What's Wrong with America (Introduction)

In the 1960s the US went through an awakening of sorts, when Americans recognized the damage caused by the successful industrial economy that had developed the country. The result was landmark Federal legislation that cleaned up the air and water pollution that had dirtied the skies and waterways across the landscape and undoubtedly saved or extended millions of lives.

Today we are experiencing interesting times; the recent elections galvanized electorates that previously had become stagnant and apathetic. This new presidential administration has proclaimed that it will be the cleanest in history and will make the hard choices that are required to "right" America. Whether or not Mr. Obama is able to successfully implement such change, he has opened the door to the public to take him to task should he not. America should take note. An active and informed electorate is required in a democracy. One of the main fears of the Founding Fathers was that giving the masses the right to vote would be foolish, as they were not educated. If modern Americans consider themselves educated, then they ought to take their vote seriously. Most do not.

Most major changes are ushered in by catastrophy or near-catastrophy; the stock market crash and the Depression, World War II and the 1973 OPEC oil embargo all had lasting effects felt from coast to coast and in Federal policies and legislation. The last nine months have seen swings in North American and world markets that have brought the words depression and regulation back into economic language

In doing much personal research and analysis I have come to conclusions on a variety of problems that have stricken the US in recent times. Most of these problems are ones of our own doing and thus, quite solvable; some through innovation while others by relatively simple but perhaps difficult changes to lifestyle and/or expectations.

Over the next few weeks, this blog will be visiting these problems and offering some solutions. The viewpoint offered is be intended to inform. If, after digesting the words therein, the reader believes that no action be required or the solutions naive, so be it. However, there is a difference between choosing inaction because of convenience and one out of belief. Years of experience in debates with friends, family and colleagues has exposed me to the truth that all of us, in one way or another, develop prejudices against viewpoints that we perceive to threaten us or our lifestyle. These prejudices allow us to conveniently close our eyes to things we might otherwise accept to be true given our intelligence and education level but absent our emotions. These viewpoints should not be considered to be connected to current political parties, though such parties may profess them in some form or another.

Change is often painful; it is particularly painful when it is forced or is beyond the control of those affected. This is why legislation and executive policies are often instituted over a period of time rather than immediately. Making positive changes before they become painful is both rational and prudent. Given the changes brought in the last year, Americans know the effects when they are sudden. Democracy is only real when citizens inform themselves and take an active part.