's not what we are supposed to be about.

It's all lost it seems. I used to consider myself a libertarian/conservative...if you have read my history here the last 3 years it's plain to see...i have changed...a lot.

For the love of god we need to gain our humanity back and start doing what is best for those who need it.

Why can't we? What is so damned hard about showing some kind of unity...some kind of support for our own citizens?

If we can't do that, then how can we ever get anything done? Why even have a country if it doesn't stand for anything?

Reply to post by David9176

The US was never a cohesive whole. EVER. There was always an out group in America. Some group 'real' Americans could look at and shake their finger. The world has always been a cold place. None of this is new I think you are just in a position to realize it now. Welcome to reality.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

reply to post by David9176


I am a libertarian, but I am no fool either. We have a huge crisis right now and all ideologies needs to be set aside in the stabilization of the problem. Once we stabilize the problem then we can get back to designing it in way of our ideology. If it means more taxes temporarily then we need to do it. If it means to socialize some portion of our economy then we should do it. If it means making all food production, healthcare, and energy not for profit then we need to do it. If only temporarily, we should do whatever it takes.

In ideal circumstances I would like to see a reduction in the size of government. Certainly they need a major overhaul and less employees filing paperwork to deny people food benefits. Can't we use those paper pushers on a farm picking tomatoes? It might be a better use for them. I really do not care what the solutions are but they need to be made from the heart, and not for any personal benefit of any person or group of people. If there is any benefit it should be geared toward the people.

I read an essay online once that said: (paraphrasing)

"the united states is histories best bad idea. while a land of moral freedom is something that every human being should have the right to live in, it was a culture shock for everyone. people from every country on the plan have moved here not knowing anything about one another AND not knowing how to DEAL with a new culture. as a result, the various ethnic groups come together, and are torn apart and move into their own little zones among each other, only to let certain aspects of this new "american culture" divide them further. the result is a big area full of lonely people."

Originally posted by David9176
The US has become a cold place.....

It would appear to be that way but deep down I don't think folks in general are cold. I just think they're deluded, mislead into believing against their own interests. Their fears are played around with, their beliefs are misguided, and people end up on the offense...

'Twas ever thus, and not just in the US either; See feudal Europe, where the peasants of a nation were taxed within an inch of their lives to pay for wars that served only the interests of the nobility or Victorian Britain, where all manner of taxes and efforts to reform society were resisted by the wealthy who had only their pocket books in mind.

Recently I spent some time in Malawi, where I was genuinely stunned by the community spirit and charity shown by people to their neighbours. However even there the system is dominated by a currupt near-dictatorship where the elite gorge at the trough to the detriment of the poor.

I find it strange that a country as religious as America clings to the notions of social darwinism. There seems to be a survival of the fittest or richest mentality that demonises those who are at the bottom of society, while glamorizing those at the top.

While I agree with you in relation to what the US Government is doing, I disagree with you in relation to the people.

There is a lot of generosity and charity in the people of America. I do not know where you live...but I suggest reaching out to someone or some group and start serving others.

I find it odd or ironic and sometimes almost hypocritical that critics of the Christian Church willl denounce it's intent and agenda.... and then wonder why man has degraded to a self centered and selfish "enlightened" society...

When in so many communities across this country, it is the local church and churches that serve the poor, the elderly, the disenfranchised....

Up in NJ, I read about a minister...a Christian minister that helped feed and find options for people in a tent city of homeless.

In my church, we donate money, food, blankets, shoes, clothes to local charities. We help with toy drives to serve poor families so the kids can have a "normal" Christmas. We have a firewood ministry so we can cut, and donate wood to poor rural families to keep them warm in winter. We have bake sales and BBQ fundraisers to help needy families.... and the list goes on.

Maybe contact a rural volunteer fire dept or civic group.... lots of interaction and serving of local folks in need...boot drives and coat drives for winter... delivery of food and fruit boxes.... how about dispersing over 100 turkey dinners at Thanksgiving to needy and poor families.

My point is...the people historically have never looked to the government to solve their personal problems... in fact, many people were raised to believe it a mark of shame to get a government handout... or welfare.

My wife and I recently went to Pamlico County,NC to help clean up after Hurricane Irene...the Red Cross was there...Salvation Army was set up to serve food...hardly anybody came...they were too proud.

Here they were...literally throwing out anything contaminated and wet that was flooded....had to with mixture of raw sewage, diesel, and murkey water.... from wall board, carpets, to mattresses and couches.... and they did not need any help. We as a community were helping each other....we counted on our neighbors, families, and friends.

traditionally, Americans are very independent too... not all Americans...but those areas that typically depend on their own efforts to literally eat and live... in fact they don't want anything...be it regulation nor handouts.

We often see the world through our own window or paradigm...I am as guilty as anyone....I used to think the whole world lived in Mayberry, small town USA...not so.

But likewise, the whole world and certainly not in America, not everyone is cold and heartless with no compassion and charity. I suggest you get out and find and meet some of the people that still make this country great.

Originally posted by David9176
If ATS is any indication of my country, or the world, then I am truly saddened. It's no longer about making our lives, and everyone else's better, it's become about "I".

We have lost everything that has made us great. We are losing our heart, we are losing our compassion, we are losing what once kept this country together.

I'm tired of being called every name in the book, my beliefs range through all of the political spectrum, and i am often pinned by others as to believing one political ideology....but in reality...I do not.

I just want what is best for my country to succeed. I want people back to work and I want was is best for everyone's family, not just my own.

When i look into my daughter's eyes, i see nothing but innocence...innocence that is going to be left with garbage as she grows older.

it's not about ideology anymore. We have to overcome ideological grounds and find a way to overcome them to make a better life for the future of our kids....without sacrificing the welfare of the poor and elderly....but unfortunately...that is the road we seem to be on.

Call me a socialist...call me a communist...call me whatever you damned want.

I just want what is best for the people of my country and my family. If that makes me an evil person...well then there is nothing i can do to sway those who think that.

The US has become a cold place.....not only do we blow trillons on wars we don't understand...we use that very same reason to slice the necks of our own countrymen.

This would seem true and everywhere you look you will see evidence to support this but if you are looking for evidence against it it is there too only it cannot be found on sites like this one. This is for darker minds. By darker I do not necessarily mean "bad" by definition but less optimistic shall we say. They are "illuminated" and with "less ignorance" and with all that comes less bliss and that blissful nature we see that allows compassion to sneak in and color the place with hope.
There are those out there who will not hesitate to share what little they have with others less fortunate. They are great in numbers and tend to be a little quieter and a lot more humble than your typical ATSer. This is the place I come to be berated daily. I don't know about anyone else.

Hahaha we are all lucky SOB's if this is all we have to worry about Broskie I think you can take a chill pill and relax a bit.

The problems you are seeing now are the same problems that have always been here...Their is one thing in the Universe that is constant..and that is "change" and unless you "change" with the times or..."adapt" you will be steam rolled and brother thats just life.

It is our duty....:yes, "our duty" to ensure that America exists in the way we see fit from generation to generation and that to make sure we are always a free and sturdy nation. You cannot expect anyone but yourself to do this and by your doing so others will contribute to your cause for example is set and you lead by example. The problems we have are our own yet they are not such that we cannot everyday look in the mirror, disagree with what we see, and change for the better.

Benjamin Franklin stated that you should always be at War with your vices, And let every year ,make you a better man. Its an incomplete quote but you get the gist of it I hope.

America was never perfect. It was imperfect when it started and will remain so forever..It is the problems of the day that we must tackle on our route to perfection which will always seem..imperfect. We must always argue for the sake of argument for it is what makes us who we are yet we must never result to violence amongst ourselves for it will lead us down a path in which we know the outcome is utter disaster.

It is a daily struggle to maintain what the founders intended yet no where near impossible. Trust me..If all we have to worry about is a few jerk off's in China mad about our currency and Europe on the brink of collapse because communism in the form of socialism is failing dead, High gas prices (which will come down mark my words), and Lady gaga looking like a man at the music awards..Bro we have it fairly made in the shade when you think about the problems of old... I don't see any groups of people being water cannoned outside...I don't hear any air ride sirens and practicing duck and cover..No Red Alert..No Mccarthy trials..Just some over zealous police force stories here and there that always get dismissed later... Just some TSA tards at the airport making it look like we are doing something to combat a none existent enemy...this will all eventually stop but its what we are enduring for now..

Fret not. America lives on and the Dream will never die.. For even if War for survival takes10 years we will fight 10 years and even if it takes 100 years...We will fight 100 years...But we will win.

Tengo un corazon sano.........

And I will be as charitable as I am able, I will continue to love my fellow man even though many have designated me as a "people like you" and worse.

I'm a hippie today as I was many years ago and I still live by the creed of ........Peace and Love

Originally posted by David9176

I'm tired of being called every name in the book, my beliefs range through all of the political spectrum, and i am often pinned by others as to believing one political ideology....but in reality...I do not.

I feel you man. I've read your posts and I almost always agree with them. You're one of the good guys, you have pure intentions. Not everyone hangs out and posts here for the same reasons you do. So if you're using ATS as one of the barometers for how the public perceives you, then I can see why you feel the way you do.

This is why I stopped posting here so much. Although, I think ATSers have started to get a bit more clued in the past half a year or so about who we should all really be fighting (instead of each other). That being said, it's still ATS. Take all with a grain of salt and please, don't stop representing the rest of us.

Forced government controlled 'charity' without the means to support it is not a good thing. This is what is breaking the European continent, and if the U.S. tries to go down the same path as Obama and the Democrats are trying to do, it will destroy us as well. Obama 'promised' a lot of things he knew the U.S. could not support in 2008 simply to get votes, and we are now seeing the fruits of those 'promises'. The same wars as those of the last administration, plus a new one; trillions more in public debt for our future generations to pay off; a continuous recession with no end in sight; and the same political cronyism as usual. The only political movement that wants to change this is being ridiculed and made to look like the villain for wanting to change the system for the better, while those who played a major role in breaking it are made to look like the victim. Until the decision is made to be responsible and not just 'charitable', then the same game will be played out cycle after cycle until the U.S. is nothing but a memory.

reply to post by David9176

For the love of


To me, this 'love' for money, not need, but the excessive lust that blinds altruistic ambitions, and taints fairness within the structuring of things, is a huge source of our woes. Granted, money has done tremendous things to help humanity, but again, the love/lust for it, imo has taken things and people so far into madness that our hearts have began to rot.
The sad thing is, in desperate times, the lust only grows, for both those that have it and those who don't. I don't know what the answer is, especially when we feel many if not all of our efforts become futile in a system that seems to reward cronyism, greed and power, lobbyists and tax evasion.
The answer? I don't know, other than consciously fill our space with more positive things than negative, and that includes detaching from the news for a while. I feel sometimes I have to utilize a childhood ability, called pretending, to make things okay in my life. We still have the ability to control our emotions, for better or worse I reckon, and this is what I have tried also, but I do not wish to be emotionless, just balanced.
The future and our children? It does seem scary, on numerous levels. I have no children, but of course have children in my life through family and friends, and it has to be a battle balancing reality and hope, and I hope for something that can change our attitudes and the way we approach things.

Peace,
spec

Many of us now dont stop working to relax and enjoy life once we can support ourselves and our familys financially.

Many of the few that are particulry good at making money feel the need to compete (its in their nature at the top, thats how they got there). Then we have celeberatly status ontop of financial status which glamorises it for everyone, spread by MSM and TPTB, the "greed is good" message is pushed further than "take care of yourself".

I can tell you now if i had made enough money to live an 'okay' standard for the rest of my life id take it. The temptation of living even better for just a few more years work doesnt tempt or dazzle me.

The problem is, greed and wealth causes all sorts of other issues in its wake and creates oppertunitys for crime and corruption.

Everyone has a price.

I think we forgot how to play. Whne ever i see kids playing with nothing but dirt and sticks or chasing a squirrel or somthing and having a great old time anyway - sort of remind me of animals just messing around, they found a meal, they ate it, they digested it, now its do whatever time! We tend not to, we sit in front of TV where we are pounded with the greed is good message, not a go out and play and have a laugh (preferably not at a pub or bar!!) Sex is constantly sensationalised too which grabs young people attention like crazy etc

Originally posted by David9176
We've become callous and selfish.

Seriously, i don't care about me. If i have to live off of toaster leavin's then I will. But god forbid, can we at least get our crap together for our kids and set ideological differences aside and simply do what is right?

Why do we keep trashing people in our own shoes or those who are worse off? That's not what we are supposed to be about.

It's all lost it seems. I used to consider myself a libertarian/conservative...if you have read my history here the last 3 years it's plain to see...i have changed...a lot.

For the love of god we need to gain our humanity back and start doing what is best for those who need it.

Why can't we? What is so damned hard about showing some kind of unity...some kind of support for our own citizens?

If we can't do that, then how can we ever get anything done? Why even have a country if it doesn't stand for anything?

What is it with you liberals? Why can't you understand that conservatives are not against helping people. We help our friends, our neighbors, and members of our communities on a daily basis. We give to charities. We help build houses for people who could not otherwise afford them. We help people pay their rent and utilities. We teach people to read. We coach our children's sports teams.
What we don't want is the government taking our money, wasting most of it on "administrative costs", and giving the rest to people who have spent most of their lives(and in some cases spent generations) on the dole.

reply to post by David9176


I still hope for the best, even though I frequently witness the worst.

Eventually the pain will be sufficient for those who otherwise know no better to have something to measure it all against.

Too bad it has to go that way first.