Tag: America

Does America really need all of its power?

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America has had a varied history. Originally one of the least organized countries in existence, America would become the most powerful country in the world. America’s modern history has been influenced by the modern world in which we live. America’s Power would not come without sacrifice, as power always has its price.

After World War II America’s leaders took the Monroe Doctrine to the extremes, in short they decided to become the Worlds Police Force. America would spend the latter part of the 20th century embroiled in a decades long Cold War. America’s main goal during this time was to stop communism and spread democracy.

America’s top leaders believed that if every country was Democratic then warfare as mankind knows it would cease to exist. Accomplishing this (extremely improbable) goal would require the US to stay several steps ahead of their enemies. As we all know this requires vast amounts of money.

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Americans stop blaming Islam

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Americans are not known for being culturally sensitive or even having the slightest bit of knowledge about the world outside of America. This can be seen whenever the media begins focusing on Muslim Extremists. Since 911 Americans (in general) have had a backward view of all Muslims. This majority believes (incorrectly) that all Muslims are extremist and that their goal is to destroy western civilization.

The media of course does not help Americans get past their arrogant ways, this can be seen in the violence that has occurred at American embassies in the Middle East. In the wake of the destruction of the US Consulate in Libya wherefour Americans where killed, the US has been shutting down embassy’s in other Islamic countries. In Syria the American embassy has been closed and all non-essential personnel (we can assume the essential personnel are soldiers and spies) have been recalled back to America. Other embassies in these “danger” zones are sure to follow suit. There has already been reports of the US Embassy in Lebanon destroying classified documents in case of a breach.
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Not only have these events attacks damaged Americans perception of Muslims but the US leaving these countries only lengthens the road to understanding and peace.

Combinations.

Yourcupatea1 Comment

Beans on toast

There are some combinations that just go naturally together: pancakes and syrup, cookies and milk, and of course the classic all time American snack, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

These are all American traditions, none of which I have adopted. In England we have our own that strangely many people in the foreign country do not know. These are all things that I am unwilling to let go and still today practice on a daily basis.

Here are just a few of my all time favorites: tea and biscuits (yes you’d call them cookies), beans and toast, chips (fries) and mayonnaise, and these are only a few.

Ok these may all seem a bit alien to you but so do many of the things that Americans eat I mean pancakes and sausages, really? But you never know how good they are until you try them. So mix it up try some different combinations.

Healthcare Hell

therightliberalLeave a comment

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that the Supreme Court is currently deciding if “Obamacare” is constitutional.

Now let me say this, I am not sure about the mandate. I get the point and I also see why people would be upset.

However, for those who say that the government is making a mistake by creating a healthcare system where people with pre-existing conditions can still get coverage, shut up.

Although young, I have seen exactly the problems behind our current system. Just yesterday I was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

But because my family’s coverage is about to run out, I could not schedule appointments because we will run out of coverage and chances are I won’t be able to be put on a plan. This worries my parents far more than me, but it is a valid concern.

I consider myself lucky, I do not have a disease that is life threatening or controls my life. But for those who do, who is to say that they do not deserve coverage?

They are citizens of our nation, just like a healthy person, and as part of our society they deserve care they can afford.

You can call it a socialist program or whatever you want, the fact of the matter is that it is what people need. People need coverage so they can survive without massive amounts of debt and massive fears every day.

It is worth the tax increase we could see, and it is worth being potentially mandated to have health care. And let’s be honest here, the people trying to get rid of the mandate feel as though they should be able to turn it down because they have health care.

Taxes happen and lead to the society we have today so stop complaining. You want to live in this great country? It will cost you. Just like living in Beverly Hills, there is a price. But there is also a reason people are willing to pay the price.

I have no idea what the Supreme Court will decide but I urge them to make the right choice. Rule what you want as far as the mandate but please see that we need to get rid of the rejections relating to pre-existing conditions.

Lets get this done and make a better country, giving people support that they need. Lets make a better and stronger society and keep building our country.

Integrity

therightliberalLeave a comment

The word integrity is defined by my Google search as “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.”

This, as it would seem, is a key factor in a person. There is a reason that the word so often gets tossed around and applied in so many ways.

I have heard it said on multiple occasions that the generation of today lacks this quality when compared to those before us, and that statement makes me really look around and judge for myself.

Surprisingly, I would tend to agree with the above stated remark. I feel that my generation has less of a regard for integrity, it just simply is not a value that we seem to hold as dear.

As with most things, the blame can not be placed on one specific person or thing for the occurrence. But I do feel that there are some very key factors in this trend.

Money makes the world go round more than ever before. My generation has been taught that money is in fact the key to happiness and all satisfaction in life.

To achieve success through money, many feel as though cheating and lying is the way to get ahead, and in many cases they are right. The world of business can be a cutthroat place and in some situations a lack of integrity can really help you.

This sends a message of acceptability when it comes to lacking integrity. As stated in a previous blog, I believe that morals and ethics are unique to each person so this is not a judgement of people’s integrity, simply and observation.

Obviously business ties in with the world of pop culture, another area which I feel has diminished the importance of integrity.

It used to be that the people portrayed in movies were honest characters who would rather die than compromise their integrity.

I am not stating that these characters do not exist in the movies today for they are still prevelant, yet not in such an obvious manner. Added to that there is also the counter of many characters who derive their likability from their overall lack of integrity.

Again, I am not saying that this culture change is a horrible thing or that it is a positive. I simply find it interesting that our values have changed in this way.

From a personal standpoint I can see both sides. I have seen when being honest can bite you in the ass as well as the other way around. So it comes down to each person thinking for themselves on how much they value integrity.

POWs and how we treat them!!!

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POWs (Prisoners Of War) are persons lucky enough or in some cases unfortunate enough to be caught by the “Enemy” during times of war. In some armed conflicts POWs are treated well, most of the time they are  not. Even with the arrival of the 2nd Geneva Convention held in 1949( directly following WWII) human rights did not cease to be an issue during armed conflicts.

Vietnam, a war that symbolizes changein America and a growing mistrust of a Man- in- Uniform, was not without its heroes. The North Vietnamese were a particular brutal enemy, possessing no qualms about torturing and maiming American servicemen. A famous soldier who went through these ordeals is Lt. Cmdr. John S. McCain. During his five years in captivity he was malnourished (eventually dropping to 100 pounds), subject to filthy conditions (such as living in feces), and had his bones broken multiple times (even walking with a limp to this day). This is but one example of how POWs have been mistreated.

On a different note is the Iraqi\Abu Ghraib Prison incident. America service men had violated the Geneva Convention by forcing prisoners to pose in compromising positions. The U.S. Governments official apology “It was un-American. And it was inconsistent with the values of our nation. ”Like so many other Americans I believe that this apology does not do the Iraqi’s justice.”

The above mentioned event chronicles extreme occurrences of POWs abuse. It would appear that this abuse not only comes from violent lawless nations but also the worlds “Protector” the United States of America.

Banking on Failure

therightliberalLeave a comment

One of the many changes we are facing in our country currently is a change in our banking system.

While many people feel that banks are a fairly unimportant part of our lives, on a national level banks are key.

But many people are now feeling as though the banks cannot be trusted. Between the bailout, fragile economy, and some interesting business practices, many of the American people are feeling nervous about using large banks.

Obviously BoA is getting the brunt of this. Many people are switching over to using local banks, which is both a blessing and a curse.

The blessing is that the move supports local business, giving more people jobs in their communities and providing for a more stable community.

The curse is aimed at the national economy. By hurting the big national banks, we no longer have such a strong national banking program. The government can not go around and take micro-loans from local banks if the national banks tank.

Although I am a supporter of the 99% movement, I feel the move to go to smaller banks is a mistake. We have to stay strong as a nation and support the national economy. I know that local economies are important and part of the backbone of the country. But at the same time, we have to keep our government running.

Bailout

therightliberalLeave a comment

I try to stick to writing about politics but sometimes I just feel like there is something else that needs to be talked about which requires me making a pathetically weak connection.

I wanted to talk about cars so I thought, well there has been a lot of criticism aimed at politicians regarding their bailout of the motor industry. And personally, I feel that the complaints are not warranted, and here is why.

Despite the many complaints, we do in fact manufacture much in America. And one of our largest enterprises are cars. So why should we just let the car industry fail when it is so pivotal for our country.

“Oh well that’s not part of capitalism!” You are wrong. Capitalism requires doing what needs to be done to keep your market afloat, and that’s what we did.

But more importantly, look what we have created! We are currently experiencing a renaissance of the American (muscle) car.

ford shelby 500

We have the Chevy Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang GT500 (and its other variations) and the Corvette (which is getting better and better).

Ford’s whole range of city cars like the Focus, Fusion and Fiesta are all great cars and the Chevy Cruze and Malibu are good too.

Sure we aren’t Italy; producing Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s, Maserati’s or Alfa Romeo’s. But that has never been what we aim for.

I don’t like many American cars because I like going around corners as much or more as going very fast in a straight line. But we really are getting into the market with cars like the Focus that are perfect little rally racers.

Would I rather drive a Lotus than a Ford? Yes. Would I rather drive a 620 GT than a Camaro? I would imagine so. But are we doing good things in our car industry? Yes.

The next step for the American car industry is getting into the dream market AKA the super car market.

The Ford GT is the last super car we made and it was fantastic. We don’t really have a company here that makes super cars but with our reemerging industry one may emerge.

For now we can be happy with having Hennessy and the other great tuners of the Red, White and Blue.

America has had a long love affair with cars and we must work to continue that and build upon what we have. This is not a plea to buy American because I’m not a person who would. But if you fancy an American car don’t be ashamed, be proud.

Gay Rights

therightliberal3 Comments

Who the hell do you think you are to deny an innocent American citizen their rights?

Obviously you think you are doing the “right” thing, the “better” thing.

You are not.

The only difference between LGBT and heterosexuals is who they are attracted to, oh and that LGBT on average have a higher IQ and are much less likely to commit a felony.

So why are LGBT people looked down upon so much in our country? It really baffles me that so many people could have a hatred towards people who are just attracted to the same sex as themselves, I really cannot understand.

Homophobia is one thing. I for one do not have it but one cannot be fully criticized simply for their irrational feelings. That being said, even if there are many homophobes, that is no reason for LGBT to be denied the rights that heterosexual people have.

We have come a long way in our country in respect to the rights of minorities. African Americans and women received the right to vote and discrimination laws swept the country.

Yet, we are still living in the distant past when it comes to our county’s feelings regarding homosexuality. We need to grow up.

I was recently reading a story about the suicide rates among teens in an area of Minnesota who have been taunted for being gay and lesbian.

Throughout the country we see an absurdly high suicide rate among young LGBT people. This is unacceptable and it needs to stop.

No one, and especially young people, should be teased for their sexuality. I don’t care what your beliefs are regarding homosexuality, no one deserves to be teased and bullied and pushed to the point of having suicidal tendencies.

It makes me sick to hear that so many kids across our supposedly accepting country are facing the horrors of being bullied for their sexuality. It appalls me that more has not been done to cease this unacceptable behavior.

I want to see a country where people are not frowned upon for what attracts them, where we can accept people who are living their lives and not trying to harm anyone around them. I want us to move forward and banish our misconceptions about homosexuality to the pages of history where I am sure we will be mocked for the injustices we have committed.

Are We Still a Democracy?

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I often hear people saying “we live in an oligarchy” or “we live in a plutocracy” (or both). We title ourselves a democratic republic, but is that still the case today?

First, a few definitions (from Google) for those younger/ignorant readers:

1. Democracy: A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives

2. Plutocracy: Government by the wealthy

3. Oligarchy: A small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution

4. Republic: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch

5. Totalitarian (from Wikipedia because I liked their definition better): Government regulates nearly every aspect of public and private life

6. Meritocracy: Government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability

So, now that’s out of the way we can start to look at this. Immediately we can say that we do not live in a meritocracy given that the GOP controls the House.

It would be very hard to say that we are not living in a plutocracy given that most of the politicians in Washington are extremely wealthy and the fact that it is damn near impossible to be elected into a high position without wealth from the private sector.

The debate could rage on about whether or not we live in an oligarchy or not but I would argue that if we are in a plutocracy (which we are) then it must also be an oligarchy because the elected officials are only from the top 2% or so, which is a (relatively) small group of people.

It is quite clear (just by the definition) that we do not live in democracy solely based on the definition. That being said, we do live in a representative democracy in which we vote for people that vote for us. It is not a democracy in the original sense, but it is a modification of it.

Added to that is the part of us being a republic. I think that without a doubt we are a republic if you look at the definition, there just isn’t really any arguing with that.

And then we get to my favorite, the totalitarianism. Based on that definition it would be hard to argue one way or another. Yes, the government does control much of our lives. But, we do still have freedoms that we use daily. In my mind we have not gotten to the point of being totalitarian and I feel that the American spirit will keep that away.

So what are we then? I would say we are a Demoplutoligaric Republic, but that’s just me.

We live in a society that is becoming more and more elite. Although the tone of this may sound pessimistic I am not. My feeling is that we must commit to what we want to be, we must make progress in some direction.

If we want the wealthy to rule the country, lets be honest about it and just commit to it. If we stop being closet elitists then we can decide to make progress. That being said, we must be careful what we choose.

We live in a key time where the power could switch very quickly into hands that may not use it in the way we want. We as a country must come together and decide where we need to go and how we will get there.