Americans are not giving it their all

[VoltaireAmericain]

Does anyone else think that Americans are no longer going the extra-mile any longer. Do they no longer strive to be the best and do all that they can to accomplish this end. I do not mean to say that all Americans are like this, but through subjective opinion one might come to such a conclusion. It gives me the analogy of a person who has everything he ever dreamed of and hoped for in his entire life. The person no longer has the will to accomplish goals beyond his personal immediate satisfaction. The example being like America, the richest and most powerful nation on earth.

It seems like our hedonistic interests of "drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" has become commonplace in todays society. We no longer wish to dare or risk transcendence beyond the current cards that life has dealt us.

Every American is entitled to do what he or she wants with life, but I hope everyone can see beyond themselves into other dimensions into the beyond. If only a percentage of society pushes themselves to become better men, what can a society where every person works this hard become.

[Gregorian]

1. Well stated. Why should we? Life is so easy.

Petroleum has given us the equivalent of 300 slaves each. I heard that quoted in a speech on peak oil, given way back years ago. We're all kings now.

But while reading your post, a thought suddenly donned on me. Our rugged individualism goes against our dependence upon each other to maintain a democracy. We're all living like kings, and we want our freedom to be free from responsibility. Free from each other. Free to do whatever we want. However, our rugged individualism goes against our dependence upon each other to maintain a democracy.

And so we are reaping the results of dropping out and laying back. I am guilty of it. I admit it. I was optimistic, but when I felt steamrollered by Reagan, I dropped out. And I'll bet even more are dropping out right now. The modus operandi of the republicans is to be so disgusting that they know people will drop out, to their advantage.

Engage. Educate.

[Swamp Rat]

2. Hedonism is a way of life here in New Orleans.

Isn't that why we were left to die? ... according to Jerry Falwell.

I guess we just don't have that puritanical work ethic, where one works all the time.

Nevertheless, I get your point. There are Americans who go beyond themselves, volunteering to help others, donate time and money, and/or blood sweat and tears. They are down here working in the lower 9th Ward, Gentilly, and New Orleans East.

[Johonny]

3. I think they would

if asked. The American government seems afraid to ask Americans to go that extra mile. The Government seems afraid to dream big.

But every day there are millions of Americans working those jobs "Americans don't want to do". Not just 1 but 2 or 3 just to survive. Americans work longer hours than most industrial countries. This tells me Americans are more than willing to go for it. They simply lack the leaders in both the commercial and civil sector.

[AndyTiedye]

22. And The Shortest Vacations

4-6 weeks is the norm in Europe. Maybe we're getting burned-out.

[Mind_your_head]

4. Working the extra mile doesn't bring any benefit......I believe that was the

argument why "communism was BAD".

Here in America today...if you work the extra-mile......

1) In a corporation, you get to do the job of 3,4,5 people who were 'laid-off'....to save money, ya know. BUT, YOU....the guy/gal who will turn on/off the lights in the early morning and late at nite - STILL has a JOB! haha!

2)If you have a "great idea/business model".....it gets 'purchased' to either be "put on the shelf" (b/c it runs contrary to what "big business/big oil wants" OR it gets USED by 'corporate-persons' (read corporations) :sarcasm:.....which don't truly benefit PEOPLE (as you, the creator, who understands PEOPLE) intended.

Corporate Personhood sucks.....and IS/WILL BE the downfall of humanity.

Corporate Personhood = "The Borg" (so, we were 'warned', we just didn't listen)

[VoltaireAmericain]

5. I didn't say anything about working the extra-mile in a job-sense or money-sense.

What I was referring to was in a larger sense like going to school, reading books, volunteering, coming up with new ideas, and things like that. I agree with you that just trying to work harder in the number of jobs you have is not doing much more than getting a few extra dollars.

[Mind_your_head]

7. Americans work VERY VERY hard......

ask any European (with 8 weeks off for vacation), or a south American, or ANYBODY else on the PLANET!

Americans work VERY hard and are UNDER-SERVED by their government!

If I didn't care about my 'standing' here on DU, I'd call you a 't' word.......

YES, Americans "go to school, read books, volunteer, come up with new ides (that other countries SHAMELESSLY steal).....we only get 2 weeks vacation after working for a year (if we're full time)....what ELSE do you want!

F off.....

[VoltaireAmericain]

10. Oh, please

They do not have the resolve, the spirit, or the determination, to make themselves the best that they can possibly be. How many students are dropping out of high school? How many people read books in the hope that they can become a better individual? How many seek to go to college before they even realize the price they must pay? How many people volunteer to make the world better? How many people try to invent something new?

But, how many people just smoke pot, just play video games, just drink alcohol, just take hard drugs, just watch TV all day long, just eat food all day long? I don't think there is anything wrong with pot. I smoke pot. But, if you reduce your life to it then I think its selfish. You hurt yourself in the long-run, your country, your fellow citizens, your family.

[tomreedtoon]

6. I think you're talking more spiritually...and yes, we have problems.

I think Americans have basically given up hope. Without that, you can't imagine anything, or exert yourself towards a goal.

I think the "hedonistic interests" are partially a form of giving up. The Republicans and SUV owners KNOW that global warming is real, and they're accelerating it. But they don't believe there's any realistic way to combat it; we're all doomed, so why not blow the rest of our ecology to hell while we can still enjoy it?

And the ecologists who've been talking about this, to the Democrats and liberals who believe them, are also sending a message of hopelessness. There are people who seriously believe that we have to destroy all cars, transportation and electronics, go back to a tribal lifestyle and learn how to cook the sick and old and excess human beings for their food.

You can even see it in the arts. Why are all the movies this summer remakes of things? Why remake Hairspray,, a perfectly good movie the first time around? Because without a remake, John Travolta wouldn't have anything to do. He couldn't appear in any kind of new movie, with new ideas, because nobody has enough creative urge to do anything new.

It would take someone of great inspiration, with progressive ideas, the toughness to fight for them, and a touch of humor and humanity, to bring hope and inspiration back. I leave it to you to decide if there is anyone out there who could do that, but I don't think so.

[VoltaireAmericain]

8. Well

The last Real Hope I that I can see of Died with the Kennedy's. I think America has been reducing itself since.

[Mind_your_head]

9. That was a HUGE setback, wasn't it?

[VoltaireAmericain]

12. Yeah, it was.

They were the last people in America that I have ever seen offer hope for a better society. I think liberalism died at least for the century when John and Robert were killed in the 60's.

[Mind_your_head]

19. Oh, but before they left......

they left some VERY inspiring words. Such as.....

"Ask not what the country can do for you.....ask what you can do for your country"

HOW.....HOW.....can anyone NOT see the absolute BEAUTY in that? ....I guess the b*stards that murdered him CAN'T....oh, the MISTAKE!

[VoltaireAmericain]

21. Are you being facetious right now and exhalting them?

[AndyTiedye]

23. That is a VERY Difficult Question to Answer Right Now

"Ask not what the country can do for you.....ask what you can do for your country"

That is rather the crux of the problem. When I ask myself that question today, I find that I have run out of answers.
None of the old answers work anymore.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

11. reminds me of a philosophical question...

If you could kill one person, and by doing so alleviate all the poverty, sickness, and suffering in the world, would you do it?

My first answer was 'yes, of course!' but then I thought about it. I wouldn't be the person I am if I had had everything handed to me, and never had to suffer hunger or deprivation. It made me stronger. The kids I grew up with who did have everything they wanted, college paid for etc. are now the Idol watching sleeping Sheeple.

So, I guess my answer would have to be 'No.'

[Mind_your_head]

20. Exactly!

In easier terms, it's easier to learn to *go without* in your younger years......

[EFerrari]

13. I think I'm too dyslexic to see into other dimensions into the beyond.

lol

/and my spelling proves it!

[VoltaireAmericain]

14. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

That's really vague.

[EFerrari]

15. I'm just kidding, Voltaire, because it's been a bad news night

and we could use a laugh. No sweat.

And welcome to DU. :)

[VoltaireAmericain]

16. Alright, well I am drunk and ranting....and saying what needs to be said

[Swamp Rat]

17. That's OK

I brung my Magic 8 Ball. :D

[EFerrari]

18. I WANT one of those!

:rofl:

[conspirator]

24. I don't think there is nothing wrong with enjoying life if you have it all.

Should Bill Gates still be working hard instead of spending most of his days at the beach partying.
I would prefer the beach. What about you?