What happened to us?

Question

Ya know, I grew up always hearing about how "awesome" America was. How "powerful" it was. I understand America has a poor history in certain areas, and so does its leaders. But so do a lot of other countries. However, I do know we were known for our diplomatic and political savvy. Now what are we known for? Dare I even say? How many years did it take for us to realize that just maybe..we made a mistake with who we chose..twice..as our leader? Why do we still let it go on? I understand its almost over, but the fact that we let it go on as long as we did, that shows something has changed in our "great" country. We've never been a completely equal country, with a scale based on the upper, middle, and lower class and all that jazz. But something seems far worse now. I may only be seventeen, but that will change. And what have I learned from all this? Who I would not want as my leader. This country cannot afford another Bush.

I'm not here to poke fun at how any one replied, and yes. I may have worded a few things wrong. But simply because of my age or views, some of you accuse me of "weakening" our state? Sure, I remember 9/11. I remember it very clearly. I remember sitting in class, watching it happen. I also remember seeing our great leader reading a children's book upside down. Apparently wisdom does not come with age, right? I don't deny that is was a sad day. And I don't see what blaming the democrats have to do with Bush's current choices. Honestly, I don't know if my generation has much of a chance better running a country that is running itself into the ground. I love living in America, no doubt about it. But for who ever said that I grew up rich and spoiled had no idea. Single mother with a drug addiction that lived month to month off a government check, forcing her three kids to live in a car. Not much glamor there, right?

Answer 1

your sincerity appears legit. perhaps this forum is not the place to display it, as, if truth is what you seek, this place rarely offers it up. your concerns and observations are real and display thoughtful reflection, (in an era of attitude and bravado). perhaps the one fact you should understand is the world around you is not fair or just. you can do your part to try and make it so; but, compromise is the best you can hope for. but even with all the negatives, humanity will always benefit by the existence of those who question before they follow.

Answer 2

Back in the day, This great country was respected by a lot of other countries around the world. Now, other countries think we are big bullies because we invade other countries for thinking another country will do more harm. With the events of 9/11 taking place, we kicked butt 1st and asked questions later. People are still not equal because we still have discrimination based on just about everything you can imagine. We cannot afford another Bush, and because of that, Bush made the Republican party look bad because of all the antics he pulled, and how insufficient his views are. How would you feel like that when you have an idea, and wanted a law to go forward to have it shut down by a veto? Thank you.

Answer 3

All this is nothing new. We have been going rapidly down hill for some time. It all started back in 1913 when a very devious group established the Federal Reserve System in our country. Before this the country issued its own interest free money. After this the international banking cartel took charge of our money, checked out their control by causing the great depression and have been bleeding us dry ever since. Their control group the CFR has taken control of our government and has been steadily working for our countries destruction ever since. They nearly succeeded last month with their amnesty bill that would have put us solidly into the North American union.
As for another like Bush you are quite correct but it doesn't matter which party they are from it only maters if they are or are not lead by the CFR. This is exactly why I am whole heartedly supporting Dr Ron Paul for president. He is a strict constitutionalist and has no ties to the CFR at all!

Answer 4

America still is awesome. But there are a lot of vocal people in the media who are painting the president in a very bad light, as liberals run the media.

Bush did not start the war on Terror. The "War on Terror" is the name given to our drive to not take any more of it. Terror demanded that we fight it. He is losing popularity because he is sticking to his guns, and we are fighting an enemy the likes of which has never been faced.

This is not a war for Iraq. It is a war for Earth. Radical Islam wants us dead, and are spreading their influence everywhere, not just the US, but the UK and other places. And they are willing to die to kill us because of their beliefs about the rewards for "martyrs" in the afterlife. This is an enemy like no other, who, if left alone, will grow in stature and follow us back home (again).

America is not the peaceful place it used to be, but don't be tricked into thinking it is Bush' fault. He is facing the facts that most Americans are being told not to face by the media.

There comes a time when one has to realize that it is a life or death situation. This administration and the DoD has recognized that. Hopefully the new president will not drop the ball.

One more thing to consider: we are not isolated economically any more either. Used to be we made all our own cars, TV sets, radios, but then other nations emerged offering cheaper products, with higher quality. Our labor has been historically very expensive, and yet we've allowed foreign products in, and as such all our major industries have suffered if not disappeared. We are now in a global economy, which is why when you call HP for help you are talking to someone in India.. Not Bush' fault. Trade with other nations is the best peacemaker going by the way, which is why we haven't gone to war with China. They need us too much.

Answer 5

Don't know what history books you grew up reading, but trade them in. This has never been a nation of political and diplomatic 'savvy'. This is a nation of Manifest Destiny and Gunboat diplomacy. This is the nation that has always carried a big stick, but rarely spoken softly. We've always been viewed as brash and outspoken, and widely disliked by established nations in Europe as being an upstart (I'm pretty sure the last truly beloved American diplomat in Europe was Benjamin Franklin). In all reality, we've gone back to our 'normal' style of diplomacy more than we've veered away from it.

Class equality? You're 17, so I'll blame your public school education for this one. Look at the differences between rich and poor at the turn of the 20th century. Compare the average life of a new immigrant family with that of the robber barons oppressing them. The disparity between rich and poor as far as quality of life is concerned is at an all time low if you compare it to the rest of the nation's history.

Answer 6

As you say, you are only 17. It's good that you are paying attention and actually care about your country. Bush has done some things wrong, that's undeniable. But if you look back in history, just about every President has done the same. I know you're too young to remember other administrations but Clinton was no better, the problems were just different. It seems more severe now (and probably is) because of 9/11. That one day has changed this country enormously. If people don't stop and listen and understand that we are living in extremely dangerous times.....we are doomed. The terrorists are not going away. They will kill us or die trying. Keep asking questions, do research and keep up with the news (from many sources) hopefully your generation will do a better job running this country than mine.

Answer 7

It's not Bush's fault that American civility and it's "good brother" picture have been tarnished.

I believe it's our fault for throwing America's ideals off balance. America is a democracy, said and done, but the people we elect don't tell us what to do. WE tell THEM what to do.

Over the century people just don't care anymore. We elect who we think is a nice guy/gal, and instead of telling him/her what we the people want we tell them "Go we elected you! You run the country."

Even the people who want change (such as myself) are too lazy to get off our rumps an do something, unlike the plethora of protesters back in the 60's-70's who like currently are protesting against a controversial war.

People say Bush ruined the country, or Cheney, or the GOP, or liberals...it doesn't matter we the American people elected these people and let them run the country for themselves. They are our representatives to the world, and by electing incompetent leaders and not removing or changing their ways we give a lazy uncaring image to the international community.

We say "Oh, the government doesn't listen to us!" and that may be true to an extent. But the truth is, we aren't telling them anything. We want change we have to tell them. We want change we have to make sacrifices.

Racial equality, people marched in the streets and demanded change. MLK would'nt have succeeded if no one bothered to listen and march with him.

In actuality, we have become a sloth-like nation whose people do not care, do not know, or are not willing to act for change.

This my friend, is sadly, what happened to America.

Answer 8

1. Zionist run our country behind the scenes and they have installed the last two presidents and working on third
2. We shipped all of our jobs overseas/outsourcing
3. Increase aggression around the world
4. There is no difference between Democrats and Republicans in high offices, yet the country is more polarized than ever
5. Our "news" is nothing but propagada funded by the Pentagon military industrial complex
6. We were attacked on 9/11 most likely by compartmentalized agents of the Mossad, MI6 and CIA who blamed the attacks on Arab patsies fronted by Osama Bin Laden
7. Erosion of our constitutional rights
8. Poor education system
9. Poor health care system
10. Rampant corruption and looting by our politians

Answer 9

Actually America gave more votes to Gore than Bush in 2000- if Gore didn't concede he would've won. Also, most of America agreed with the president when he invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, but he's stayed there far too long. After seeing how bad a president he is, Americans are changing their opinions on politics, which is a good thing for this country.

Answer 10

It's not the country. Bush is fighting back. It's your doubt in our country and those like you that weakens the USA.

:::Fabulous, you come back with talking points about 'My Pet Goat'. Typical. I thought you were rational until you added that and the part about there not being a USA when it's time for your generation to run it. The sky is not falling. Relax. Despite your hardships, your country has made you spoiled. You have no idea how bad it is for others.