Are America's Best Days Behind Us?

[BridgeTheGap]

I am an American, not by accident of birth but by choice. I voted with my feet and became an American because I love this country and think it is exceptional. But when I look at the world today and the strong winds of technological change and global competition, it makes me nervous. Perhaps most unsettling is the fact that while these forces gather strength, Americans seem unable to grasp the magnitude of the challenges that face us. Despite the hyped talk of China's rise, most Americans operate on the assumption that the U.S. is still No. 1.

But is it? Yes, the U.S. remains the world's largest economy, and we have the largest military by far, the most dynamic technology companies and a highly entrepreneurial climate. But these are snapshots of where we are right now. The decisions that created today's growth — decisions about education, infrastructure and the like — were made decades ago. What we see today is an American economy that has boomed because of policies and developments of the 1950s and '60s: the interstate-highway system, massive funding for science and technology, a public-education system that was the envy of the world and generous immigration policies. Look at some underlying measures today, and you will wonder about the future.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2056610,00.html#ixzz1FYZe8crL

[aquart]

1. They are if we refuse to tax the rich.

[florida08]

2. there are 2 Americas

The PTB want to privatize everything and reduce democracy to nothing more than an opinion. If we let them do that then yes..the America I grew up in and loved is over. But the good news is we will not.

[bemildred]

3. That seems like such a stupid question.

If we stop behaving like infants and get our shit together, we have a future. If we don't, we don't.

[Doctor_J]

11. Could you offer some specifics?

Your bromides are long on outrage and short on suggestions.

:shrug:

[bemildred]

13. You want instructions on how to get your shit together? nt

[Doctor_J]

14. My shit is already together. The country is still deteriorating

Are you going to answer my question or not?

[bemildred]

15. Perhaps if you gave me an example of what you are looking for?

Should be easy for you.

[liberal N proud]

4. It appears the GOP and their corporate sponsors are trying to insure it.

[BridgeTheGap]

7. For most corporations, particularly multi-nationals, countries are an impediment to doing business

and they'd rather see them go away - i.e. new world order style.

[whattheidonot]

5. need turnaround soon.

A turnaround is needed soon. the value of the populous is being eroded daily and looked at as not worth the expense. This is a big mistake. The government has to be taken over,a clearing of the house has to occur. The present management of the nation will not work.

[n2doc]

6. I think this is part of a co-ordinated effort

"America- you suck-you are too rich,too lazy, and too spoiled! You WILL become a poor nation, it is inevitable! The VERY MOST IMPORTANT THING is to cut any support for the poor before we go Broke!"

Reminds me of the Borg on ST-TNG- "Resistance is Futile"


Meanwhile the oligarchy sits back and congratulates themselves on how wonderful they are and how shitty everyone else is.

[Populist_Prole]

8. Yes, they are

No, I'm not saying it for shock value.

Things will doubtlessly get much much worse before they get better. The "haves" have too much influence, and too many "have-nots" either don't realize they really are, or kiss the "haves" asses in hopes they will be one too. Only when the majority of the population realize they are have nots will there be change for the better. I feel very bad because many good people will be adversely affected as this plays out.

The ship is going down, and I feel like all I can do is hope I die of old age before I run out of masts to climb up on before I'm under water.

[fatbuckel]

9. We`re just circling the drain.

[Doctor_J]

10. Is Limpballs a drug-addled liar?

Those two things go hand in hand.

[louslobbs]

12. As long as Republicons

have power, corporations are considered people, who can purchase Republicon votes , GOP FOX Fraudcasting remains on the air, voting machines have no paper trail, Democrats act like Republicons and Limbaugh/Kochs/Becks and the like are free to spout their lies and hate, and continue to do their damage, then YES. The best days for this country are behind it. Drain the Republicon/Fox/Koch/Limbaugh/Beck/Corporate vote buying Swamp and spray the ReBugs with Raid then NO, this country could move forward and become a Nation of the people again who believe in each other, truth, freedom and the rights of everyone to live and worship as they please.