Where is America headed?

Question

Is anybody tired of the manic conditions in today's America yet. Gas prices that jump 30 cents a gallon in an afternoon, an uncertain economy, international affairs that just seem to worsen from one day to the next, a stock market that jumps 100 points one day then falls a 100 points the next, a "booming" economy in which only corporate America and the IRS prospers, the worry of product safety from imported products no longer made in the USA. Is this what life in America will be like from now on?
What has led us into this lifestyle? Is this the America we want?

Answer 1

I answer this question with great trepidation, as I am sure my response will garner a lot of negative, if not downright hostile responses. So, before I do, let me state for the record I came to the US in the 60's, gave up my HS deferrment, as I thought it was the right thing to do, and served in the armed forces in VN war. I came to the US only after waiting 5 years under the quota system then in place.
I must honestly say the country I discovered in the 60's is gone and is no more, I doubt it will ever return. I do not, and do say it sincerely, recognize the country I see now as the country I found when I arrived here in the 60's. It changed, and it changed in ways which make me sad and disappointed.
I believe what happened is that the will of the people was somehow subjugated to the interests of the multinationals, cynical politics and big business in general. Let me convey a parable which I believe will describe adequately what I feel, and how America has changed. It is the tale of Heracles and Antaeus. Antaeus was a giant demi-god who challenged all comers to duels and defeated them easily, there was no adversary strong enough to defeat him. The secret of his strength was simple, he had to touch the earth while fighting his opponents, as it was the constant contact with earth which gave him his immense might. Heracles discovered this secret, and when challenged, lifted Antaeus off the ground and strangled him to death.
The strength of America I saw in the 60's came from the realization by the politicians that constant contact with, and respect for the will of the people is indeed the ultimate source of strength of this great country. Somehow, the will and voice of the people matters not any more, it is just the interest of the multinationals which is put above everything else. For the first time since I came here, I feel Heracles is indeed winning the fight. Yes, I believe America is Antaeus, Heracles is big business and mass media, and the earth, which Antaeus needed to draw his strentgth is the voice and the will of the people which somehow, sadly, got neglected and drowned in the noise of the money making machines running our country. The same machines politicians are so hopelessly beholden to.
I trust this great country will find its way yet again, but I am afraid it will not happen in my lifetime.

Answer 2

Gas prices flucuate according to speculators in the commodities market. The stock market itself is volatile by nature. Yet contrary to what some may say, our economy is not "booming." Overall incomes may be up, but they have not kept up with the inflation and the cost of living. Whatever gain is made is offset by rising expenses.

Our consumerist culture of instant gratification has a lot to do with Corporate America marketing inferior products. As a result, they have shifted from quality-based to quantity-based: How much a company can manufacture and sell within a given time frame to meet the demands of the consumer. Until Americans decide for themselves what lifestyle is best suited for them, then Corporate America will continue to dish out quality crap for decades to come and will continue to dictate the type of lifestyle that helps their bottom line.

Answer 3

The drive to profit of others has made it possible to do whatever it takes to lower the costs and improve the profits .

It does not matter that that 15 dollar pair of tennis shoes only lasts three weeks if you wear them everyday .

That your shirts begin to fall apart and the color fades after 25 washings .

We have no patience any longer and want it all right now .

I buy quality and not quantity .
I do not want an entertainment center built of particle board and thin laminates .

It may look nice for a couple of years and then it begins to fall apart .

American made use to mean a quality product and still does in many cases .

To many companies looked for shortcuts and ways to produce more products to be sold at cheaper prices until today craftsman can actually earn $150,000.00 a year providing quality goods to an upscale market .

Use to be we all could afford quality products and now we can afford walmart . Its a tragedy that is not going away .

Answer 4

If I may be so bold...

America is headed down a path that she has charted for herself. Greed and the desire for excess at the lowest possible price has resulted in the loss of millions of American jobs and the poor quality of goods they buy. Choices of government are made by the people...and are still defended by the people. Blind loyalty to party over all else has people voting without thinking...and more interested in attacking the 'other side', rather than working together to make for a good and responsible government. An overwhelming arrogance has alienated many countries and people around the world...some to the point where they plot to take terrorist action against America. A small minded, self righteous attitude, driven by a strict adherence to so-called Christian ethics has turned Americans against their own countrymen, and would deny them the rights and liberties afforded by the constitution. And finally, an obsession with the superfluous and focus on the superficial has shifted priorities...where we see more media attention on the drunken antics of a handful of irresponsible young girls than on issues that truly matter.

Overall...America has created her own mess...and I don't see people recognizing that fact any time soon. Without this recognition and a desire to pull together - setting aside differences - and making it better...I see the slide continuing in a downward spiral.

Answer 5

I am pleased with the way America is heading.
1) Gas is tied to supply and demand. The price will fluctuate.
2) Stocks are volatile. That's the nature of the beast. A shrewd person can make a large profit off of this.
3) The economy is booming. You can not deny this. Personal incomes are at an all time high. Retirement accounts are overflowing. Record breaking business profits. Consumer confidence high. Unemployment low.
4) The safety issue is overblown. These are a very small percentage of the imports we use everyday.

Answer 6

This is not nearly the first time America has had her share of problems...Americans are resilient...we always come back stronger....

As far as things I do worry about, the morality of America does make me a little nervous..there are people out there who would turn her into one big "Woodstock" if allowed.

Answer 7

i'm no longer incredibly optimistic that's headed in any of those instructions. All i be attentive to is i do no longer incredibly preserve the direction that's headed in. we ought to guard our matters-they're too stupid to think of for themselves.

Answer 8

Well I don't know about the rest of America but I am headed to Vegas.