America: a hypothesis
The political platform that America is a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people has been effectively idle.
The 1950’s generation was the first generation to move away from that platform, in lieu of indiscretionary consumerism and blind nationalism, neither of which seemed dangerous at the time.
A de-synchronization thus occurred, though, between the American people and the original American concept, driven by:
- less-than-prudent influnces in our profit-driven economy,
- judicial, legislative, and economic systems that are not checked and balanced,
- human nature.
Though America is a nation of pro-active people, it has been on an almost non-American platform.
Have you ever heard of Andrew Bacevich? You should check out his recent book, The Limits of Power. He analyzes 3 broad crises that America faces today (dividing them up as Political, Military, and Economic), and discusses their common root in American consumerism. He says the American quest for national expansion and for plenty has brought us to such dire positions as being engaged in two long, losing wars in the middle east, having politicians that don’t really serve us, and so on. You should check it out.
Matt
thoughtdreams.wordpress.com
Matt said this on March 31, 2009 at 11:07 pm