We're the United States of America...

[Krystov]

We are the United States of America. We are the greatest nation on the face of the planet.

Is anyone else sick of hearing this? I just want to put my two cents in and pray that our so called leaders heed these words.

If we are so great, then why do we have a piss poor public education system? If we are so great, why are we one of the most violent nations on the face of the planet? If we are so great, why does the other half of the world hate us, despite us trying to help them? If we are so great then why do our political leaders fail to agree on something that could better this country in the future? If we are so great, then why are so many people unemployed? If we are so great then why don't we have more efficient energy sources? If we are so great then why do we give money away to people who give nothing back to the nation, nor have any plans to give anything back? If we are so great, then why do we insist on solving other countries' problems before solving our own? If we are so great, then why do we not take example from the successes of other nations?

Because we are the United States of America. And who brought us such glory mentioned above? Our elected officials. Why were they elected? Because people are illiterate. Because people are gullible. Because people are lazy, and naive, and selfish. Party politics are a mistake. Sure they bring two perspectives, and that's great if our officials aren't supporting lobbyists and special interest groups. They are elected to be the pillars which hold our nation above water, and to me I feel as though we're already up to our eyes. There are things that should be addressed and handled before others because they are more pressing.

How is it that other countries like Japan, their children excel in early academics while ours struggle and fail? It could be any number of things but the solution is not cutting school budgets to motivate the teachers. The problem is not solved by making it harder for the institution to do its job. High school is easy, yet schools struggle to get expected passing percentages. While the school may hold some responsibility, I would look to the children and their parents to find a reason.

Why is it that our leaders can never decide on appropriate action? Because party politics screw everything up. Obama is a Democrat, while congress is controlled by Republicans. This is one of the oldest rivalries our country has ever seen, and it is preventing us from moving forward. I'm not saying that compromises are not made, but they are made in the best interests of the parties, not of the country. Because both groups support special interest groups and lobbyists, those are the issues that matter in congress, not the issues that matter for our nation.

Why don't we have more efficient energy sources? We have hydrogen technology, why not use it? Implement it into everyday life and not only will we have more efficient energy, we cut down on pollution and keep from cooking ourselves sooner than we're meant to. This is just speculation, but I think it is because the people in our congress who could make such a thing come true, are in the pockets of the oil companies, and a new source of energy would be bad for business.

Why on earth would we bail out some of these big corporations? The principle of starting a business is that you take a risk and you are either successful, or your fail. These companies failed and got a get out of jail free card. This is not the way it works my friends. If your business tanks and you go out of business, you're out of luck. Get on with your life. Where one falls others may rise. Is this not how a competitive market works? It may have saved the jobs of a few, but what about all the money those companies now owe the government? What about the loss of our triple A credit rating? To high a cost to save too few says I.

I'm not going to continue on with this because you all can find out for yourselves. We may be the United States of America, and we may be the greatest nation on the planet but that does not mean we should be naive and assume we can overcome all. It does not mean that we can take for granted the things that need to be done and instead do what a few want to be done. This country was founded and was created to be run by the people and for the people, all of the people, not just the lobbyists and interest groups. It was created to offer liberty and justice to all, not just the straight, white, and rich. Do right by the framers, government, and the country will grow well again.

 

[Thrilla]

politicians / leaders don't make it a habit to come out and say " we suck ass, you all suck ass, these United States really sucks ass".
they don't tend to garner many votes by doing so.

we pay them , in part , to blow smoke up our ass and make us feel positive about our country.

don't know what more to say.

 

[Aunt Spiker]

Well - our genius malaise is part of what makes us such a great nation. We're great because we can do these things and maintain our greatness. When you're so great all these things are possible.

Be happy, merry - why not - we're great!

 

[Krystov]

politicians / leaders don't make it a habit to come out and say " we suck ass, you all suck ass, these United States really sucks ass".
they don't tend to garner many votes by doing so.

we pay them , in part , to blow smoke up our ass and make us feel positive about our country.

don't know what more to say.

Indeed and therein lies the true problem. The wrong people continue to wind up in office. However, if the wrong people continue to wind up in office despite what is best for the country, what can be done? Nothing but wait until next term when it will happen again.

 

[nota bene]

We are the United States of America. We are the greatest nation on the face of the planet.

Is anyone else sick of hearing this? I just want to put my two cents in and pray that our so called leaders heed these words.

If we are so great, then why do we have a piss poor public education system? If we are so great, why are we one of the most violent nations on the face of the planet? If we are so great, why does the other half of the world hate us, despite us trying to help them? If we are so great then why do our political leaders fail to agree on something that could better this country in the future? If we are so great, then why are so many people unemployed? If we are so great then why don't we have more efficient energy sources? If we are so great then why do we give money away to people who give nothing back to the nation, nor have any plans to give anything back? If we are so great, then why do we insist on solving other countries' problems before solving our own? If we are so great, then why do we not take example from the successes of other nations?

Because we are the United States of America. And who brought us such glory mentioned above? Our elected officials. Why were they elected? Because people are illiterate. Because people are gullible. Because people are lazy, and naive, and selfish. Party politics are a mistake. Sure they bring two perspectives, and that's great if our officials aren't supporting lobbyists and special interest groups. They are elected to be the pillars which hold our nation above water, and to me I feel as though we're already up to our eyes. There are things that should be addressed and handled before others because they are more pressing.

How is it that other countries like Japan, their children excel in early academics while ours struggle and fail? It could be any number of things but the solution is not cutting school budgets to motivate the teachers. The problem is not solved by making it harder for the institution to do its job. High school is easy, yet schools struggle to get expected passing percentages. While the school may hold some responsibility, I would look to the children and their parents to find a reason.

Why is it that our leaders can never decide on appropriate action? Because party politics screw everything up. Obama is a Democrat, while congress is controlled by Republicans. This is one of the oldest rivalries our country has ever seen, and it is preventing us from moving forward. I'm not saying that compromises are not made, but they are made in the best interests of the parties, not of the country. Because both groups support special interest groups and lobbyists, those are the issues that matter in congress, not the issues that matter for our nation.

Why don't we have more efficient energy sources? We have hydrogen technology, why not use it? Implement it into everyday life and not only will we have more efficient energy, we cut down on pollution and keep from cooking ourselves sooner than we're meant to. This is just speculation, but I think it is because the people in our congress who could make such a thing come true, are in the pockets of the oil companies, and a new source of energy would be bad for business.

Why on earth would we bail out some of these big corporations? The principle of starting a business is that you take a risk and you are either successful, or your fail. These companies failed and got a get out of jail free card. This is not the way it works my friends. If your business tanks and you go out of business, you're out of luck. Get on with your life. Where one falls others may rise. Is this not how a competitive market works? It may have saved the jobs of a few, but what about all the money those companies now owe the government? What about the loss of our triple A credit rating? To high a cost to save too few says I.

I'm not going to continue on with this because you all can find out for yourselves. We may be the United States of America, and we may be the greatest nation on the planet but that does not mean we should be naive and assume we can overcome all. It does not mean that we can take for granted the things that need to be done and instead do what a few want to be done. This country was founded and was created to be run by the people and for the people, all of the people, not just the lobbyists and interest groups. It was created to offer liberty and justice to all, not just the straight, white, and rich. Do right by the framers, government, and the country will grow well again.

So what are you doing to effect change?

 

[Thrilla]

Indeed and therein lies the true problem. The wrong people continue to wind up in office. However, if the wrong people continue to wind up in office despite what is best for the country, what can be done? Nothing but wait until next term when it will happen again.

well, I dunno... i'm more of the thought that folks should not wait on a leaders to make things better.
I tend to look towards improving my lot in life despite our leaders...and I believe waiting for them to make things rosy only leads to disappointment and despair.

just say your piece at the ballot box and get to the business of improving the country by improving yourself... and unless you are a political junkie like i am, just ignore the yammerings of the political class... they are all full of it.

 

[1Perry]

well, I dunno... i'm more of the thought that folks should not wait on a leaders to make things better.

And when they try they get accused of wanting to lynch up blacks.

 

[Krystov]

So what are you doing to effect change?

Honestly? Considering leaving the country once I graduate. I don't see this mess getting any better anytime soon. Why stay here when you can have almost all of the same liberties and a better lifestyle in Panama? You make more, things cost less, and you're almost guaranteed a job if you speak English. The government there is a bit corrupt, but they don't deny it or lie about it. Ours is too but they DO lie to us about it.

 

[Aunt Spiker]

Honestly? Considering leaving the country once I graduate. I don't see this mess getting any better anytime soon. Why stay here when you can have almost all of the same liberties and a better lifestyle in Panama? You make more, things cost less, and you're almost guaranteed a job if you speak English. The government there is a bit corrupt, but they don't deny it or lie about it. Ours is too but they DO lie to us about it.

But yet you're here for a good education - ironic.

 

[deltabtry]

politicians / leaders don't make it a habit to come out and say " we suck ass, you all suck ass, these United States really sucks ass".
they don't tend to garner many votes by doing so.

we pay them , in part , to blow smoke up our ass and make us feel positive about our country.

don't know what more to say.

I do, we are free..for know anyways.

 

[deltabtry]

Honestly? Considering leaving the country once I graduate. I don't see this mess getting any better anytime soon. Why stay here when you can have almost all of the same liberties and a better lifestyle in Panama? You make more, things cost less, and you're almost guaranteed a job if you speak English. The government there is a bit corrupt, but they don't deny it or lie about it. Ours is too but they DO lie to us about it.

well at least in this country you are free to do so.

 

[Thrilla]

Honestly? Considering leaving the country once I graduate. I don't see this mess getting any better anytime soon. Why stay here when you can have almost all of the same liberties and a better lifestyle in Panama? You make more, things cost less, and you're almost guaranteed a job if you speak English. The government there is a bit corrupt, but they don't deny it or lie about it. Ours is too but they DO lie to us about it.

somebody lied to you.
you will not make more in Panama....Panama's wages are very ,very low... for instance, a journalist makes about 2 bucks an hour.
good luck paying off US students loans on that wage:lol:

I have holdings and a business in Colombia.. but they would be impossible without external income.
if you have steady external income, you can take advantage of the low cost of living...
if you are banking on getting a domestic job, well, good luck wallowing in poverty, as you won't be able to take advantage of exchange rate disparities.

 

[deltabtry]

somebody lied to you.
you will not make more in Panama....Panama's wages are very ,very low... for instance, a journalist makes about 2 bucks an hour.
good luck paying off US students loans on that wage:lol:

I have holdings and a business in Colombia.. but they would be impossible without external income.
if you have steady external income, you can take advantage of the low cost of living...
if you are banking on getting a domestic job, well, good luck wallowing in poverty, as you won't be able to take advantage of exchange rate disparities.

he will be back, like most them.

 

[Krystov]

But yet you're here for a good education - ironic.

There is no irony in my words. I am an American, born and raised in this country. I have grown more and more angry with the nation, not just the government, over the years. Yes I am here for an education because we do have great collegiate education, and degrees from the United States count for more in other countries (I realize places like Oxford have good educations too and are not in the US). Many people from places like Panama come here to get an education, then return to their countries because 1) their country's educational system isn't as good as the US (collegiate) and 2) because they can put it to better use in their country and potentially make more money. But because I have the opportunity to gain an education in the States, I'll take it and use it in a place where I'll make more money with it. Isn't that what most people want? To make as much money as possible?

 

[Krystov]

somebody lied to you.
you will not make more in Panama....Panama's wages are very ,very low... for instance, a journalist makes about 2 bucks an hour.
good luck paying off US students loans on that wage:lol:

I have holdings and a business in Colombia.. but they would be impossible without external income.
if you have steady external income, you can take advantage of the low cost of living...
if you are banking on getting a domestic job, well, good luck wallowing in poverty, as you won't be able to take advantage of exchange rate disparities.

There may be very low wages there for certain professions, that is true of any country. It all depends on what the market needs. There are a very large number of rich individuals there and they don't do much. I know of one that simply sells land. Another that runs a plastic bag factory. These are basic business jobs and the people running them are filthy rich. My degree will be in computer programming, MIS to be specific. They have a large banking system there and very few people who know anything of technology. Just as technology fields are in high demand here, so it is in Panama as well. Having technical knowledge AND knowing English is like a 99% guaranteed job in Panama. And why make 60k a year here when I can start at over 100k a year there, while at the same time spending less on utilities, bills, food, etc.?

 

[VanceMack]

After having lived around the world I believe it to be true. Unfortunately more people TALK about it than do their part to prove it to be so. Words dont make us great. The foundation for greatness is there. The ideals for greatness are still in place and people come here from around the world, legally or otherwise, and continue to prove it to be true. Those that fail miserably by and large are homegrown.

Being a great country doesnt mean everyone will get a great education...it means everyone has the OPPORTUNITY to have a great education. It doesnt mean everyone will earn a great living but rather that people have the OPPORTUNITY to earn a great living. Whining because there are unemployed and homeless people doesnt change the reality, nor does simply throwing money at those problems fix the problems.

 

[CriticalThought]

We may be the United States of America, and we may be the greatest nation on the planet but that does not mean we should be naive and assume we can overcome all.

I think the problem is that America got away from being the land of opportunity and became the land of entitlement.

Being the best means we work to prove we are the best, not that we deserve to be the best just because we believe we are the best.

 

[VanceMack]

I think the problem is that America got away from being the land of opportunity and became the land of entitlement.

Being the best means we work to prove we are the best, not that we deserve to be the best just because we believe we are the best.

OMG...did you feel the earth tremble just a little bit there???

 

[deltabtry]

What this country does for you is to allow you to pursue life, liberty and pursuit of happiness with you own free will.

 

[Krystov]

I think the problem is that America got away from being the land of opportunity and became the land of entitlement.

Being the best means we work to prove we are the best, not that we deserve to be the best just because we believe we are the best.

This is exactly what we've become. Those who feel they're entitled to things expect said things to be given, not earned. Sure people have the opportunity to do anything, but that doesn't mean they actually can. You may have the opportunity to go to college and get a degree and have a life, but that doesn't mean you can afford it.

What this country does for you is to allow you to pursue life, liberty and pursuit of happiness with you own free will.

To a point. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are very loose definitions of what we can actually have. There is so much room for interpretation in those words that they could mean anything. Life is pretty obvious, you're allowed to live. Liberty, that could mean freedom, but we're already limited in freedoms by laws so how much freedom do they mean? Who knows. Pursuit of happiness? Well what makes me happy may not make you happy. Say going on a murderous rampage makes me happy. I'm pretty sure I'm not free to do that. Don't take anything in the constitution literally. It was written to be interpreted.

 

[RiverDad]

If we are so great, then why do we have a piss poor public education system?

We don't, not really. The amount of money that we spend buys us pretty good results despite the fact that there are a number of idiocies built into how the system functions. There is certainly room for improvement but it's not like the SYSTEM is utterly failing us.

How is it that other countries like Japan, their children excel in early academics while ours struggle and fail?

Because all of their students are Japanese and all of our students are not.

 

[Thrilla]

There may be very low wages there for certain professions, that is true of any country. It all depends on what the market needs. There are a very large number of rich individuals there and they don't do much. I know of one that simply sells land. Another that runs a plastic bag factory. These are basic business jobs and the people running them are filthy rich. My degree will be in computer programming, MIS to be specific. They have a large banking system there and very few people who know anything of technology. Just as technology fields are in high demand here, so it is in Panama as well. Having technical knowledge AND knowing English is like a 99% guaranteed job in Panama. And why make 60k a year here when I can start at over 100k a year there, while at the same time spending less on utilities, bills, food, etc.?

good luck to ya...

 

[deltabtry]

This is exactly what we've become. Those who feel they're entitled to things expect said things to be given, not earned. Sure people have the opportunity to do anything, but that doesn't mean they actually can. You may have the opportunity to go to college and get a degree and have a life, but that doesn't mean you can afford it.



To a point. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are very loose definitions of what we can actually have. There is so much room for interpretation in those words that they could mean anything. Life is pretty obvious, you're allowed to live. Liberty, that could mean freedom, but we're already limited in freedoms by laws so how much freedom do they mean? Who knows. Pursuit of happiness? Well what makes me happy may not make you happy. Say going on a murderous rampage makes me happy. I'm pretty sure I'm not free to do that. Don't take anything in the constitution literally. It was written to be interpreted.

That as exactly my point, everyone here has a right to their own dreams what ever it maybe but there is no guarantee, that is up to the individual pursuing their dream. if you fail you have a right to try it again, or move to another part or even out of the country. Don't like the way things are going or where this country his headed, well you have a right to either run and attempt to make a change or do it another way by voting. In short each and every individual citizen in this country has a right to make a difference, now the question is are you up to the task..

 

[nota bene]

Honestly? Considering leaving the country once I graduate. I don't see this mess getting any better anytime soon. Why stay here when you can have almost all of the same liberties and a better lifestyle in Panama? You make more, things cost less, and you're almost guaranteed a job if you speak English. The government there is a bit corrupt, but they don't deny it or lie about it. Ours is too but they DO lie to us about it.

Yes, honestly. Complaining is always in fashion while taking action to effect change requires...work. If you really think that Panama's government is "a bit corrupt, but they don't deny it or lie about it," I worry that you're a little naive.

Still, I think you have a splendid plan and hope you execute it soon and make scads of money if this is your primary goal in life. Just read "The Man Without a Country" first.

 

[deltabtry]

Yes, honestly. Complaining is always in fashion while taking action to effect change requires...work. If you really think that Panama's government is "a bit corrupt, but they don't deny it or lie about it," I worry that you're a little naive.

Still, I think you have a splendid plan and hope you execute it soon and make scads of money if this is your primary goal in life. Just read "The Man Without a Country" first.

A great book BTW and I also believe it was made into a movie also.