Do you still believe in America?

Question

Whatever you thought of America before Sept. 11, does it still hold now. Is the American Ideal that you grew up with still there?

Do you believe America is better or worse at living up to the Ideal set down in the Declaration of Independance and the Constitution then it was 25/50/100/200 years ago?

Explain why or why not.

(Now is the best time to think about these things--no election, no political debate, no news coverage attempting to sway opinion (of course they try to sway opinion, its how they keep customers), no national crisis, just life as it is on Christmas Eve.

Answer 1

In many ways, I gained some optomism in America immediately after (probably not now) 9/11. Before then, I didn't see us as unified in the least. Now, I don't see us as unified, but most people over the age of ten know that at least we're capable of uniting and caring about our countrymen.

I think the founding fathers might be sick over how some of their words have been twisted to forward some agendas and to stifle others.

However, while I think they were idealists, I think they were realistic in the fact that they knew they were putting together a country, and no country can be firmly built on ideals that humans can't live up to. Many countries were founded on some ideal or another, and none of them have been able to live up to those ideals.

Keeping that in mind, I don't know... the basis of what our country was built on has managed to remain (we aren't legally murdered because of religion or race, and there is at least a possibility of getting out of a class system). Despite America's shortfallings and the MANY things I'd like to change, I have to appreciate the basic rights we all enjoy.

Answer 2

I don't see the ideal of America and frankly, I never have. I am 44 and grew up with Vietnam, Watergate, Iran-Contra, the Savings and Loan scandel and all types of lying and self-serving behavior on the part of government and the corporate interests they serve. The electorate is asleep most of the time, in my opinion and rarely seems to hold their elected officials accountable. I had thought that in the wake of September 11 our nation would pull together and stop thinking merely about our own (as individuals and the courtry) self-interest and begin thinking more like citizens of the world. But no, once again, we are more worried about being inconvenienced at the airport and the gas pump. We can't seem to commit to any long-term solutions or personal changes that might require sacrifice or delayed gratification. Americans seem obsessed with the notion that we are the greatest nation on Earth and in history so why bother truly exploring ideas that come from without, regardless of whether or not they have prooved successful in other countries. Whether we are talking about a single payer healthcare system or public transportation, if it doesn't fit perfectly within the capitalist model then forget it, end of discussion. I grew up in a household where patriotism was very important. My father was a Marine and met my mom when she worked for the Foreign Service so they had the highest respect for the government but even they have in recent years become so disenchanted with the American Ideal. Our loyalty lies with my family and the people we care about.

Answer 3

Absolutely. The government created by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is the most important form of government every created. It gave the people the right to control their destiny. The three branches of government it created also insures that political power is not the providence of one group.

Today's difficulties are caused by politicians that have not read or don't take their oath of office seriously, or place their political party and agenda before the Constitution. Be wary of people that claim the Constitution is a "...living, breathing document".

Answer 4

you have to remember that america was pretty much founded and populated by a large percentage of malcontents, outcasts, slaves black white and yellow, and outright felons. Thats not to say that they werent smart brave and hardworking people, they had to be back then to survive. Thats not so true now, nor is it true that those most worthy of leadership are being chosen to lead, or even leading in the correct direction. We have squandered our resources and created many problems doing so, five hundred years ago this was a largely unspoiled land with abundant natural resources, giving us a huge advantage over the already depleted "old world". I see tough times ahead, and I dont like the way we are headed.

Answer 5

I've always had faith in the American people. The government is corrupt, but we allow it. So, in that respect, everything is, as it should be. I see a lot of changes coming soon. I don't know if we, as the American people will rise to the occasion or not. At times, we have, in the past. Time will tell.

Answer 6

To all of us who says that human beings have the prospect to make some thing of themselves, I ask how are little ones, those who're disabled, or seniors who've had their existence savings ripped off going to make some thing of themselves? i have said a lot of human beings in this section communicate about liberals as if they're some kind of lazy slobs that basically choose a handout. i don't think of those human beings comprehend that welfare replaced into reformed over ten years in the past (in the course of the Clinton administration). there's a time decrease for able bodied human beings to come across a pastime, those days. for sure some human beings would extremely stay interior the international of detrimental stereotypes than in truth.

Answer 7

i will just say America is by far the great nation on the planet earth . best place to live raise kids and to live your dreams . now can you tell me any other country in the world that can give you all these thing no because there are none . god bless America and MERRY CHRISTMAS

Answer 8

yes. America has fallen victim to conspiracy since well before 9-11. It started back during the prohibition actually.

Answer 9

Depends on which American you're referring to. American government or American people?

Answer 10

I used to think the US was overall a good influence for the world, now I'm not so sure