Americans down on America?

2014-07-08T08:12:08-04:00

A new Gallup poll suggests pride in America is waning. Currently ranked #33? While some of the research terms are subjective, and who cares what USA Today says, what do you think?

Are our best years behind us or ahead of us? Are we shaping a better tomorrow or is the American Dream dying?

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/americans-are-down-on-america-190304928.html

Americans are down on America

A new poll shows Americans feel freedom is slipping away.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 8:17 AM

2014-07-08T08:17:54-04:00

Despite our longest war in our nation's history, the housing crisis, and the recent economy downturn I believe we can, as a nation, rise above. Perhaps, we thought it would be easier. Perhaps, it takes more than money to be happy. Perhaps, the political discord will tear us down further. Call me a dreamer, but I am a Citizen in the greatest nation on earth. We are responsible for its legacy. Even in the subjective, how do we get Freedom back?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 8:28 AM

2014-07-08T08:28:53-04:00

I was listening to a discussion on NPR yesterday about how "this is the most dysfunctional congress in history". Do they forget that in the 1850s we had congressman physically assaulting each other? Many of the founding fathers during the creation of the constitution despised each other and we had duels occurring (we all know about Hamilton v. Burr, and Abraham Lincoln was even involved in a duel later on). I think this idea that we're at some "worst place in history" is forgetting a lot of history.

With that said, I do believe that corporations are being given FAR too much power. Citizens United and the Hobby Lobby decisions are giving corporations personhood rights, which I strongly disagree with.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 8 at 2014 8:33 AM

2014-07-08T08:33:57-04:00

Most Americans live in a bubble and have not idea what the real world is like. It's almost unthinkable, that even with the problems we have here, how easy we have it compared to the rest of the world.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 8 at 2014 8:43 AM

2014-07-08T08:43:32-04:00

Unfortunately as I have watched over the course of the last 20 years, we as a nation are slowly descending into an abyss that we may not be able to pull ourselves out of. Politically we have become so divided that neither side, left or right, seems to want to compromise for the good of the whole and we are left with the mess that we currently have. Somewhere along the way we lost the unity that we as a nation felt following 9/11 where it didn't matter if you were a Republican, a Democrat, conservative or liberal, we were one nation and we acted as one. Those on the left will (continuously) blame Bush-43 for our nation being where it is at financially today because of some of the lifting of certain restrictions on Wall Street and the financial industry, but they forget that a Democratic congress pushed through and passed legislation designed to put more people in houses that they couldn't afford to begin with that led to many of the underhanded practices that led to the housing collapse. Those on the right, blame the current occupant of the White House for the failures of foreign policy and immigration, but also forget that the policies of former occupants had a hand in the world looking as it does now because they have failed to out forth any solid plan to stop or curtail illegal immigration since the '80s and our veering into Iraq is partially responsible for the situation at hand today. Until we get a president that is willing to work with the opposition parties in charge of the Congress and vice-versa, we are looking at the decline of the United States as a power on the world stage. In some ways this may not be a bad thing, we shouldn't be the only country that everyone turns to fix their messes in their own backyards, and we shouldn't be the only country that continuously provides billions of dollars to assist and aid others, and then turn around and get told we do not do enough. We need to clean-up our own messes here, get back on solid footing economically and socially as a country and then play a smaller role on the world stage. We CAN be as great as we were, but first we must fix ourselves and then worry about what we can do for others in the world. Just the views of an "older" fart from the sidelines now.....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 9:22 AM

2014-07-08T09:22:37-04:00

Nationalism, or National Pride, is waning in our country because of just how diverse our country has become. You have 2nd and 3rd generation immigrant families from around the globe who will still fly that country's flag and cheer for the during international sporting events. As our country continues to be the world's destination for immigrants seeking a better life, this trend will continue.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 11:22 AM

2014-07-08T11:22:13-04:00

I do get down at times, but then I hear this and realize we can pull out of what looks like a death spin. One of our countries greatest strength is being able to overcome adversity, usually with grace. Listen to this and see if you are not motivated to help make a better tomorrow. http://youtu.be/fa8Qupc4PnQ

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Jul 8 at 2014 11:48 AM

2014-07-08T11:48:46-04:00

Our democracy is dying fast and furious. I am saddened by it and often feel ashamed to call myself an American. Our politics are so incredibly corrupt, I am starting to think that the Iraqi Police and Army weren't so bad. Our nation is so divided on some serious subjects such that we are fighting a cultural civil war. BTW, if nobody ever said that before, I am taking credit for coining that phrase.

I find most of what our politicians doing to be disgusting and dehumanizing. It sickens me.

Response by SFC James Barnes made Jul 8 at 2014 12:32 PM

2014-07-08T12:32:34-04:00

95% of places I have been there is a deep pride in the US. The places I have not been usually have a university in them.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jul 8 at 2014 12:48 PM

2014-07-08T12:48:49-04:00

The dream was just that, a dream. That dream has faded into a nightmare, and we are tormented by the poor decisions of those before us. The dream died long ago.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 3:50 PM

2014-07-08T15:50:57-04:00

If you look at the numbers of people world wide trying/dying to get to America, I would state that the American dream is alive and thriving everywhere in the world. Americans, have grown lethargic in largess and complacent in their perceived security. When we compare the current immigration issues to those of the past from European nations, we find similarities in how Americans treat new refugees/immigrants. But as history has show, those same immigrants as a group have arguably, come to be the most ardent patriots. "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure." Thomas Jefferson 1787. Perhaps it is time for new patriots and new blood to invigorate a lax and waning population.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jul 8 at 2014 11:11 PM

2014-07-08T23:11:10-04:00

I chose the dream is dying, but in reality, I believe we are being robbed of the dream. Behind this decline in patriotism, confidence, and identity crisis, is our own government.

It is difficult to be confident about your country when it seems the powers that be are doing everything to discourage people. This can also lead to a decline in patriotism. I love our country and it's citizens, but our government is making life somewhere else more appealing.

Everyday, it seems like our freedoms are in jeopardy of being stripped. Little by little our own government is eating away at our liberties, and they are doing this under the guise of what is best for us and national security. I propose that if our government doesn't think we are capable of knowing what is best for ourselves, and that they have to rob of us of constitutional freedoms to protect us, then we are no longer a free nation.

I am not saying we are this way yet, but in five or ten years we may very well be.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 11:27 PM

2014-07-08T23:27:13-04:00

The dream is alive in spite of Washington! When a sitting president says there is no American exceptionalism, then that is a poor message to Americans. When leadership is not playing straight, faith is lost in the country. You would think that words from politicians mean very little, but when it comes from our top people it is a show stopper. Especially from the White House.

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Jul 8 at 2014 11:52 PM

2014-07-08T23:52:32-04:00

We used to make things in this country. Good quality things that were worth what you paid for them, and worth fixing when they broke. This throwaway get it as cheap as you can from overseas economy is killing the American dream. Just inpateince on the part of the consumer and greed on the part of the suppliers. Make it cheap so they buy it, it breaks and they buy it again.

Response by Cpl Brian Frawley made Jul 9 at 2014 12:56 AM

2014-07-09T00:56:35-04:00

As long as there are people that believe in what this country stands for and are willing to put their lives and honor in the defense of those beliefs! The dream will never die!

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jul 9 at 2014 1:06 AM

2014-07-09T01:06:42-04:00

I believe in America and I always have. I was taught to have pride in my country and was shown first hand how important it is to serve in the armed forces. Without those of us who have put on the uniform, shinded and laced up our boots we would not have a country to call home. The dream is still alive, and while it may be close to life support according to some, those who serve today keep that dream alive by their actions and role modeling for others to hopefully someday emulate. So much for my .02.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jul 9 at 2014 1:51 AM

2014-07-09T01:51:23-04:00

The true greatness of this country isn't found in the government, or any of the institutions. Right now we're in a bit of a bind because we've forgotten that the true greatness that makes us exceptional is in the individualism and freedom that we have long enjoyed. When the people are free from the overbearing restrictions of the government and can unleash their creativity there is nothing we can accomplish, we've been part of the undefeated World War winning teams, we've freed many countries around the world, we've been to the moon, we've created many of the ideas and technologies that the world currently enjoys especially if you can read this since it's been published to the internet that we created. We just need to get out of the mindset that has said we're not exceptional and we're no better than anyone else, screw that, they can play their kicky ball game for a world cup, but there's still a lot more that we've done and will accomplish that will amaze the world in our future.

Response by SPC Rebecca Lovie made Jul 9 at 2014 2:00 AM

2014-07-09T02:00:03-04:00

I like the words slipping away better

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 9 at 2014 6:22 AM

2014-07-09T06:22:51-04:00

I believe that our generation's view of the "American Dream" is dying. We seem to be losing the perception of "freedom isn't free" and IMHO that is because as some of my esteemed colleagues have noted, we are giving too many things away. Since people don't have to invest in America, it is morphing into a place to hang your hat with bennies. When some of our ancestors came here in the 1920 during the immigration rush, a good many started with 0 and had to work their way up, no one was holding up a sign offering 3 hots and a cot plus medical coverage. You struggled, you sacrificed and you earned the right to be an American. I look at this new immigration rush and shake my head and think, why are these countries all sending their poor tired huddled masses here 4 and 5 borders away from where they started? When you look at it, who's got the best deal in town in the long run?

Response by SPC(P) Geoffrey Fansher made Jul 9 at 2014 11:50 AM

2014-07-09T11:50:39-04:00

The dream is within the individual, it isn't a static concept. People talk about it as if it's an entity because they don't realize they are the ones that forge their own destiny and can create the American dreams themselves. Too many people keep waiting for the American dream to happen to them....getting that promotion so they can buy a bigger house, winning the lottery, the list goes on. The sooner we realize that we're an individual, that there is power in one, that WE are the American dream, and that we make a decision everyday to live life on our terms or someone else's terms, that's when the "American Dream" will return to the glory in which it has stood for as long as we can remember. Seize the day my friends! Let's go!

Response by Capt Jeff Quinn made Jul 9 at 2014 12:45 PM

2014-07-09T12:45:34-04:00

Folks just have to make better choices about where they choose to invest and spend their money, invest their time for charity, etc. in this day and age. IMHO over the last 14 years, Americans have learned the meaning of thrift in their spending habits and choices. Americans as a whole are better educated/equipped about the political, environmental and moral/ethical agendas of institutions and companies as a whole and realize that dollars spent with that entity further a specific cause, etc. The American population is also better equipped to check voting records for their state and federal congressional and senatorial leaders to ensure that at election time (or through petitions, letters, etc.) those folks either stay or are "released from duty" :) What I see happening in this day and age is the marginalization of the American people to vote for laws to be implemented at the state and federal level and then have the wealthy left to lobby and get these majority rule decisions overturned at the federal court level. IMHO controversial decisions voted into law by the majority that are up for vote in a state/county, etc. election should be honored- not marginalized and up for debate and overturn at the federal and Supreme Court level- in my humble opinion. That is the only "freedom" I believe is slipping away with every overturned decision in the courts that was properly voted into law by the majority.
S/F- Jeff

Response by CPL J Sannizzaro made Jul 9 at 2014 1:21 PM

2014-07-09T13:21:18-04:00

Our elected officials have forgotten who they serve. They have stopped respecting the citizens. As a result they are loosing the respect if the citizens. Sadly many, especially the young are not able to decern the differance between our politicians and our country, they lack the root structure we were raised with, if nothing changes I fear for our way of life within the next few generations.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 5:58 PM

2014-07-10T17:58:46-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member It's all in one's mind and vision. Being Russian-born, I still talk to a lot of Russians who are optimistic about their country's future. They live happy lives with optimistic attitude. Growing up for most of my life here in US, I've come across quite substantial number of people who are disappointed about US government. Most of whom have no other experiences with foreign governments and they do nothing but gripe and complain most of their lives.

Like underdog Detroit Lions or New York Jets, there are teams (and countries) that go through such down times. But I guarantee you that you can find quite a bit of both die-hard Lions and Jets fans hoping one day their teams will revive and rebound.

AND I'M A DIE-HARD AMERICAN DREAM FAN TILL THE DAY I SEE MY MAKER!

To all who voted other than dream is alive: why are you still in the service? Are you not defending American Dream? Or are you just defending your paycheck?? Sorry if that sounded too harsh or confrontational, but there's no need to stay in the service or continue to 'exist' in America without the dream.

PS: It's one thing what you observe and what you hear and see on the news, it's another to look above that. Remember what JFK said back in his 1961 inauguration: Ask not what the country can do for you...ask what you can do for your country

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Jul 10 at 2014 8:30 PM

2014-07-10T20:30:44-04:00

WHEN YOU THROW PEOPLE MONEY AND THEY BECOME DEPENDENT AND GIVE THEM WELFARE AND SSI THEY HAVE NO DIGNITY AND PRIDE AND THEY HAVE NO INCENTIVE AND VETERANS EARNED It IT IS NOT AND ENTITLEMENT AND THEY DESERVE AND UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF RESOURCES INCLUDING COMPENSATION

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jul 11 at 2014 5:27 PM

2014-07-11T17:27:14-04:00

The dream is dying because of our culture.
Our values are totally out of calibration.
Hard work is not valued. Sacrifice is not valued.
Successful, hardworking and educated people who might impart good traits on their children are not reproducing, or are starting late and barely hitting the replacement level (2 kids).
People who believe that they are owed something are raising children dependent on the government who grow up feeling entitled to a job, healthcare, a funded education (should they decide to pursue it) and food and money from the government coffers.
No one is listening for opportunity to knock, they are too busy watching American Idol.
Young people are raised with an indifferent and fatalistic view of politics and are more concerned with keeping up with their favorite reality show than learning a thing about this nation or its history.
We are the alcoholic with liver disease or the smoker with lung cancer...
Short attention spans, laziness and materialism are a cancer.
We are infected.
And no one is willing to quit the vices that are killing us.

If we don't wake up there won't be a 'dream' left to save.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 24 at 2014 7:54 PM

2014-08-24T19:54:25-04:00

Stand a post, America, see what the REAL world looks like.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 8:45 PM

2014-08-24T20:45:56-04:00

Since we're talking opinions here, here's mine. I don't believe pride in America is wanning. I think more and more of the country is becoming tired or what is going on with this Administration. This Administration came on board with a strong favorability rating with the promises of a better "Change" for America. Unfortunately it has taken almost 6 years for more and more Americans to wake up and face that what has happened and is happening has NOT been a change for the better. A Congress that is unwilling to work out differences and has caused more hardship for citizens; Then we have Obamacare, IRS, Benghanzi, Syria, Russia/Putin, ISIS, US-Mexico Border, Iran/Nuclear issues, selective enforcement/delays of parts of laws by executive order (illegal), the Presidents refusal to deal or negoiatate with Republicans, his own party pulling away from him, Iraq back in the forefront, and the beheading of journalist James Foley, and the Presdent's lack of involvement, his appearence to fanning the flames of racism in local issues, failing to accept responsibility for Administration failures, failure to hold anyone accountable. Many see his actions during this second term as him being on an extended vacation at tax payer expense until time for him leave office. With all this I think American Pride is still there, however, Americans and are becoming more frustrated with the way the rest of the world views us, the lack of respect the rest of the World now views the USA. The President appears to the rest of the World leaders as a chior boy invited to a gang fight. Not going to get in it, don't know what to do about it, and just runs away from it. I still have pride in America, but I'm pissed at the black and fat lip this Administration has given us, and we're gonna get hit a few more times over the next two years. It will take years and new leadership in the White House and Congress to put the Country back on the right path back to being the USA, Leader of the free world and for us get the respect again that goes along with that. Americans have pride, that's why we're becoming more and more a pissed off nation with the way things are. This is just one old First Sergeant's opinion as he sees it.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 26 at 2014 1:38 AM

2014-08-26T01:38:36-04:00

The problem with as from what I see I now live in Glen Ellyn IL witch is a somewhat affluent comminty. Tesla Masereti Audio at an intersection kind of town. Because of the good living the dream is alive and I can tell because the star and stripes are more displayed than not. However in other lower income areas around Chicago you would be hard pressed to see a flag. Part of this is the 40 bucks not there to purchase a flag but the other part I feel in lower income areas the "dream" is getting further and further out of reach. The economic gap and patriotism would more than likely show a strong inverse correlation in income vs being patriotic. Lower income lower level of patriotism vs higher income higher level of patriotism. The gad is due to the erosion of the middle class. If life is good for you America is working but if every day is a struggle then the American dream is fading. However there are many trying and willing to enter the US as our worst is better than their worst or in some cases their best.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 15 at 2014 10:00 AM

2014-09-15T10:00:02-04:00

We experience our fair share of the doldrums every now and then. But America is still the quintessential nation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 1:31 PM

2014-10-28T13:31:07-04:00

I find it hard to understand why so many Americans think that America is the worst thing to happen to the world and all other countries are better, including ones where civil rights are suppressed with ruthlessness.

No country is perfect but I've seen enough of the world, both through the military and on my own, to think that despite our shortcomings (and yes, there are many) we still on average provide more opportunity for those who are driven to work hard than anywhere else out there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 6:19 AM

2014-11-03T06:19:03-05:00

I think the American Dream is slowly dying as it becomes strangled by a throw away culture of selfishness & irresponsibility.

Don't like what your spouse has to say? Don't work it out, just get a divorce.

Forgot to use protection and got pregnant? It's not your fault, just have the child aborted.

Tired of working for things? Quit and get on welfare, you can do drugs, & find places that allow you to abuse your usage of the welfare system.

Why be informed about government and politics? You're not going to use your right to vote anyways.

Our country is in a bad way right now as we slowly hand over our rights in the name of fairness, in the name of safety, in the name of best interests.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 8:03 AM

2014-11-03T08:03:38-05:00

I don't know about most Americans, but I vote that the dream is alive, LTC Private RallyPoint Member. I think we're shaping a better tomorrow, and the folks on this site - military members and veterans - are a large part of the reason why I believe that.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 11:39 AM

2014-11-03T11:39:37-05:00

The dream is very much alive. I think some people have bought into the idea that we shouldn't believe in American Exceptional-ism so they instead take the opposite view that we suck and we cause all the worlds problems, etc. But a very significant portion of Americans are still very proud to be part of this great nation. Also, I agree with LTC Paul Labrador, most Americans have no idea what having it bad is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 12:35 PM

2014-11-03T12:35:42-05:00

I think Brad Pitt's line from Fight Club best summarizes my point of view.

"God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables; slaves with white collars. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need. We're the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our Great War's a spiritual war... our Great Depression is our lives. We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact. And we're very, very pissed off."

The American Dream used to be "come to America for a better life." However, to quote some more, the opening scene of the pilot episode of the TV show The Newsroom, "We’re seventh in literacy. Twenty-seventh in math. Twenty-second in science. Forty-ninth in life expectancy. A hundred and seventy-eighth in infant mortality. Third in median household income. Number four in labor force and number four in exports. We lead the world in only three categories: Number of incarcerated citizens per capita, number of adults who believe angels are real, and defense spending, where we spend more than the next twenty-six countries combined, twenty-five of whom are allies."

We used to be a people that aspired for more. We put a man on the moon when people thought it was a pipe dream. But, somewhere along the line we got complacent. The American Dream is not dead, but it is dying. We can bring it back if we try hard enough.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 1:17 PM

2014-11-03T13:17:31-05:00

Being American is not just an accident of birth. It's an idea that one must choose to subscribe to. The idea is embodied in the principles described in the Declaration of Independence and given shape in the Constitution. Today the former is a point of ignorance for most and the latter is routinely ignored. Far too many of our fellow citizens are really just residents.

Response by SPC Marleen Madding made Nov 3 at 2014 3:07 PM

2014-11-03T15:07:37-05:00

The Dream is Still Alive - Many have to WAKE UP from their Current reality - and see what is going on around us. Many are so in debt that they cannot stop to think about what is going on - the Pressures that we are under are SOO Heavy - we keep our heads down - Moms & Dads both work - so we get up before the kids are off to school, drive in Congested traffic - to work for someone else's Dreams and Profits - Do our time - and probably watching our Co-Workers - and Friends Get Laid off - and the person left in the Shop has to assume a Heavy work load - then we get back into our Cars - sit in traffic - and return home - get dinner, homework, and hopefully some quality time with our families... This CYCLE Must stop.
We must work on the foundation of our families - I left Corp America and opened my own businesses - 3 Franchise locations - I thought the more I grow - the better my family will be - I was never taught to be a Business Owner - we teach our children to be workers - and to WORK Hard - and you will get what you want - I Worked Hard - My daughter was 5 when we opened our 1st store - she use to Stand on a Milk Crate to ring up our customers & nap under the register station - Who Knew what was coming... The Great Recession - we were able to hold it off for 3 years - 2010 my world crumbled - what I did not Learn was what was Assets - and what was Liability - 3 stores - House on the water - multiple rental property - nice cars - The only asset that I had was my 1997 Dodge Van - After going through the process of closing our books - we realized that we we focusing our energy on the wrong things - need to FOCUS on Faith - Family - Finances - our Future and then FUN - we currently manage a business from our Home - We have now have a Plan - a Path to reach our American Dreams - which include leaving a Legacy for our Grandchildren.
I am PROUD to be an American - I am Glad that I can hit the RESET Button - and today is a NEW Day.

Response by SSG Jay OConnor made Nov 3 at 2014 11:42 PM

2014-11-03T23:42:08-05:00

I think it all stems from three basic reasons.

1. Our Country's Leaders and Politics are becoming sissified. We are so worried about offending other country's or cultures that we start to lose our own culture and beliefs, not to mention, the people of other country's start to look at the US as weak.
2. Religion has been abolished from our government. I used to say the pledge of allegiance as kid but since they took the word god out from it, many schools don't even say it anymore. That is the beginning of when kids start to learn "pride in their country"
3. The relaxation of immigration into the United States. Without any regulations or requirements (besides paying a fee) to become a US citizen, this melting pot of ours will start to lose its original ingredients. English language WILL become the minority language. At least basic english should be REQUIRED in order to be a citizen. Afterall, if I go to germany, I do not expect them to conform to me.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 6:43 AM

2014-11-04T06:43:09-05:00

Please everyone, go vote. Shape the dream. Don't let apathy win.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Nov 21 at 2014 10:46 AM

2014-11-21T10:46:28-05:00

I believe the dream is still alive, however, with that being said, I feel that there are many hurdles that must be overcome. Many people are of the "ME" thought...what is in it for ME?? Also, such a small percentage of the population has served in the military, that overall, the population does not know what it takes to maintain freedoms. Politicians are now about themselves/big money/and party lines. There are may "ideological" groups...they have great ideas, but they are unreasonable....PETA, U of Ca Berkey, tree huggers, etc. While they have good ideas, they do not educate themselves on what the problem is OR the impact of what the change would do that they are trying to FORCE into occurring. Many people are "fighting the good fight" based on their own fear/lack of knowledge....examples of this would be 2nd Ammendment issues, Religion, etc. If you don't know/understand/fear, then truely, it is NOT "the good fight". It is important for each person to take a stand on something that means something, but with that being said, you must know the issues and the consequences of actions taken and actions not taken.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 11:59 PM

2015-02-22T23:59:17-05:00

When we have a President (Our Own President) deny we are exceptional, who is he pulling for and what CIC says that? Our enemies that would not surprise. A CIC that cannot utter the word 'terrorism' in association with Islam but is focused on Americans as the enemy, who is the enemy and is it any wonder we have our own middle-class kids joining ISIS?

There is so much fail in a narcissistic nation that it's chief concern are purses and American Idol and who have no qualms with messing with married spouses just because they can. When people stand for nothing, that is what they become.

This nation better decided quickly between malaise and pride and getting back to where we were. President Carter eviscerated our military and policy wonks emasculated our fighting forces for the sake of their own selfish interests. With the hyperbole coming out of Washington and reciting the Mexican Pledge in lieu of our own, then what is the question and what is the answer to that question?

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 15 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-04-15T16:48:46-04:00

Each new generation will define the dream that is the promise of America. Yes government can get in the way, but people will just go underground and figure out how to make their Vision happen.

I am an optimist, I have four children and I intend to leave them a better US.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-04-16T15:33:39-04:00

The dream starts to fade when politicians in the executive branch fail to execute laws that are already on the book and are not discriminatory. Not executive orders on the big issues but also a sense of taking care of people in way of pre-existing conditions and treatment to those in need.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 16 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-04-16T15:46:54-04:00

The economy certainly does not help nor do the cost of going to college. I have a feeling many Americans are looking at our imperial power and rejecting the lack of progress we have made. Internally many Americans do not show respect for others. Making good money is an imperative to most and having a comfortable living is no different.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-04-16T15:48:07-04:00

Currently the dream is dying, but in the years to come good men and women will get us back on track. The "good guys" have finally gotten fed up with watching the country be destroyed for the last two decades!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-04-17T11:26:15-04:00

research shows that the more educated an individual becomes, the more disenfranchised they become. I love this country but we are ranked 49th in life expectancy, 61st in environmental performance, 36th in education, 44th is health care quality, in economic mobility (the American Dream,) we rate at the bottom of all developed countries.
I love this country, if I didn't, I wouldn't be serving her, but I also realize that we are far from perfect, and in fact, not the best country to live in right now.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 11:51 AM

2015-04-17T11:51:04-04:00

The dream is alive and available to those willing to pay the price. It is much less likely to be achieved by those waiting for it to come to them.