Why is America Lost? (repeat)

I wrote this post two years ago on Election Day. I’d love to be able to say that things have changed but really, I can’t. I usually try to keep this blog light and shallow but this election season has made me wonder, what’s going on around here hence:

Why is America Lost?

Because we all sit around and say that “money doesn’t buy happiness” but the truth is it sure makes it more attainable

Because we live in “the land of the free” but then we resent and judge people based on their choices: religious, sexual or otherwise

Because we say we’re color blind yet we say things like “he sure speaks eloquently ‘for a black person’”

Because we resent immigrants and say “stay away” when, in fact, we were ALL immigrants (except for the Native Americans) at one point

Because we admire the sports heroes, singers, actors and the rich when, in fact, the people who actually interact with our kids – the teachers, coaches, instructors – don’t make SHIT for money

Because we say we will “do unto others as we would have them do unto you” and then we ignore the dispossessed, the mentally ill, and the poor

Because we all want to “live forever” but nobody wants to pay to keep the elderly alive

Because we want “cheaper goods” and yet we want them MADE IN AMERICA

Because we’re supposed to be the land of opportunity for all, not just for the privileged

Because, as individuals, we don’t think for ourselves

Because we feel we’re entitled

Because we long ago lost the national initiative of a Nation Undivided and we let our partisan bickering and self interests get in the way of our common purpose

Because it’s always “not in my back yard”

Because we all say we care about the Earth, as long as it’s everyone else making the sacrifices

Because we’re good at pretending that one person can’t make a difference

Because we used to be a “melting pot” and all those flavors made us richer, and now we want to be bland

Because the best and the brightest go into finance because that’s where the money is instead of into science and research, even though that’s where the future is

Because we think we can impose our way of life upon other people in other countries with complete disregard to their own wishes

Because there are areas in Oakland and other cities that have a higher death rate than the fire bases in Afghanistan and yet they’re ignored

Because our politicians are more concerned about being re-elected than in doing the right thing

Because the budget deficit is robbing our children of their future and we’re letting it happen

Because we no longer have a “lay-away” mentality and expect immediate gratification

Because Chapter 11 is no longer a last resort but a good business decision

Because sacrifice is no longer in the American “lingo”

Because we’ve become a society of “what can you do for me now”

Because we want to keep up with “the Jones” although they’re in debt too

Because we think we can have it all, and that’s not possible

Because I’m no better than the rest

Because neither are you

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11 Comments

Vapid Vixen
November 6, 2012

Here Here!
- Lynn
  November 6, 2012
  
  :)
Faith.The Blond.
November 6, 2012

holy carp! That was deep! And sooooo very true!!!
- Lynn
  November 6, 2012
  
  hahaha…i wrote that two years ago and NOTHING has changed…
  - Faith.The Blond.
    November 6, 2012
    
    Well, that’s not 100% true. Many of us are wiser now. Sadly, the ones who needed the wisdom, just didn’t care.
Katja Brown
November 6, 2012

Lynn:

Your post is very insightful. I applaud you that you, as a citizen of the United States, can take a step back and look at the big picture. Here is a very good article published in a German magazine: http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/us-wahl-wie-der-kapitalismus-das-land-zerstoert-a-865278.html
I think you’ll be able to translate this article automatically with Google Chrome. My summary is: Capitalism rules in this country.
Julie
November 6, 2012

Sadly, the post is “timeless”. We really need to change some sh$t. And soon.
Name *
November 7, 2012

God I loved this, it really touched my heart. And I’m sharing it with whoever I can!!! You are right on the money with every word. God I love you!!!
- Lynn
  November 7, 2012
  
  Thank you
Megan W
November 8, 2012

This rings so true! And also makes me take a step back and think which of those describes me and what can I do to change it.
Tessa
November 14, 2012

Well said!