Is this the same America we are taught about in school?

Question

Most of we learn about America as Americans is taught to us in school. but now I see all those things that I learned about that made me proud to be an American slipping away, I see politicians in office that are misusing their power, things that our founding fathers did not want and warned against, Lately I see constitutional rights being taken away with things such as the Patriot Act and The Military Commissions act, chipping away at habeas corpus. Politicians who don't seem to care about our future posterity, just the right now and that seem more consumed with power than the Republic we pledge allegiance to... is this the same America or are we slipping away?

I didn't say the republican party brought this on, I think apathetic uninformed citizens who take democracy for granted did!

Answer 1

We are doing things to Moslems that we did to the Japanese in World War II, and to black people during segregation. In America we have always been willing to take away people's rights, or just to temporarily forget those rights.

Answer 2

First, let me say that I think that you are 'correct' in putting your question 'out here' for us to think about. We do have 'rights' under the Constitution of the United States that seem to be 'broken' ... but many of the people being 'held' under these 'anti-Constitutional laws' were not U.S. citizens to begin with, and are not 'brought into the U.S.' but are taken to places/prisons like 'Guantanamo Bay' (which is on the 'Communist' Island of Cuba, but is actually 'owned and run by the U.S. Government, and is, in fact, 'within the U.S.' by law.
The problem is US ... not the U.S. government, but us, the people who were born in the U.S. as citizens, or who became citizens after immigrating to the U.S. If you don't like what is 'happening to the U.S. politically' then you should go out there and 'make speeches' or write newspaper articles or start 'petition drives' to get those 'rights' back and stop the 'misuse of powers' you see happening around you. Your question is a good 'first start' ... but it's up to you if you want to 'keep it going' so that it does some good. This IS 'the same U.S. it always was' ... but it is also 'slipping away' unless people like you who 'disagree' with the people in 'power' don't actively do something about it.
You will notice that I used the name U.S. (for the United States of America) rather than the word America, since the whole of the 'western hemisphere, including Canada and Mexico, Central and South American countries are all 'American' ...

Answer 3

The great experiment that is our country has always been a work in progress. Just look at the Constitution itself! Only land owning white males were initially given the vote, to pick one easy example. And our history is full of actions that, looking back, were horrible and did not represent what is best in our country. For example, the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII. Personally, I believe this period of history, with a "War" against an amorphous military tactic ("terror") that is being used to justify all the terrible things that you point out, will be seen decades from now as just such a mistake and threat to our democratic institutions and human-rights values.

What is important right now is that responsible educated people such as yourself keep up the fight, keep informed of the issues, and don't let our democracy fail.

Answer 4

Definitely not the America I learned about in School, I however Graduated in1959.
I am not tuned into what the young are being taught now.
The US has been slipping since the Vietnam war. It is going to get much worse. I hate to say that but it is fact.

Answer 5

If the America we have today is not the one about which you learned in school, then I think there is only ONE group to blame - the VOTERS. Yes, boys and girls, WE, THE PEOPLE, have the right to vote and change things, and we have the responsibility to make GOOD changes. People who can vote, but won't; people who can learn about candidates, but won't because it isn't entertaining enough - those are the people who are shirking what is a DUTY in this country. The creeps in Washington (whichever group of creeps you dislike more) are not going to get away with anything that WE don't let them get away with. If you don't like them (and who does?), then get involved. Work for a candidate you believe in; write letters to the people who claim to represent you; have the courage to speak your convictions, whatever they may be. If you expect to be "taken care of" by politicians, the only think you're really going to get is "taken."

Answer 6

I'm sorry that you don't think its OK to spy on people the we think are a threat to the USA. the Democrats are the party to take your freedom. They know whats good for you and your family and they thing they know whats best for the country. do your self a favor and stop only watching CNN and the drive by Medea. try to find a conseritive radio station and try to listen to Rush or Sean Hanity. for about 3 days. even if it makes youu sick . you need to open your self to both sides that the left and the right..... maybe you will chang the way you think... Yes the USA is on a change for the worst but its not from a Republican or its party.....

Answer 7

You are the one slipping away.
Someone has spoon fed you some B.S..
The only people against the Patriot Act are terrorists and their supporters.
It has saved many American lives.

Answer 8

"Politicians who don't seem to care about our future posterity"

Except that on a total and a per capita basis we're doing better than we were.

I just want results. I don't want an open show of emotion and caring. Don't feel my pain - reduce it. They've done that to an extent and it's no secret what works and what doesn't.

Answer 9

Very sad, but you are right. I lived during the fifties and that was a great time. If you have ever seen the tv show Happy Days. That is how it really was then. Very innocent and sweet.

Answer 10

YES, this is that America. Because it is,we can and will correct these things.
We have the power,we vote. We can vote the bums out.