He is worse than Carter and Iran holding ten navy personnel is a weird echo.
7
I can save everyone a wasted evening watching Obama by suming up the state of the Union in 2 words ... "Not Good". There, now go and watch something you enjoy or take the family out to dinner. We've had 8 years of this divisive arrogant president! Enough!
10
What happened to starting the speech with "the State of our Union is strong." At least break the tension with rhetoric! The rest of it will be a laundry list...
1
Fear. Most of these commenters seem so concerned with things that are out of their control. The media and commercialization have done an impressive of killing American optimism and causing us to doubt ourselves. The country has, and will always face challenges. Much progress has been made, much is still needed. Focus on your family, your retirement, your community, and vote. The sun is coming up tomorrow.
Trump 2016.
jk.
Trump 2016.
jk.
3
I see the (initial) success of a bigoted no-ideas rabble-rouser like Trump as an ominous sign of America's general health right now. It implies a vast latent discontent in the People that, frankly, utterly baffles me because there are so many things to celebrate right now:
(i) The economy is doing gangbusters -- Obama has hauled the nation out of its darkest times since the Great Depression.
(ii) There has been no foreign terrorism on American soil in this presidency: the Boston Marathon and San Bernardino were AMERICAN attacks with AMERICAN GUNS (in the latter case). By all indications, the country is the safest it has ever been against externally accomplished terrorism.
(iii) Healthcare coverage is not perfect, but it's significantly better than ever before.
(iv) Vastly improved equality for LGBTs, who may not be a huge proportion of the population, but it is in how a nation treats its minorities that it expresses its true character (cf. Russia).
There are areas in which progress remains disappointing, but almost all of those can be attributed to Congress, not the President. In particular:
(i) Gun control. Come on, this death toll is madness, and failure to take action is almost becoming complicity in the crime. Government, do something.
(ii) Healthcare costs are still astronomically and inordinately high, even with insurance. That's because there are profit-mongers involved. Take Big Pharma out of the equation, please. It's David v. Goliath until that is true.
(i) The economy is doing gangbusters -- Obama has hauled the nation out of its darkest times since the Great Depression.
(ii) There has been no foreign terrorism on American soil in this presidency: the Boston Marathon and San Bernardino were AMERICAN attacks with AMERICAN GUNS (in the latter case). By all indications, the country is the safest it has ever been against externally accomplished terrorism.
(iii) Healthcare coverage is not perfect, but it's significantly better than ever before.
(iv) Vastly improved equality for LGBTs, who may not be a huge proportion of the population, but it is in how a nation treats its minorities that it expresses its true character (cf. Russia).
There are areas in which progress remains disappointing, but almost all of those can be attributed to Congress, not the President. In particular:
(i) Gun control. Come on, this death toll is madness, and failure to take action is almost becoming complicity in the crime. Government, do something.
(ii) Healthcare costs are still astronomically and inordinately high, even with insurance. That's because there are profit-mongers involved. Take Big Pharma out of the equation, please. It's David v. Goliath until that is true.
29
America will sustain its gradually improving direction if voters who pay attention to reality will get out and vote, despite whatever suppression barriers are erected by the GOP.
Let's examine the visionless scenario put forward by the two leading Republican presidential candidates. "Make America great again!" What does "great" look like and what leadership measures will get us there? No clue from the man who so ceaselessly utters the slogan.
Since the beginning of Donald Trump's campaign, he has not yet run two sentences together that in any way has represented a coherent thought string. Ted Cruz is somewhat more articulate but his message is non-stop bile, equally as devoid of constructive vision as The Donald's.
What worries me is not so much the fear of terrorism but concern about how effectively fear sells to a population perpetually bombarded with the bullhorn of sensationalism. In such a climate, I fret more about what we are doing to our own psyches than any palpable danger posed by ISIS, by Mexicans, by assaults on the 2nd Amendment or by Syrian refugees.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Let's examine the visionless scenario put forward by the two leading Republican presidential candidates. "Make America great again!" What does "great" look like and what leadership measures will get us there? No clue from the man who so ceaselessly utters the slogan.
Since the beginning of Donald Trump's campaign, he has not yet run two sentences together that in any way has represented a coherent thought string. Ted Cruz is somewhat more articulate but his message is non-stop bile, equally as devoid of constructive vision as The Donald's.
What worries me is not so much the fear of terrorism but concern about how effectively fear sells to a population perpetually bombarded with the bullhorn of sensationalism. In such a climate, I fret more about what we are doing to our own psyches than any palpable danger posed by ISIS, by Mexicans, by assaults on the 2nd Amendment or by Syrian refugees.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
17
If I am no fan of the Obama presidency and none of his economic policies there are social issues that are resolved and a big start on universal healthcare but its a big mess. NO we are not headed in the right direction. We have the worst foreign policy since the Carter years and watch out - The Obama administration is not done yet, let's hope nothing blows up in our faces because of this. We have 5% unemployment - this means many more people working at McDonald service jobs at minimum wage. We allowed 12 million, count that on your fingers till your done....... we are lucky the terrorists have not decided to vacation in Mexico yet, or maybe ISIS will in the near future. Where is the rule of law in this country, well folks, altough I disagree with all these folks wanting guns and buying them up, I can't blame them for being worried. Redistribution of wealth anyone? NO we are not headed in the right direction at all folks.
4
Many people commenting here have legitimate worries about the nation becoming divided politically and economically. But in a way we all should be grateful of what we have. I look back at at my English origins and despair what has become of that nation. Europe lost its way, lets just learn from their mistakes and cherish more of what we have.
5
The President has done great harm in the area of education. While the resignation of Arne Duncan was a welcome relief, the appointment of John King, who was a despised and failed education commissioner in NY only fans the flames of Duncan's disastrous policies. Obama's policies accelerated the dismantling of public education begun under President Bush. It is so tragically ironic that due to the policies of a Black president, there is an increase in segregated schools. Obama could have chosen to support magnet schools, which have a track record of increasing both racial integration as well as the achievement of all students. Ironically, Michelle Obama's enrollment in a Chicago magnet school set her on the path to an Ivy League education. It is all very sad, and Obama is clueless.
8
Having recently read a book on Lafayette and the American revolution, I have some insight into America's greedy, self-serving nature. Yes, we have always been this way. Jefferson wouldn't even supply any troops to the Army that was trying to keep Cornwallis from burning his own state, Virginia. One third of our troops had no shoes. We basically lost all the battles of the war until the last one where Cornwallis had positioned himself so badly (on purpose? he was brilliant most of the time) that George Washington laughed when he heard where he had made camp (on an island in the inlet of Chesapeake Bay).
Our direction has always been an individual thing. There is no direction as a country just as there wasn't at the beginning.
Our direction has always been an individual thing. There is no direction as a country just as there wasn't at the beginning.
4
In an atmosphere of fanatic obstruction, the man has actually accomplished much. A lesser person would have crumbled under the weight of contumely and rejection.
27
The comedian, Arie Spears, says President Obama is the most disrespected President in the history of this country. That is sad, because although I don't always agree with him, he did a great job.
14
If you are part of the 1%, yes the country is doing well. If you are a big business that is outsourcing your jobs to another country or bringing in immigrants, things are wonderful because you are saving money on training and hiring and paying Americans. After all, why hire, train, and pay Americans when it's cheaper and easier to go abroad.
If you are an American looking for a job and you are over the age of 50, things are not so good. If you are in need of ongoing medical care from our "healthcare" system, unless you are rich, you may go bankrupt. If you are middle class, your salary hasn't kept pace with the cost of living. If you are part of the last set of the baby boom generation, you are regarded as useless, spoiled, and not worth a dime.
I used to be optimistic but that was before my worst fears during the Reagan years started to occur when W. took office. He may have thought he was a compassionate conservative but under him we had a jobless recovery, a recession so severe that for many of us it was and is a depression, and he left us with a GOP that refused to govern. My hope is that the GOP gets tossed and that we start to see some progress on our infrastructure, health care, etc. But I doubt it will happen.
If you are an American looking for a job and you are over the age of 50, things are not so good. If you are in need of ongoing medical care from our "healthcare" system, unless you are rich, you may go bankrupt. If you are middle class, your salary hasn't kept pace with the cost of living. If you are part of the last set of the baby boom generation, you are regarded as useless, spoiled, and not worth a dime.
I used to be optimistic but that was before my worst fears during the Reagan years started to occur when W. took office. He may have thought he was a compassionate conservative but under him we had a jobless recovery, a recession so severe that for many of us it was and is a depression, and he left us with a GOP that refused to govern. My hope is that the GOP gets tossed and that we start to see some progress on our infrastructure, health care, etc. But I doubt it will happen.
15
The answer is yes. The plutocrats love the way this country is headed. But with respect to the ordinary people, the answer is no. The right direction is not simply pointing fingers to the rich, corrupted and powerful or parties/governments, however inadequate or detestable. All these are only consequences and not culprits of an anachronistic system. The problem lies in the fact that socialism-phobic super-structures of the economic base have prevailed over an open-minded debate of the system for a very long period of time. Bernie Sanders’ call for real changes is a useful start for the systemic renovation.
10
It’s hard to argue that we’re headed in the wrong direction unless you’re a Republican candidate for president and have lost all touch with reality.
Are we where we could-a, should-a been? Of course not! Had we not been digging out of several deep holes, such as stagnant wages for decades and the 2008 financial collapse, we’d be in far better shape. Had Republicans not done their absolute best to block any efforts to dig out, we’d have been in far better shape. And if lying weren’t so widely accepted, we’d all be better off… and we’d feel better about the direction of the country.
Are we where we could-a, should-a been? Of course not! Had we not been digging out of several deep holes, such as stagnant wages for decades and the 2008 financial collapse, we’d be in far better shape. Had Republicans not done their absolute best to block any efforts to dig out, we’d have been in far better shape. And if lying weren’t so widely accepted, we’d all be better off… and we’d feel better about the direction of the country.
14
We are headed in the right direction, even though it is often fitful, painful, confusing and discordant. We are more diverse, better educated, healthier, and more socially progressive with every day that passes. You would not know it by the apocalyptic headlines we read everyday and the talking heads who are paid to generated viewers and clicks, but the Great American Experiment is alive and well. Generations pass and we do better. As individuals we are impatient and quick to judge, as our lives are short and patience shorter; history is long and in that light we always seem to get better.
4
Pres. Obama fulfilled what he promised to do, more or less. Health care? Check. Afghanistan? Iraq? Check. Check. Bin Laden? Check.
Though I am sure he discussed this at length in 2007 and 2008, looking back, I don't recall Obama having specific sets of strategies to create jobs, or a general notion as to how he'd do that, much in the way Reagan talked about supply-side-lowering taxes-jobs or Clinton about "Putting People First." So even if as many jobs were created under his watch as were destroyed under Bush's, I don't think anyone can credibly point to a lever that Obama identified and subsequently pulled to effect this. He in effect promised to be hands-off: he didn't promise to do it; he didn't promise to not do it. The low unemployment rate bears out Obama's hands-off style: the low UE rate which Obama is rightfully credited (because it occurred under his watch) is as much a product of a mathematical anomaly involving the departure of working-age persons out of the labor force altogether, about which he didn't do much. So, job creation? Check.
Though I am sure he discussed this at length in 2007 and 2008, looking back, I don't recall Obama having specific sets of strategies to create jobs, or a general notion as to how he'd do that, much in the way Reagan talked about supply-side-lowering taxes-jobs or Clinton about "Putting People First." So even if as many jobs were created under his watch as were destroyed under Bush's, I don't think anyone can credibly point to a lever that Obama identified and subsequently pulled to effect this. He in effect promised to be hands-off: he didn't promise to do it; he didn't promise to not do it. The low unemployment rate bears out Obama's hands-off style: the low UE rate which Obama is rightfully credited (because it occurred under his watch) is as much a product of a mathematical anomaly involving the departure of working-age persons out of the labor force altogether, about which he didn't do much. So, job creation? Check.
2
I think many of us blithely look to serendipity, which is "luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for". But random luck can be greatly enhanced through continuing innovation and experimentation, rather than just waiting for serendipity to magically occur.
The U.S. is a proven melting pot for such idea generation and actualization. Rather than sit and rest on past laurels, we the people need to self actualize our hidden potentials singly and together in a revitalized effort supporting democracy and its basic principles as set down in our Declaration of Independence as well as re-teaching and re-learning what made us fundamentally so economically and socially successful until recently.
If each of us selfishly stands alone, or our country coldly isolates itself, then our best most basic intrinsic values and future efforts will per se wither and die away.
The U.S. is a proven melting pot for such idea generation and actualization. Rather than sit and rest on past laurels, we the people need to self actualize our hidden potentials singly and together in a revitalized effort supporting democracy and its basic principles as set down in our Declaration of Independence as well as re-teaching and re-learning what made us fundamentally so economically and socially successful until recently.
If each of us selfishly stands alone, or our country coldly isolates itself, then our best most basic intrinsic values and future efforts will per se wither and die away.
1
Compassion is Missing in the USA
I moved back to the USA in 2014 after living for almost a decade in Switzerland. I wanted to fall in love with my country again since my family is here and it's my country, after all. Instead, moving back only highlighted everything I had given up after learning what it means to live in country like Switzerland that has compassion for its people (even for the foreigners like me!) instead of only for its corporations, which is the situation in the U.S. In Switzerland, I had paid maternity leave, professional employment that offered many options for part-time work, pension benefits no matter my part-time status, minimum 4 weeks of vacation, and health insurance that was not tied to employment with doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies that charged reasonable fees. Sadly, I must admit that Switzerland treated me better as a foreigner than my own country does as a citizen. Instead, in the U.S., we have a strange dislike for democratic socialism, yet we give it to our corporations while average citizen has complete "freedom" to try to figure out how to survive in a world with no benefits and safety nets. As the richest country in the world, we should be ashamed--especially many of politicians who pander to money instead of listening to the concerns of the people who elect them. Sanders and Warren give me hope, but after seeing just how far the U.S. has fallen in the last decade, I will probably return abroad within the next year.
I moved back to the USA in 2014 after living for almost a decade in Switzerland. I wanted to fall in love with my country again since my family is here and it's my country, after all. Instead, moving back only highlighted everything I had given up after learning what it means to live in country like Switzerland that has compassion for its people (even for the foreigners like me!) instead of only for its corporations, which is the situation in the U.S. In Switzerland, I had paid maternity leave, professional employment that offered many options for part-time work, pension benefits no matter my part-time status, minimum 4 weeks of vacation, and health insurance that was not tied to employment with doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies that charged reasonable fees. Sadly, I must admit that Switzerland treated me better as a foreigner than my own country does as a citizen. Instead, in the U.S., we have a strange dislike for democratic socialism, yet we give it to our corporations while average citizen has complete "freedom" to try to figure out how to survive in a world with no benefits and safety nets. As the richest country in the world, we should be ashamed--especially many of politicians who pander to money instead of listening to the concerns of the people who elect them. Sanders and Warren give me hope, but after seeing just how far the U.S. has fallen in the last decade, I will probably return abroad within the next year.
20
For a large segment of the American population, I don't know how one can be optimistic about the country's direction unless you're blissfully ignorant. Sure, if you're in a position of comfort-- afforded to you by way of Corporate and Lobbyist spending that has outpaced congressional spending-- things are quite fine. Your kids, co-workers, assets and long-term future look mighty healthy.
As an (over-)educated, unemployed black man, my optimism dwindles every morning I read the NY Times. Having spent my last decade in DC, LA and NYC, I see issues that are far more amplified once you get away from coastal, liberal America: crime up; stagnant wages and decreasing purchasing-power; long-term viable employment is nonexistent; the entrepreneurial spirit which makes the US a one-of-a-kind great nation only seem to be thriving for those with fairer skin and access to country club locker rooms; credit is harder to come by as rent and property values rise exponentially; public officials representing interests of its citizenry nowhere to be found.
Obama will tout an unemployment rate at historic lows, an "improving economy" and all the other overused Democratic talking points. But what won't be discussed in tonight's Red vs. Blue discussion in the reality of our unhealthy, unrepresentative oligarchy. A country where bridges, roads, schools, health care, social services and non-privatized commercial infrastructure are improving calls for optimism. That's not the US I know.
As an (over-)educated, unemployed black man, my optimism dwindles every morning I read the NY Times. Having spent my last decade in DC, LA and NYC, I see issues that are far more amplified once you get away from coastal, liberal America: crime up; stagnant wages and decreasing purchasing-power; long-term viable employment is nonexistent; the entrepreneurial spirit which makes the US a one-of-a-kind great nation only seem to be thriving for those with fairer skin and access to country club locker rooms; credit is harder to come by as rent and property values rise exponentially; public officials representing interests of its citizenry nowhere to be found.
Obama will tout an unemployment rate at historic lows, an "improving economy" and all the other overused Democratic talking points. But what won't be discussed in tonight's Red vs. Blue discussion in the reality of our unhealthy, unrepresentative oligarchy. A country where bridges, roads, schools, health care, social services and non-privatized commercial infrastructure are improving calls for optimism. That's not the US I know.
7
We're way better off than we were in 2008, but way worse than we'd be if the Supreme Court had not selected Bush as President in 2000.
What would the deficit be if Gore had continued the budget control of Clinton? Would Gore have taken "Bin Laden Determined To Strike In US" more seriously than Bush did? Would the Middle East have imploded had Iraq not been invaded? How much more would carbon emissions have been curbed, and how much larger would new industries like Solar and Wind be?
Elections do matter, even if the Oligarchs try to keep the game rigged. Let's remember that this November.
What would the deficit be if Gore had continued the budget control of Clinton? Would Gore have taken "Bin Laden Determined To Strike In US" more seriously than Bush did? Would the Middle East have imploded had Iraq not been invaded? How much more would carbon emissions have been curbed, and how much larger would new industries like Solar and Wind be?
Elections do matter, even if the Oligarchs try to keep the game rigged. Let's remember that this November.
20
Its hard for me to say if we're headed in the right direction. People in my area are working, but they're not happy. They do, however, seem to enjoy complaining about Obama. Not a single day passes where someone doesn't tell me that democrats like obama are gonna sneak into my house and steal my guns, leaving me defenceless against the hoards of illegal immigrants that are being smuggled into the country to steal my job and daughter's virtue.
On the other hand...I'm doing good, so I vote yes !
On the other hand...I'm doing good, so I vote yes !
4
I think the question Reagan put forward in 1980 applies today? He asked,"Are **you** better off today than four years ago in 1976, when Carter started his presidency?"
Remember, Reagan asked "are **you**", not "is the country as a whole", better off. It was a deeply personal question requiring each individual to look within herself or himself, not to statistical data and economic trends about our nation in the aggregate.
In what I see around me,the answer to Reagan question if posed today is "no". People are holding on -- just getting by.
Remember, Reagan asked "are **you**", not "is the country as a whole", better off. It was a deeply personal question requiring each individual to look within herself or himself, not to statistical data and economic trends about our nation in the aggregate.
In what I see around me,the answer to Reagan question if posed today is "no". People are holding on -- just getting by.
4
Objectively, yes. Unemployment is down to 5.0%; 14 million private sector jobs have been created under President Obama; the US auto industry is back and had its highest sales ever; green energy advances slowly, but surely; more people are going to college; our corporations are roaring forward in terms of profits; the banks' greed has been somewhat checked; 17+ million more Americans now have health insurance; and crime in general is low.
The problem of race relations and unequal treatment of African Americans by courts and the cops, social and economic inequality, Islamophobia, international terrorism and the US's sometimes confused role in supporting groups that turn out to become our enemies (the mujahedeen who became the Taliban, etc.), and the deleterious effects of neoliberal policies are with us in full force. Our next president has got to address them.
The problem of race relations and unequal treatment of African Americans by courts and the cops, social and economic inequality, Islamophobia, international terrorism and the US's sometimes confused role in supporting groups that turn out to become our enemies (the mujahedeen who became the Taliban, etc.), and the deleterious effects of neoliberal policies are with us in full force. Our next president has got to address them.
1
Obama leaves this country more divided, weaker, and more impotent than when he took office.
Race relations are worse than they were in 2008, possibly worse than the 1960s. If you had told the civil rights leaders of the 1960s that there'd be a man of color in the White House and that he'd use race for political gain, they'd shake their heads in disbelief.
The national debt has doubled under his tenure ($10BN in 2008, $20BN now).
Amercians now have mandatory health insurance, but can't afford the premiums nor the copays. Americans STILL don't have "access to health care" which is what was promised.
Obama's environmental, social, and tax policies are keeping essential manufacturing jobs overseas.
One of Bill Clinton's personal victories was welfare reform. That same policy was gutted by Obama.
Bush wasn't good....but Obama is far, far worse.
Race relations are worse than they were in 2008, possibly worse than the 1960s. If you had told the civil rights leaders of the 1960s that there'd be a man of color in the White House and that he'd use race for political gain, they'd shake their heads in disbelief.
The national debt has doubled under his tenure ($10BN in 2008, $20BN now).
Amercians now have mandatory health insurance, but can't afford the premiums nor the copays. Americans STILL don't have "access to health care" which is what was promised.
Obama's environmental, social, and tax policies are keeping essential manufacturing jobs overseas.
One of Bill Clinton's personal victories was welfare reform. That same policy was gutted by Obama.
Bush wasn't good....but Obama is far, far worse.
6
Not by a long shot. 3,000+ Americans died in one day in the first year of Bush's tenure. Thousands were flooded in one day in his fifth year. Millions were impoverished over the final year of Bush's tenure. By comparison Barack Obama is George Washington!
35
No it is not and Obama did not do enough. Higher education and/or job training need to be made accessible to everyone that means bring down the cost of higher education and stop pretending everyone has to go to college. Keep some jobs that don't require 4 years of college in the country by offering incentives to companies that keep jobs here in our country and offer them only to legal residents or citizens. Health care needs to be taken out of the hands of greedy insurance companies and the next president should have the backbone to seriously talk about single payer. Of course, none of this is possible if there is no true campaign reform. PBS and NPR should be made to offer all serious presidential candidates air time and produce real debates not "shows" in exchange for the government money they get. Get the money out of politics and start listening to the ever dwindling middle class!
4
I was born and raised in America. I'm proud to be an American.
But you know how we all have that family member who can be unkind, short-sighted, ignorant, and makes poor decisions? You love that person anyway because they're a part of your family. You share blood.
But, well, there's a side of you that really can't stand that person.
That's how I feel about living in America right now.
I cringe when I hear Americans boast that our country is the best in the world. Best at what? What kind of distinction is that, really?
We've accomplished so many great things as a nation. But the truth is, we're now at a point where we're more known for what we can't or won't do regarding basic human decency rather than what we once did for the advancement of all mankind.
I've lived outside of our country. I've experienced the social systems of other advanced nations. I'd pick them over what we have in this country any day because those systems have a decency that we truly lack.
Americans care so little for each other. We've been lulled into thinking that we can actually get ahead on our OWN - that our disliked family members have nothing to teach us, and that such a life is even worth living.
Democrat or Republican, we really aren't that different. We all want to be loved, cared for, and supported unconditionally as we age. We want others to give, but yet we withhold... while continually electing a government that cares very little for the troubles of ALL of our nation's citizens.
But you know how we all have that family member who can be unkind, short-sighted, ignorant, and makes poor decisions? You love that person anyway because they're a part of your family. You share blood.
But, well, there's a side of you that really can't stand that person.
That's how I feel about living in America right now.
I cringe when I hear Americans boast that our country is the best in the world. Best at what? What kind of distinction is that, really?
We've accomplished so many great things as a nation. But the truth is, we're now at a point where we're more known for what we can't or won't do regarding basic human decency rather than what we once did for the advancement of all mankind.
I've lived outside of our country. I've experienced the social systems of other advanced nations. I'd pick them over what we have in this country any day because those systems have a decency that we truly lack.
Americans care so little for each other. We've been lulled into thinking that we can actually get ahead on our OWN - that our disliked family members have nothing to teach us, and that such a life is even worth living.
Democrat or Republican, we really aren't that different. We all want to be loved, cared for, and supported unconditionally as we age. We want others to give, but yet we withhold... while continually electing a government that cares very little for the troubles of ALL of our nation's citizens.
15
America is doing great of your in the lower 50 percent that doesn't pay taxes (after refund is counted), and is largely eligible for government subsidies –or the upper 15 percent that can afford the accountants and lawyers to protect their wealth.
The rest of us in the 50th-85th percentiles aka middle-class are working harder and harder, for less and less. We are collapsing.
Obama has been the final disaster for many in our sector - Obama-care with high deductibles have made the small subsidies irrelevant, the insurance simply never kicks in. We bear the burden for others as Medicaid limits are extended, more immigrants enter the lower classes, and people with expensive pre-conditions were added. Obama makes it less worthwhile to work harder. Someone in a family of 5 who earns $60k per year and qualifies for free medicaid, will end up with exactly as much as someone who earns $85k per year after taxes and health insurance calculations. You have to be crazy to work.
The middle-class work has been destroyed by Obama. His reasoning perhaps: those who vote Democrat in middle-class would continue to do so despite the heavy burdens he was placing on them – like the plodding trusting horse in Animal Farm- while those who voted Republican would stay that way. Better use the middle-class to fund the expansion of services to the lower and immigrant classes, gaining more Democrat votes, and more power. The upper-class wasn't available, of course, because they fund the campaigns.
The rest of us in the 50th-85th percentiles aka middle-class are working harder and harder, for less and less. We are collapsing.
Obama has been the final disaster for many in our sector - Obama-care with high deductibles have made the small subsidies irrelevant, the insurance simply never kicks in. We bear the burden for others as Medicaid limits are extended, more immigrants enter the lower classes, and people with expensive pre-conditions were added. Obama makes it less worthwhile to work harder. Someone in a family of 5 who earns $60k per year and qualifies for free medicaid, will end up with exactly as much as someone who earns $85k per year after taxes and health insurance calculations. You have to be crazy to work.
The middle-class work has been destroyed by Obama. His reasoning perhaps: those who vote Democrat in middle-class would continue to do so despite the heavy burdens he was placing on them – like the plodding trusting horse in Animal Farm- while those who voted Republican would stay that way. Better use the middle-class to fund the expansion of services to the lower and immigrant classes, gaining more Democrat votes, and more power. The upper-class wasn't available, of course, because they fund the campaigns.
6
America is headed in the wrong direction. Whose fault is it? Ours! Why?
1) Our education system is a disgrace. We glorify sports heroes and video games. Do we read books? Do we want or try to learn? No, absolutely not. We have lowered the standards at our schools so that a college education today is what a high school diploma used to be. And look what we charge for it!!!!!!!!!!!!
2) Our Government at EVERY level is bought and sold to the highest bidder from the community level to our Congress to our President. Sanders and Trump are the backlash. Not perfect but a good start. We need to oust EVERY incumbent and EVERY level and we need to demand reform of our campaign finance system and get rid of public sector unions.
3) We need to control immigration. Our borders need to be controlled and we need to be fair to those who have played by the rules and establish rules going forward and enforce them. We can't let everyone in the US who wants to be here period. We simply can't.
What did I miss?
1) Our education system is a disgrace. We glorify sports heroes and video games. Do we read books? Do we want or try to learn? No, absolutely not. We have lowered the standards at our schools so that a college education today is what a high school diploma used to be. And look what we charge for it!!!!!!!!!!!!
2) Our Government at EVERY level is bought and sold to the highest bidder from the community level to our Congress to our President. Sanders and Trump are the backlash. Not perfect but a good start. We need to oust EVERY incumbent and EVERY level and we need to demand reform of our campaign finance system and get rid of public sector unions.
3) We need to control immigration. Our borders need to be controlled and we need to be fair to those who have played by the rules and establish rules going forward and enforce them. We can't let everyone in the US who wants to be here period. We simply can't.
What did I miss?
6
Does the country have a direction? It's been a long time since we have all been pulling in the same direction. If Obama suggests it, Republicans are against it. Finding agreement with Democrats is considered treason by the Tea Party. And the reverse is true as well. We are a rowboat going in circles.
2
I can't recall any time when the Times reported that we thought any differently... the polls seem to always say the nation is headed in the wrong direction, but I've never once understood to what, exactly, that statement was referring. Is the direction in which we're headed even something that we can change, or is this simply a problem of perception?
It seems to me that people answer based on how well they're doing, relative to how well they think they deserve to be doing. In other words, the majority are never earning enough, never healthy enough, never happy enough, and are never getting a break, just for starters.
I'm not clever enough to know what to do about this, so I just lower my expectations of others, keep trying to do my best, and stay willing to compromise when it's appropriate. Hopefully, I'm headed in the right direction, even if this country is not, and maybe some day we'll all meet in the middle.
It seems to me that people answer based on how well they're doing, relative to how well they think they deserve to be doing. In other words, the majority are never earning enough, never healthy enough, never happy enough, and are never getting a break, just for starters.
I'm not clever enough to know what to do about this, so I just lower my expectations of others, keep trying to do my best, and stay willing to compromise when it's appropriate. Hopefully, I'm headed in the right direction, even if this country is not, and maybe some day we'll all meet in the middle.
4
Clearly not. The only thing that matters in national politics is explaining how the reactionary minority of Americans took full control of both houses of Congress, and then doing the math to figure out how to reverse this; first in the Senate, and then, now matter how years it takes, in the House as well. The exercise of rational government in the United States is stalled, suspended, frozen, as long as this deadlock stays in place.
2
America is definitely headed in the right direction, but I and a lot of other people would like to see wages go up for, you know, those of use who AREN'T billionaires.
I think this is why presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump draw such massive crowds. While they have wildly different approaches to the problem of wage deflation, they're both taking advantage of the simmering anger of the populace. There is a lot of rage hidden just out of sight because most Americans simply have not seen an increase in their standard of living since the great recession. In fact, many have seen the prices of everything go up while their earnings are flat, or worse, deflating. Meanwhile, Wall St. bankers, the very people who were largely responsible for the crash, are raking in bigger salaries than ever. It just doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel like a healthy recovery.
We desperately need a way to dig out of this hole of income inequality and re-empower the middle class.
I think this is why presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump draw such massive crowds. While they have wildly different approaches to the problem of wage deflation, they're both taking advantage of the simmering anger of the populace. There is a lot of rage hidden just out of sight because most Americans simply have not seen an increase in their standard of living since the great recession. In fact, many have seen the prices of everything go up while their earnings are flat, or worse, deflating. Meanwhile, Wall St. bankers, the very people who were largely responsible for the crash, are raking in bigger salaries than ever. It just doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel like a healthy recovery.
We desperately need a way to dig out of this hole of income inequality and re-empower the middle class.
6
A simple step that will improve politics: remove politicians from the redistricting process. A panel of retired judges using reasonable guidelines and no political affiliations to draw lines.
2
I agree with No Middle Ground. I believe people agree more than they know. I see this past year as being tie. Donald Trump leading the poles is by no means an indication of heading in the right direction but there have been some major accomplishments ("Obamacare") that have had a material impact. President Obama has a swagger to him that gives me confidence. Bernie Sanders is gaining steam. The scale may be tipping in the right direction...
3
Is America headed in the right direction? Depends on which America you ask. In the America down here in the trenches, where offspring in their 30s cannot buy a home, where retirement accounts shrink faster than not, where more and more jobs are contingent with no benefits, where healthcare costs have created a flood of "do not resuscitate" directives, the answer is clearly NO.
4
America is a dystopia, a society with its prior values stood on their head. We have been in constant war for 75 years and only the first four of those years (WWII) were justified. Our enemies have become allies; our allies have become enemies. We have the largest war machine in the world equal to the next 14 largest war machines added together. We are the largest purveyor of weapons in the world. We kill anyone anywhere in the world with impunity. Our internal hired killers aka the police kill anyone anywhere in the country with impunity. Our citizens have hundreds of millions of guns locked and loaded to kill other citizens anywhere anytime. We have forgotten and despise the poor. We worship the rich and powerful. Is there hope for the country?
13
The right half of America is headed in the wrong direction. We need to make sure that they don't win the election.
8
What is wrong with the current economic recovery? Creation of value in economic activity takes a few forms: Using commodities to create manufactured goods is one of them; the other is moving agricultural products to population centers where the demand is stronger, the third is financing manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation.
All three often will constitute more than 50-60 percent of economic activity.
Currently, in the US the manufacturing does not exist; other than corn and soy bean vegetables are fruits are imported (including garlic from China to California, which used to host the garlic capital of the world), and transportation is teetering at the edge of abyss —crumbling infrastructure, old diesel trucks and so on.
Obama administration is trying to direct the attention to new technologies, but all the hardware and software currently comes from China, and no innovation takes place in the US, bar self-driving car which has no multiplier effect.
All three often will constitute more than 50-60 percent of economic activity.
Currently, in the US the manufacturing does not exist; other than corn and soy bean vegetables are fruits are imported (including garlic from China to California, which used to host the garlic capital of the world), and transportation is teetering at the edge of abyss —crumbling infrastructure, old diesel trucks and so on.
Obama administration is trying to direct the attention to new technologies, but all the hardware and software currently comes from China, and no innovation takes place in the US, bar self-driving car which has no multiplier effect.
The biggest problem facing America today is the need for comprehensive election reform, both in how we fund elections and how we conduct them.
Until our elected representatives are unshackled from the huge influence of money, and until we have elections that respond to the concerns of ALL Americans — not just the small percentage in Iowa and New Hampshire who get to weigh in early in the process — we can't expect a Congress that will work together to actually identify and solve real problems.
Instead, we will have a political class that publicly panders to the news cycle and privately pockets the checks of the moneyed class.
And from Citizens United to politicly motivated gerrymandering, things have only gotten worse in the last few years. So, no. We are NOT headed in the right direction.
Until our elected representatives are unshackled from the huge influence of money, and until we have elections that respond to the concerns of ALL Americans — not just the small percentage in Iowa and New Hampshire who get to weigh in early in the process — we can't expect a Congress that will work together to actually identify and solve real problems.
Instead, we will have a political class that publicly panders to the news cycle and privately pockets the checks of the moneyed class.
And from Citizens United to politicly motivated gerrymandering, things have only gotten worse in the last few years. So, no. We are NOT headed in the right direction.
6
It's not right enough to half the populace. Maybe the question would have been better phrased: are we headed in the correct direction?
2
No, which is why I believe there is support for even incredibly vicious and unethical candidates in the Republican field. Voters have become so alienated, disenfranchised, despondent over the ultra right wing Congressional and Judicial branches of government that they are looking for change in any way possible. People are tired of being illegally fired from their jobs and being replaced by HB-1 visa workers with lower wages. They're tired of waiting in line at food banks for a can of corn while the ultra rich brag about paying $2,000 for a shot of rare bourbon. They're tired of being told it is to their benefit to China make a vacuum cleaner that costs $25 instead of a comparable $50 vacuum in the USA because they can't afford to buy it anyway. They're tired of hearing about billionaires moving their investments to overseas tax havens so that instead of paying 15 cents of taxes on every dollar they can pay 14 cents and keep that extra penny and screw the rest. The oligarchs in the USA don't only want their cake to eat, they want OUR cake to eat as well. Most of the Republican candidates, who are the offspring of immigrants don't want to decrease the number of Hispanics, Middle Eastern and others from entering the US, they want to slam the door, build a wall, and eliminate them all together, which is very similar in concept to what started WWII. They don't want to dismantle the social safety net, they want to burn and bury it for good. Where's compassionate conservatism?
7
The country is going in the right direction because of President Obama, but just barely, mostly because of the wrong-headedness of the Republican opposition. If they were to act as constructive partners, the country would be in much better shape.
8
We need a president, and a Congress, willing to seriously address the major threats to our security: wealth and income inequity that is spiraling out of control; an oligarchy this is increasingly controlling our politics; high tuition rates and student debt; high health costs; a crumbling infrastructure; too much public spending on the military; trigger happy cops; systemic racism; inadequate public schools; and a gun culture that is stifling any attempt to reduce gun violence. Until these issues are addressed in meaningful ways, I'm sorry to say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
6
Thank you, JS.
May I suggest that the retirement crisis should be added to your list?
May I suggest that the retirement crisis should be added to your list?
2
But the GOP wants to get rid of Medicare and Social Security, which will make the retirement crisis WORSE. What are we supposed to do if one party keeps pushing over and over for policies that directly harm the vast majority of us? Why won't anyone address THAT?
2
The good news is that Bernie Sanders is quickly rising in the polls. It's an optimistic sign that the American people are growing more motivated to overthrow the crony capitalists and return to true democracy.
Unless this happens soon, I'm not at all optimistic about the country's future.
Unless this happens soon, I'm not at all optimistic about the country's future.
5
Sadly, the answer is no. Not all of the blame can be attributed to our president but his weaknesses (many) combined with his narcissistic arrogance and his strategy of winning by dividing and mocking those who disagree in the slightest has served no one other than the person he cares most about. The party of "no" is equally or more culpable but it was the president's duty to lead and, on that - internationally, domestically and economically - he has failed miserably. Great speeches - little else.
4
Let's start with the Supreme Court. Its majority now takes orders from the Koch brothers cult. Those two men pay the justices more "under the table" than they receive in documented compensation.
2
Government is not the problem, Republican government is the problem.
8
The country has never enjoyed more wealth, our military has no equal, our rule of law the envy of the world, our women never more free from the life long bondage of child bearing (my Ireland born grandmother bore 10 children, and she died young), our life expectancy never longer, our opportunities for intellectual and recreational enrichment never more available, plus we armed to the teeth with 300 million private guns just in case. Yet most of us feel the country is wrong-ward bound. A silly, selfish people are we not?
1
Do you really think our cops shooting down unarmed people in the street daily, a prison industry that incarcerates more people per capita than any but the most repressive dictatorships, and a supreme court of dog eat dog libertarians - our rule of law - is really the envy of the world?
1
From my vantage point, it appears the Oligarchs are accumulating more and more power. And that power transcends nation states. Voting is restricted, representation no longer works due to both the gerrymander and the view of many elected officials that they are in office, not to serve the people, but to serve the wealthy, the corporations, the gun lobby and the military industrial complex. This very disheatening, as taxation becomes more regressive and the needs of the least among us are least addressed. So it's no longer a social contract but a feudal oppression - at "home." Abroad we are too bellicose, even given Obama's more thoughtful approach, in comparison to his predecessor.
I think the Constitution no longer works. To my mind, flaws have appeared and few options are available to fix those flaws, save a reboot. I'd prefer a Parliamentary system, which would allow for better representation and more than two parties. Also, a Prime Minister is selected from within a party but must continue to actually represent a district; and he or she is subject to recall at any time or, alternatively, has party support to actually get things done. For example, gun control, universal healthcare, care of the environment and a tax system which is not regressive and where public money goes to public goods, not private wealthcare.
I would make prisons into pleasant environments, where rehabilitation is the goal. Police should operate more like firemen do.
I can envision more
I think the Constitution no longer works. To my mind, flaws have appeared and few options are available to fix those flaws, save a reboot. I'd prefer a Parliamentary system, which would allow for better representation and more than two parties. Also, a Prime Minister is selected from within a party but must continue to actually represent a district; and he or she is subject to recall at any time or, alternatively, has party support to actually get things done. For example, gun control, universal healthcare, care of the environment and a tax system which is not regressive and where public money goes to public goods, not private wealthcare.
I would make prisons into pleasant environments, where rehabilitation is the goal. Police should operate more like firemen do.
I can envision more
10
As a New Zealander living in Australia I know this article is not asking for my opinion. But as I grew up in both NY and Boston I will always have the utmost fondness for both America and the many wonderful people who became lifelong friends of my family. Sadly, the America of today seems to be imploding from within. At least - that is the view from the outside. The gun violence is off the planet; the education system is failing (27th in the world in math? 25th in science? Illiteracy at the highest levels ever?) C'mon people...are you all comatose? Take a good long look at your Bill of Rights and check out how many of those are taken seriously. All we hear about is the second amendment yet rarely do those same people give a thought to how the 1st has been abused. Your forefathers fought and DIED for your rights! Where's the respect? Did they die in vain? So NO! America is not headed in the right direction. Sadly it is nearing a very dark precipice and needs to do an abrupt u-turn. So stop! Think! Use your brains! Turn OFF the noise of Fox news and it's ilk. Most of all - make YOUR vote count. Good luck and God Bless.
27
I don't disagree with parts of your overall opinion, and there's nothing wrong with an "outside" viewpoint I think, just fyi. Anyway, one item that needs some light shed on it is that of violence. I suppose all countries could stand to do better in this area in varying degrees, and gun violence in this country is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. However, it is a statistical fact (that was reported here in the Times last year) that overall violence in the U.S. is actually at its lowest point in decades. If you don't believe me, you can find articles right on the NYT website that will point you towards supporting data. I was somewhat skeptical of this myself when I first read about it, but when the mainstream media puts 24 hour extreme focus on certain (albeit very real) incidents, our minds immediately assume the worst.
1
I think Obama has been a president whom posterity will judge very kindly. He has given health insurance to millions of the uninsured, removed us from the Afghanistan and Iraq quagmire, created jobs for millions and got a deal with Tehran and Cuba. However, on the question of the country, no, I do not think the country is on the right track: Relentless pressure to engage in wars again, unlimited money in politics, democracy turning to an oligarchy, where the few thru money decide for the many, a 24 hour screaming match news cycle that turns everything into a life-or death crisis and is the death of deliberate analysis and measured thought, and finally an extreme right on the ascendancy that is getting in some aspects close to fascist or at minimum authoritarian tendencies.
11
As a Black attorney in Washington DC, with a degree in American History, I can tell you with certainty the Obama presidency is destined for the dustbin of American history as an abject failure--a media driven gimmick that put an effeminate, incompetent, unskilled failed community organizer in the Oval Office for 8 years.
6
As someone who is not a lawyer, the Obama presidency is one of the better ones in my lifetime (since 1972). He was the superior choice relative to Romney and McCain. Those were the only options. Otherwise we could be saying "if we had a Lincoln, life would be so much better." But we have Obama relative to McCain and then Romney, and he is so much better.
1
I do not think America is headed in the right direction, but I place no blame for that on President Obama. On the contrary, it is his opponents who are leading us down a very dangerous path. I speak as an elder who has been voting since 1960 when I cast my first presidential ballot for John F. Kennedy. I look back on those days with a mixture of wonder and dismay. We were so innocent and naïve that we thought it was more important to obey than to analyze and decide things for ourselves.
Fast forward 56 years and we are now polarized and cynical. Many politicians appeal to our worst instincts and the people are applauding. It is getting harder and harder to retain hope for America and its government. Bit where I find hope is in the grassroots gatherings of individuals and groups that are coming together with visions for a world where nationalism no longer holds sway, and each person can take his or her rightful place in the circle as equals. Our hierarchical model of government is crumbling like a castle made of sand, and in its place is an emerging - yet ancient - model of collaborative engagement and consensual decision-making. As the song says, "Change is blowing in the wind," but that wind brings with it not only the new but destruction of the old. And that is what we are seeing now.
Fast forward 56 years and we are now polarized and cynical. Many politicians appeal to our worst instincts and the people are applauding. It is getting harder and harder to retain hope for America and its government. Bit where I find hope is in the grassroots gatherings of individuals and groups that are coming together with visions for a world where nationalism no longer holds sway, and each person can take his or her rightful place in the circle as equals. Our hierarchical model of government is crumbling like a castle made of sand, and in its place is an emerging - yet ancient - model of collaborative engagement and consensual decision-making. As the song says, "Change is blowing in the wind," but that wind brings with it not only the new but destruction of the old. And that is what we are seeing now.
8
The irony is many outside our country no longer see it as the land of opportunity. Many still think it's the place where you can get away with anything or be accepted and to a degree, America is the one of the safest places on the planet if you're gay (which I entirely support/marriage, etc), or if you're a woman -- that's a fact, despite the media or anyone else stating otherwise. There is a false narrative being presented about the war on women and fortunately, just about everyone in the country knows it, but the media still pushes it and people read it. Whatever. It's also ironic that men like myself -- educated, White males that have done well with business are looking for an exit. There is a lot of opportunity elsewhere for people like me. Underdevelopment in some countries that are ripe for improvement. People like myself that are secure and have the knowledge have opportunity. There are economies elsewhere that can be utilized. There are pockets to improve the quality of life for others.
I do not like the future of America. Political correctness has reached a crisis point and I'm afraid there is no turning back. Our elected officials want to disarm Americans; a constitutional right, and seemingly arm criminals (or at least allow it) and not force appropriate penalties to the crimes.
This one time liberal is now a shell of himself. Beyond the shenanigans of our political right, I've seen the vomit educing hypocrisy of the left and I do not agree with it at all.
I do not like the future of America. Political correctness has reached a crisis point and I'm afraid there is no turning back. Our elected officials want to disarm Americans; a constitutional right, and seemingly arm criminals (or at least allow it) and not force appropriate penalties to the crimes.
This one time liberal is now a shell of himself. Beyond the shenanigans of our political right, I've seen the vomit educing hypocrisy of the left and I do not agree with it at all.
4
If you go there would be 100,000 that would be happy to replace you.
3
After 7 years with Obama, the only way is up.
4
I am by nature optimistic about our country's future and I am generally pleased with the President, although disappointed about the many things he has not been able to do because of the unprecedented lack of constructive opposition of the Republicans. That said, I am fearful about the nation, particularly in the short term, because of the election prospects for 2016. The Republican candidates range from disastrous to mediocre; and the Democrats offer only the dismal prospects of the return of the Clintons and a colorful, but unpredictable senior citizen. On top of that, the broad Democratic Party leadership is woeful and its failure to support the successes of President Obama in the mid-term elections of 2010 and 2014 is largely responsible for the losses in both the Senate and the House.
4
This is a tricky question. No, of course, the U.S. is not headed in the right direction: pollution is worse, the economy has abandoned many and the country is mired in seemingly endless wars.
But it's all way better under President Obama than it was under George Bush or would have been under John McCain or Mitt Romney. And we haven't seen truly awful, by comparison, until if Donald Trump or Raphael Cruz beats Hillary.
But it's all way better under President Obama than it was under George Bush or would have been under John McCain or Mitt Romney. And we haven't seen truly awful, by comparison, until if Donald Trump or Raphael Cruz beats Hillary.
9
Where are we headed. We have very large corporations that pay no taxes. We have large corporations that stash money out of the US to prevent paying taxes. We had a person running for president of the United States of America stashing money overseas so he didn't have to pay taxes. We have CEO's making millions while saying that $7.25 minimum wage is too high. We have politicians who say the poor don't deserve health care. We have many states trying to prevent people voting. We have the SCOUS deciding who gets elected. We have many states under funding K-12 education. Our infrastructure is falling apart. When running for public office lying is considered a virtue. Big money buys our politicians. Big money controls what is taught in our schools.
Are we better off than we were 7 years ago? Yes but we still have republican trying to reverse that.
My father was active in the Republican party and he would be rolling in his grave if he knew what the republican party stands for now.
Are we headed in the right direction, yes, with big money and republican obstructing every move in the right direction.
Are we better off than we were 7 years ago? Yes but we still have republican trying to reverse that.
My father was active in the Republican party and he would be rolling in his grave if he knew what the republican party stands for now.
Are we headed in the right direction, yes, with big money and republican obstructing every move in the right direction.
4
while not sure of the exact direction we're headed.
but i'll take an uncertain future here, versus
a certain, for whatever reason, elsewhere.
if you opened all the world's borders,
the balance of the world would head in one direction:
here!
america. love it or leave it.
(if you do leave there will be hundreds
volunteering to take your place)
but i'll take an uncertain future here, versus
a certain, for whatever reason, elsewhere.
if you opened all the world's borders,
the balance of the world would head in one direction:
here!
america. love it or leave it.
(if you do leave there will be hundreds
volunteering to take your place)
5
This question is impossible to answer coherently. Many of us feel President Obama is basically doing the right thing but the obstructionist Tea Party Congress is an anchor around our national neck. Others hold the opposite view. Each faction may say the country is moving in the wrong direction, but for opposite reasons. So the question has no useful meaning.
4
As a Black attorney in Washington DC, I believe America is heading in the right direction to the end of the Obama presidency.
5
Immigrants use to come here to assimilate and praise America for it's culture and success, not to criticize it and demand changes and accomodations to their own culture. No immigrant group has mad any significant changes to our culture since the founding fathers established America. The liberals have turned this upside down. The liberals attempt to make major changes to America and worship diversity, is going to end with a nation consisting of a mich-match of races and religion, with nothing in common but their hatred of white males and their ancestors.
4
Is a rudderless boat headed in the right direction?
2
The rule of law and our Constitution have never been in greater peril than they are as we begin a new year. Whether it's Kim Davis in Kentucky, refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, the religious right pushing for an end to a woman's right to choose, law enforcement violence and indifference to the rights of citizens, the state courts oppressing the poorest members of our society or deep prejudice against those who have a right to equal protection, they are all pernicious. And most politicians fail to lead by example, encouraging instead what amounts to lawlessness, plain and simple. Our only hope is that the Supreme Court will act with integrity and courage.
4
As I approach retirement my family is doing fine, but many Americans are not, so I'm not satisfied. The central economic issue of our time is the concentration of wealth and power while many still lack of economic opportunity. We don't have enough collective wealth to spread affluence to all but we certainly have enough to provide the prerequisites of opportunity: adequate food, shelter, education and health care. Until this is accomplished the promise of America ris unfulfilled and I'll remain unsatisfied.
We have enough resources to provide adequate food, shelter, health care and education for everyone
We have enough resources to provide adequate food, shelter, health care and education for everyone
5
We've been heading in the right direction since November of 2008. At home, the economy has been brought back from the precipice, and the notion that Obama has "failed" at foreign policy is specious, with the two Bush wars behind us and caution the watchword. I'm optimistic for the future only if nobody in the Clown Car wins. They have seized on the anger of the willfully uninformed to generate attention, and the "news" media have eagerly pounced on every outrageous remark to feed the ravenous maw of the 24/7 cycle, reporting breathlessly and melodramatically every burp and fart of the two bozos presently riding in the front seat. But the vast majority in our country are up to here with the incivility, aggressiveness, and downright mendacity that has come over the land, exemplified and encouraged by those folks. We want to take the country back, all right--back to the idea that civility, generosity, and honesty are virtues. For that to happen, those unqualified unworthies and their ilk must be trounced and their uber-reactionary Tea Party "values" thoroughly discredited by actual thinking conservatives. I'm further encouraged by the fact that the mechanisms of our betrayal are finally being exposed, thanks to excellent articles like the one in today's paper by Nick Confessore and other recent revelations about the NRA and the obscenely wealthy puppeteers who have been buying our politicians. Now name the names, please, so we know who's been bought and by whom.
12
I believe that as a nation, we have been headed in the right direction over the past seven years. Obviously, our economy has recovered, thanks to the President's wise governance and despite Republican resistance to everything he tried to do. We have tried to extract ourselves from the ill-conceived war in Iraq and we've removed as many troops as possible from Afghanistan - we could not continue on the devastating course set for us there by Cheney and Bush. We've implemented the first phase of health care reform - more needs to be done, but we're on our way. And we've recovered from our poor reputation across the world, inflicted by the Bush administration.
But within our country, a great divide grows greater between conservatives bent on returning our nation to devastating policies of the past that have led to social unrest between blacks and white, immigrants and the rest of us - the descendants of immigrants. Dark money dominates the election process. Fear mongering on the right drives the base toward candidates who would prove disastrous for our future.
So, while I'm optimistic about our future, my fears are rooted in the possibility that the country could elect someone to the highest office in the land who will drag us back and impede our progress. We're at a critical time in our history, and I can only hope that people with wisdom and foresight outnumber those who vote in fear and pessimism.
But within our country, a great divide grows greater between conservatives bent on returning our nation to devastating policies of the past that have led to social unrest between blacks and white, immigrants and the rest of us - the descendants of immigrants. Dark money dominates the election process. Fear mongering on the right drives the base toward candidates who would prove disastrous for our future.
So, while I'm optimistic about our future, my fears are rooted in the possibility that the country could elect someone to the highest office in the land who will drag us back and impede our progress. We're at a critical time in our history, and I can only hope that people with wisdom and foresight outnumber those who vote in fear and pessimism.
17
Is Uhmurica headed in the right direction?
The answer is right there in your question.
To put it more simply: no.
To understand the reasons why: make a list of the things you like about this country...
- Democracy
- Freedom
- Economic opportunity
- Social Security
- Medicare/Medicaid
- Its natural beauty
Now, let's take a long view of what those might look like in the years to come...
- Democracy (for sale to the greediest money-hoarding rich people alive)
- Freedom (manipulated into meaning nothing more than, "The sky is green and the grass is blue, and that's my opinion, and the First Duhmendment gives me the freedumb to believe just that or any other untruth, yeehaw!")
- Economic opportunity (well, you do have the opportunity to buy a winning lottery ticket, or the opportunity - should it arise - to sue a rich person for everything they're worth, or the opportunity to simply be born a rich person, so there's always that, I guess...)
- Social Security (will eventually be privatized or the retirement age will be raised to whenever it is that you finally die from working)
- Medicare/Medicaid (will eventually be privatized because nothing reeks of Uhmurican exceptionalism like for-profit healthcare)
- Its natural beauty (meh, there's no such thing as climate change, so I'm sure this will forever be the case without any issue whatsoever)
Long story short: Uhmurica is headed in the "right" direction, and it's taking us down the wrong path.
The answer is right there in your question.
To put it more simply: no.
To understand the reasons why: make a list of the things you like about this country...
- Democracy
- Freedom
- Economic opportunity
- Social Security
- Medicare/Medicaid
- Its natural beauty
Now, let's take a long view of what those might look like in the years to come...
- Democracy (for sale to the greediest money-hoarding rich people alive)
- Freedom (manipulated into meaning nothing more than, "The sky is green and the grass is blue, and that's my opinion, and the First Duhmendment gives me the freedumb to believe just that or any other untruth, yeehaw!")
- Economic opportunity (well, you do have the opportunity to buy a winning lottery ticket, or the opportunity - should it arise - to sue a rich person for everything they're worth, or the opportunity to simply be born a rich person, so there's always that, I guess...)
- Social Security (will eventually be privatized or the retirement age will be raised to whenever it is that you finally die from working)
- Medicare/Medicaid (will eventually be privatized because nothing reeks of Uhmurican exceptionalism like for-profit healthcare)
- Its natural beauty (meh, there's no such thing as climate change, so I'm sure this will forever be the case without any issue whatsoever)
Long story short: Uhmurica is headed in the "right" direction, and it's taking us down the wrong path.
6
If the intended direction is living up to the democratic ideals on which this country was founded, then we are sadly headed in a direction that is far from ideal. Even basic concepts of democratic governance like identifying and exercising citizenship are either compromised or challenged outright for far too many Americans, and for those desiring citizenship, the door has been defiantly shut and bolted. What once had been a representative democracy has been rendered hollow by the influence of moneyed interests, who not only write the checks for election campaigns but also provide the legislative agenda and the content of bills for passage. Left out of the quid pro quo approach to democracy are the citizens of the polis itself, who must weather the malfeasance of a system weakened by powerful and decidedly self-interested parties. Elections notwithstanding, representative democracy is adrift.
5
As one born in the 1950s, I am not optimistic about the future of this country.
It is claimed that the country was more divided during the Vietnam War than it is now, but having lived through those years as a high school and college student, I just don't see it that way. During the 1960s, we didn't have entire TV networks devoted to getting us to hate people. We didn't have free-lance fundamentalists, ordained by no one by themselves and ignorant of Christian traditions, trying to "restore" customs that were never nation-wide phenomena. Our news media weren't into glorifying stupid people. We thought it was a shame that so many people were poor, but we didn't treat demonize the poor themselves.
It doesn't help that most Americans slept through perfunctory history classes taught by the football coach (who needed to teach a couple of history classes to fill up his schedule after he finished with the important stuff, like coaching the football team) and are therefore vulnerable to deception about our country's past.
Electing Bernie Sanders would not be a panacea, because changing course with a large, unwieldy vessel is never easy, but it would give me hope that the majority of my fellow citizens were awake and not being led into fascism as sleepwalkers.
It is claimed that the country was more divided during the Vietnam War than it is now, but having lived through those years as a high school and college student, I just don't see it that way. During the 1960s, we didn't have entire TV networks devoted to getting us to hate people. We didn't have free-lance fundamentalists, ordained by no one by themselves and ignorant of Christian traditions, trying to "restore" customs that were never nation-wide phenomena. Our news media weren't into glorifying stupid people. We thought it was a shame that so many people were poor, but we didn't treat demonize the poor themselves.
It doesn't help that most Americans slept through perfunctory history classes taught by the football coach (who needed to teach a couple of history classes to fill up his schedule after he finished with the important stuff, like coaching the football team) and are therefore vulnerable to deception about our country's past.
Electing Bernie Sanders would not be a panacea, because changing course with a large, unwieldy vessel is never easy, but it would give me hope that the majority of my fellow citizens were awake and not being led into fascism as sleepwalkers.
10
Wow, you must have gone to my high school (I always wondered why the football coach was teaching history). But well said. Electing Bernie would at least give me some hope as the political center fights to hold back the rising tide of racism, ignorance, lies and hatred that pour out of the misguided, largely anti-American right wing and their new buffoon candidate.
2
"It is the extremists in each party coupled with the press and special interest who are bringing us all down".
As long as the press continues to serve up the reportorial equivalent of breakfast cereal the status quo will stand unabated. Reading Bill Moyers for instance one wonders why America's institutional press goes through the motions feeding us a national narrative modeled on a game like tennis.
As long as the press continues to serve up the reportorial equivalent of breakfast cereal the status quo will stand unabated. Reading Bill Moyers for instance one wonders why America's institutional press goes through the motions feeding us a national narrative modeled on a game like tennis.
3
The beauty of democracy is that we get the government we deserve. Personally, I am tired of people who blame some nameless faceless "they" (corporations, 1%, immigrants, or whomever) about the state of our country. We as citizens go to the polls to vote for politicians that create deadlocked congresses. If we vote for extremists who take positions and won't compromise, then we get a congress that gets nothing done. If we allow income inequality, we get income inequality. People who blame the "they" are in essence saying that while they voted for the right person, everyone else voted in the wrong people and let all this happen.
I won't disagree with people who say that there are significant problems that need to be solved. However, in a democracy, we can't point fingers at anyone but ourselves for the the lack of movement on solutions.
I won't disagree with people who say that there are significant problems that need to be solved. However, in a democracy, we can't point fingers at anyone but ourselves for the the lack of movement on solutions.
13
America is headed in no direction at all. It has been twisted and shot through by an array of corporate and monied interests intent on creating distance, dissension and argument whenever possible. The economic losses of the middle class are used as weapons in heated up attacks on those who are lower class or working class or minorities ("It's all the fault of . . . .") This is precisely the tack used by the Nazis in the 30s and the Socialists in Russia in the 20s. Furthermore, the SCOTUS seems also intent on ripping up a generation and more of law that balanced the needs of the individual, the state and business. That is their driving logic, and their decisions move US citizens farther and farther into a need for overt actions against businesses that oppress them politically and economically (and that is now legal) and against states that deny them access to the vote and to health care. There is no law logic here. The SCOTUS makes it up as they go along: corporations are people (soon they'll argue that they also have feelings!) or that money is speech and needs to be free and all the other hogwash that they pass off as high minded decision making.
It isn't our government that is failing us -- it is our citizens who did not see in 2010 that the right wing conservatives they elected owed their souls to the company store. Once elected those politicians determined not to do anything to work with a "black man" and we have had a destructive or do nothing Congress since.
It isn't our government that is failing us -- it is our citizens who did not see in 2010 that the right wing conservatives they elected owed their souls to the company store. Once elected those politicians determined not to do anything to work with a "black man" and we have had a destructive or do nothing Congress since.
32
As someone who lives in a country ruled by a military dictatorship I can only say that most Americans don't realize how good a place our country is. That we have many very serious problems is unquestionable. On many issues are country is split down the middle with little chance of compromise. But there are two countervailing factors that outweigh the negatives: We live under a rule of law and we have genuine freedom of speech. That right may be exercised by demagogues like Trump and Cruz to promote policies of exclusion and hate of "others" but the rest of us retain the right to speak out against their message of intolerance. If we fail to exercise that right, and they come to power, then and only then would I say that America is headed in the wrong direction.
2
We are so much better off now then in 2008, but if you listened to the GOP and their outlets you would think our way of life was at threat.
Still, this feeling is common thorough out the history of America.
In John Adams time the backers of Jefferson accused Adams of wanting to establish a monarchy with his son in line.
Reading the Gory and the Dream by William Manchester one sees that the same forces of the right denounced FDR as he ran for his second term. This was after he had turned the country around and radically changed from the Republican policies of Hoover.
Sadly, if a Democrat is elected in November, Chicken Little will still be crying out about the falling sky.
Still, this feeling is common thorough out the history of America.
In John Adams time the backers of Jefferson accused Adams of wanting to establish a monarchy with his son in line.
Reading the Gory and the Dream by William Manchester one sees that the same forces of the right denounced FDR as he ran for his second term. This was after he had turned the country around and radically changed from the Republican policies of Hoover.
Sadly, if a Democrat is elected in November, Chicken Little will still be crying out about the falling sky.
3
We have to start looking at the big picture, meaning the world, not just because of terrorism, our wars, and countries where the afore-mentioned is played out, but because we have the opportunity and the capacity to confront the major issues of our time. We are an open society. Everything is talked about. Yet we are not necessarily open-minded. It is worth investing more time in truly understanding other cultures. I think this is what President Obama has tried to do - which is a huge change of direction. And, as all major changes, there is resistance. A lot of resistance...
1
Unfortunately I have to answer no. Over the last seven years we have seen our three branches of government become completely fractured. Mr. Obama has given up on trying to bring Congress together resulting in paralysis. Both houses of Congress have divided themselves into the extreme left and right, there are no longer any centrists left for compromise.
We are moving closer to becoming a Social Democracy looking for a redistribution of wealth by demonizing those that have become successful. In the process of moving in this direction we are promising cradle to grave care with the Federal Government becoming the answer to all problems.
The result of this philosophy is a rising national debt heading toward 20 trillion dollars at the present time. Continuing on this path will lead to a government that will be financially paralyzed within the next 15 t0 20 years.
We also have to secure our borders. A country does not exist without borders. It is foolhardy to think that we can allow millions of people into our country, no matter what the reason, and survive.
This next election is of great importance for our country. It will determine the ideology that we follow. The US Constitution is the greatest document ever written and will allow America to survive if followed. It is not there to manipulate and interpret to suit individual ideologies.
Right now we are a country divided and desperately in need of real leadership.
We are moving closer to becoming a Social Democracy looking for a redistribution of wealth by demonizing those that have become successful. In the process of moving in this direction we are promising cradle to grave care with the Federal Government becoming the answer to all problems.
The result of this philosophy is a rising national debt heading toward 20 trillion dollars at the present time. Continuing on this path will lead to a government that will be financially paralyzed within the next 15 t0 20 years.
We also have to secure our borders. A country does not exist without borders. It is foolhardy to think that we can allow millions of people into our country, no matter what the reason, and survive.
This next election is of great importance for our country. It will determine the ideology that we follow. The US Constitution is the greatest document ever written and will allow America to survive if followed. It is not there to manipulate and interpret to suit individual ideologies.
Right now we are a country divided and desperately in need of real leadership.
2
Does this comment come directly from a Tea Party web site? We do need real leadership--to lead us away from every point made in this comment.
2
My first reaction-response to this question: what do you think??
You get rid of Citizens United, then we can talk.
1-12-16@5:25 am est
You get rid of Citizens United, then we can talk.
1-12-16@5:25 am est
5
I believe that the USA, and the west in general are suffering from various related pathologies, such as declining demographic and economic strength, a growing, hostile underclass, especially in Europe, mostly as a consequence of
empathobesity*.
In my view, the rise of the west to global dominance is explained by a tendency towards egalitarianism, as exemplified by the Magna Carta, Habeas Corpus, Glorious Revolution, Representation of the people acts, welfare, universal adult franchise etc.
These developments, caused by, and causing, a sense of egalitarianism, helped to increase the number of empowered and educated citizens which are critical for technological development.
It is thus no surprise that the industrial revolution occurred in England, where the earliest evidence of a widening of political empowerment is first seen in the shape of the Magna Carta. This impulse is now deeply embedded in the zeitgeist of western discourse.
Like all trends however, a point of diminishing or even negative returns is hit. Thus, we see the mass importation of uneducated aliens, a retrenchment of reproduction by empowered females, extension of marriage rights to homosexuals, animal rights etc, all measures which do not contribute to, or actively impede, strengthening the class of citizens required to sustain technological progress.
*: See tarkmarg.blogspot.com.
empathobesity*.
In my view, the rise of the west to global dominance is explained by a tendency towards egalitarianism, as exemplified by the Magna Carta, Habeas Corpus, Glorious Revolution, Representation of the people acts, welfare, universal adult franchise etc.
These developments, caused by, and causing, a sense of egalitarianism, helped to increase the number of empowered and educated citizens which are critical for technological development.
It is thus no surprise that the industrial revolution occurred in England, where the earliest evidence of a widening of political empowerment is first seen in the shape of the Magna Carta. This impulse is now deeply embedded in the zeitgeist of western discourse.
Like all trends however, a point of diminishing or even negative returns is hit. Thus, we see the mass importation of uneducated aliens, a retrenchment of reproduction by empowered females, extension of marriage rights to homosexuals, animal rights etc, all measures which do not contribute to, or actively impede, strengthening the class of citizens required to sustain technological progress.
*: See tarkmarg.blogspot.com.
Twice, a majority of American voters elected Barack Obama, while far-rightwingers depend on gerrymandering and the inherently undemocratic imbalances of the Senate to obstruct any and all solutions to problems we face. And yet we persist and yes, we shall overcome! Darkest hour is before the dawn and all that. We will use technology to protect the atmosphere and the oceans. The obscene inequalities in wealth will be righted. Already women, at long last, are being given equal status earned long, long ago--does anyone doubt it? The digital revolution will distribute knowledge and education to all. The "right" track isn't the easy track; sometimes it's a steep uphill climb. But freed of superstition, of unjust prejudice, we will move ahead, we are moving ahead. Even though it's a long slog--some things don't change.
5
Unkess we produce more solid paying job/opportunity for the majority of the population or middle and lower class we are in serious trouble. It does not take much historical research to see when the majority of a certain class is dissatisfied change occures. That either comes in the form of goverment chnage ( socialism) or something more drastic such as the Frecnh revolution. The USA can be compared to the worst used car sales person but in place of cars we use manufacturing jobs. In this case the customer being all the other countires constantly gets a better deal and the dealership finally goes out of business for lack of profit.
1
America is clearly headed in the right direction, but barely moving and frequently pushed back, due to years of rank partisan obstructionism by the self-destructive ideological right.
2
It can't head in the wrong direction when it is already there.
I have tried no to place blame on the Republican Congress and some of the Rep candidates but I think they have contributed to the state of the union - particularly citizens. I am older and cannot remember a time when there was so much ugliness toward a sitting President and Democrats. Democrats have always been the party of putting people first. They try but the Republicans are so hateful and their language so ugly - particularly about their own citizens, particularly those who are in need . Of course they could be insinuating that Democrats are not their citizens but that is ludicrous. hope they are not handing their hatred down to their children.
2
We are not headed in the right direction, if we believe that the direction of the nation should be for the welfare of most of its citizens.
We have done little or nothing to restore the kinds of jobs and work that make up a strong middle class. We have given little thought to the problem of how to make changes to payroll taxes and healthcare funding so that employing an American becomes more attractive than employing a foreigner.
We have made no effort on working to change our markets from zero sum gambling houses based on massive transactions working to garner micro price changes, rather than investment in building actual jobs and industries.
We have not focused on research that would help build our knowledge base and wealth, including areas of health and medicine and alternative energy.
In all, we have focused our political efforts on distracting the masses with social issues while we convert our economy to a third world marketplace.
We have done little or nothing to restore the kinds of jobs and work that make up a strong middle class. We have given little thought to the problem of how to make changes to payroll taxes and healthcare funding so that employing an American becomes more attractive than employing a foreigner.
We have made no effort on working to change our markets from zero sum gambling houses based on massive transactions working to garner micro price changes, rather than investment in building actual jobs and industries.
We have not focused on research that would help build our knowledge base and wealth, including areas of health and medicine and alternative energy.
In all, we have focused our political efforts on distracting the masses with social issues while we convert our economy to a third world marketplace.
4
I don't live in America, but I'd like to. The media makes it look like American is falling to pieces, and 68% of people must think it is. I believe America is at a turning point (in the right direction), and, just like after a storm there's a clearing, I believe we're in the middle of that storm - we just have to be patient and wait for things to clear. It may take quite some time still, but I'm optimistic. What we're seeing today - the shootings, the race confrontations, the consequences of income inequality and power concentration of the wealthy, climate change - these are all challenges waiting to happen after a long stretch of uncontrolled capitalism; the majority of people are realizing what has happened, especially the younger generations, and they will vote for change in the right direction. If I'm right to be optimistic, I will move to the USA once again with a positive attitude towards my future career and family prospects (after paid family leave is established, health care becomes a right for all, public education is accessible to everyone, equal pay for women, equal rights for gays and transexuals, immigration reform, a fair and simplified tax system), but if I'm wrong Sweden/Canada/Australia it is! Best of luck to Bernie ;)
3
Then don't forget to vote!
I was born at the very outset of WW II and remember the end of it, but not much about the beginning. It seems to me that our country has moved from a sense of common purpose that existed during the war and the early years following it to a sense of individual privilege and divisiveness. The change may have been gradual at first, but its pace has accelerated enormously in the last decade or so to the point where it often seems we cannot agree on anything even when it is clear that action is required. Stopping action seems more important than doing something to move things forward as best we can. We need to restore our national will and the spirit of e pluribus unum that got us through the difficult years of WW II and shortly thereafter. To paraphrase John Donne, we are all in this together, we are not islands of personal preferences and individual rights. We either work together and prosper or we will suffer and die separately. I do not believe we are heading in the right direction, and I do not think we have the leaders who know how to solve the problem, in fact, I think career politicians and ruling families, which have become our ruling class, are the problem. We need to go back to the times where politics was a period of service one gave to the country at the end of which one went back to the usual pursuits of daily life in the real world. Only then will our leaders know and understand how the common person lives and fares under their rule.
5
Asking people if they think the country is going in the wrong direction is pretty vague, and may be nothing more than a reflection of human's generally pessimistic nature. The "wrong direction" in the eyes of the respondent could mean: 1) too much tolerance for LGBT persons, 2) frustration with a justice system and its racial inequalities 3) discomfort with the fact that racial and sexual minorities are being more vocal in expressing their frustrations, 4) rising economic inequality, 5) opposition to a foreign policy that is too belligerent, 6) opposition to a foreign policy that is too pacifist, 7) concern with climate change, or a host of other issues. As a question, it may be doing nothing more than asking individuals what they are most pessimistic about at the particular moment they are being asked, and each respondent is thinking about something completely different.
3
No, America is not headed in the right direction but it seems that our nation has recognized the fact and is actually beginning to alter the status quo. The success of anti-establishment candidates such as Sanders and Trump is proof of such.
The state of our society is, and has been for quite a while, in dire straits. You can theorize about how to fix the structure of our society but there are too many branches to split off on. In my opinion, there are two (broad) issues that we need to focus on to fix our society and one of those fixes we have already been working to achieve;
1) Education - For decades, education at the primary level has been sub standard in the USA and a good education was only available to those that lived in a wealthy district. Between ten and fifteen years ago, as a nation we set out to improve our educational system and although there is a lot of work yet to do, we have succeeded. Our system has improved and we can all pat ourselves on the back for that one. If we stay on course (yes, it will be a long road) we may be able to be proud of our education system again. The best part is that the fruits of our labor will be landing in the work place soon enough.
2) Justice - "The true administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government". Lets face it, corruption is rampant in the USA and just because handguns are not being used to rob and steal doesn't mean that robbery isn't taking place. Still, not one person in hail for the banking crisis?
The state of our society is, and has been for quite a while, in dire straits. You can theorize about how to fix the structure of our society but there are too many branches to split off on. In my opinion, there are two (broad) issues that we need to focus on to fix our society and one of those fixes we have already been working to achieve;
1) Education - For decades, education at the primary level has been sub standard in the USA and a good education was only available to those that lived in a wealthy district. Between ten and fifteen years ago, as a nation we set out to improve our educational system and although there is a lot of work yet to do, we have succeeded. Our system has improved and we can all pat ourselves on the back for that one. If we stay on course (yes, it will be a long road) we may be able to be proud of our education system again. The best part is that the fruits of our labor will be landing in the work place soon enough.
2) Justice - "The true administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government". Lets face it, corruption is rampant in the USA and just because handguns are not being used to rob and steal doesn't mean that robbery isn't taking place. Still, not one person in hail for the banking crisis?
4
Terrorism is indeed frightening because of loose and uncontrolable individuals.
But there are more worrisome topics: North Korea, police violence, incredible political rifts in American society (Congress vs the President), Russia's overall attitude not to mention the Chiites and Sunnites power struggle (Iran vs Saudi Arabia), the student loans problem. income gaps and so on.
But America is still n°1, has a low employment rate, successful corporations, a fantastic development in the arts, widely recognized universities and academics, masters information networks worldwide, and showed the world that it elected a man like Barack Obama, whatever some people think about his policies and decisions.
America is going the right direction because the country and its people are "thinking" things over, in turmoil, but it will prevail, as always, and I am sure.
But there are more worrisome topics: North Korea, police violence, incredible political rifts in American society (Congress vs the President), Russia's overall attitude not to mention the Chiites and Sunnites power struggle (Iran vs Saudi Arabia), the student loans problem. income gaps and so on.
But America is still n°1, has a low employment rate, successful corporations, a fantastic development in the arts, widely recognized universities and academics, masters information networks worldwide, and showed the world that it elected a man like Barack Obama, whatever some people think about his policies and decisions.
America is going the right direction because the country and its people are "thinking" things over, in turmoil, but it will prevail, as always, and I am sure.
2
I worry about how my nephew's will afford college and healthcare for my family. I worry about the high level of political discord and lack of political compromise. I firmly believe the country is on the wrong track. It's manifested by the policies of the Republicans and worse, the tone of the Republican candidates running for President.
15
Are we - "America" - headed in the right direction? Some of America is; so of AMerica is digging in its heels as it fears losing its dominance; and some of America has lost its mind in apoplectic, self-induced terror. Big picture numbers: employment is up; the deficit is down; energy is cheaper and the economy is stabilizing. Right wing reactionaries seem to be hell bent on undoing or destroying any progress that has been made or blowing craters in any path that looks like it leads to 'better times'. And we have too much acquiescence by the media to 'false equivalencies' or down right false information in some misaimed attempt at being 'balanced' or, less graciously in a gross attempt at maximizing 'eyeballs' at the expense of reality. We still have a far too widespread problem of Americans failing to recognize that America is at its best when as many citizens as possible are at their best. We still fight each other instead of concentrating that energy on solving problems that affect us all - either directly or indirectly. So in the overall, I think we are headed in the right direction but we need to get a four wheel alignment because we are swerving around a bit and putting unnecessary wear on the tires as we go.
8
We are certainly headed towards the right - the far right.
6
The President may put on an upbeat air in tonight's address, but I hope he tempers it with realism. Given the mood of the electorate, he is going to need a very convincing case.
While I personally feel he has done the best he could--and there are genuine achievements--I am still saddened by all that could have been done if not for the most highly obstructive Congress in the past 50 years.
Thus my thoughts on what constitutes our largest challenges? They have to include the influence of money in politics, political polarization and the death of compromise, and the 24/7 news cycle that has turned American affairs.
into one big TV reality show.
I genuinely feel that this nation is moving away from its democratic ideals and the vision the founders had for this nation. The more wealth and power is concentrated in the hands of a few who can purchase the support of political leaders in Washington and mold the laws to suit their personal financial interests, the more we lose as a society.
Political funding and the power it has over Congressional decisions produces outcomes that block the will of the people in such areas as gun safety, environmental protections, reproductive health, racial justice, and religious tolerance.
I'm watching the corrosive power of money continue to push us farther into a nation of haves and have-nots.
While I personally feel he has done the best he could--and there are genuine achievements--I am still saddened by all that could have been done if not for the most highly obstructive Congress in the past 50 years.
Thus my thoughts on what constitutes our largest challenges? They have to include the influence of money in politics, political polarization and the death of compromise, and the 24/7 news cycle that has turned American affairs.
into one big TV reality show.
I genuinely feel that this nation is moving away from its democratic ideals and the vision the founders had for this nation. The more wealth and power is concentrated in the hands of a few who can purchase the support of political leaders in Washington and mold the laws to suit their personal financial interests, the more we lose as a society.
Political funding and the power it has over Congressional decisions produces outcomes that block the will of the people in such areas as gun safety, environmental protections, reproductive health, racial justice, and religious tolerance.
I'm watching the corrosive power of money continue to push us farther into a nation of haves and have-nots.
30
I'm concerned that conservative Federal legislators will use their 'power of the purse' to limit funding to NASA, while giving preferential treatment to new weapons programs developed under the Department of Defense; consequently, humanity will be the biggest loser.
6
What are we as a Nation worried about? The question to be answered is: aren't we better off now than when Obama was first elected? Certainly we are: can the next President continue his legacy? I doubt she can.
7
In a world of emerging economies and worrisome threats, America continues to demonstrate unparalleled resilience. Often dissmissed as a fading empire, the United States benefits from a litany of advantages. The worlds most desirable geography houses what remains as humanity's hardest working, most free and innovative people. Yes there are issues of crime and social injustice. Wage stagnation is a problem remaining to be solved. There is also arguably more innovation, wealth creation, energy independence and generational potential than has ever before existed. The ingredients are in place to solve most of America's temporary dilemmas. All that is needed is the political will. America will rise above any temporary flirtation by some with the forces of fear and distrust. It always has.
8
The title question cannot be answered. America is confused and wandering. A reinvigorated progressive movement is being countered by angry conservativism.
28
I am very pessimistic, especially on behalf of the generation now coming out of college. We have democracy without accountability, legislative paralysis, and health insurance that works only for the profiteers who treat consumers as profit centers. As a country, we seem to be heavily tilted toward ultra conservative oligarchy and ever greater inequality. The richest among us aggregate more and more political power, and care less and less for the common good. No matter whom I vote for, I believe politicians are answerable only to the handful of wealthy families and corporate interests that control the dark money that now determines elections. The gun manufacturers' lobby is so powerful that no one can go to a movie or shopping without fear of mass shooters. Ftinge lunatics like Trump and Cruz dominate media coverage because we now have infotainment imperatives, rather than journalism. It's a new Gilded Age, and there are few reasons to hope for progressive change. I think seriously about emigration every single day.
34
The United States remains the world's most powerful economy, and the world's most powerful military. The US continues to defend free speech, to enable true human rights, and remains the center of innovation for the world. Many focus on politics and the election; the beauty of the US is that we will survive both, regardless of the buffoons currently tearing each other apart in the primaries. The US has handed power back and forth between parties that hated each other for years, and that is part of the power of our divided government and the established role of the three branches of government.
Are we on the right path? The easiest measurement is immigration -- many of the best, brightest, and hardest working in the world want to come to the US. THAT is the real indication that has always highlighted how great the US is, and it confirms that we are indeed on the right path. When a Russian scientist, an Israeli entrepreneur, a Canadian software developer and a young kid in Honduras all want to move to the US ... we are doing something right.
It is not about Obama, and it is not about the Donald -- it is about a country that is based on personal freedom, with an established legal system, that defends personal property and respects the rights of individuals. The US is ascendant for all the right reasons, and we should all recognize how lucky we were to be born here at this time.
The US is on the best path. Be glad to be a citizen of the US in this time and age. Leave if you can't.
Are we on the right path? The easiest measurement is immigration -- many of the best, brightest, and hardest working in the world want to come to the US. THAT is the real indication that has always highlighted how great the US is, and it confirms that we are indeed on the right path. When a Russian scientist, an Israeli entrepreneur, a Canadian software developer and a young kid in Honduras all want to move to the US ... we are doing something right.
It is not about Obama, and it is not about the Donald -- it is about a country that is based on personal freedom, with an established legal system, that defends personal property and respects the rights of individuals. The US is ascendant for all the right reasons, and we should all recognize how lucky we were to be born here at this time.
The US is on the best path. Be glad to be a citizen of the US in this time and age. Leave if you can't.
7
I've never liked this question, because we don't know what about our country is wrong or right in peoples' answers. As for me, no, the country isn't headed in the right direction. The biggest issue is the ability of our government to function. We always believed we elected officials because they shared our views and vision for our country. We came to those views because of our interactions with the people in our families and communities. We knew who to vote for because we heard what each candidate said about themselves. We believed our elections put into power a majority of officials who represent the majority opinion of the voters. And that when our representatives created policy, they did so with the people in mind.
The direction our country has taken is far removed from those beliefs. Now, too many of us don't vote for a person, we vote for one of the two parties. And our opinions our shaped more by a media of our choosing. We may hear candidates' opinions, but we more likely hear how awful the opponent's character is in some PAC's commercial. Gerrymandering and voting restrictions have skewed representation. And laws are written by lobbyists and think tanks with their wealthy benefactors in mind.
If our country started going in the direction I'd like, money would be removed from elections, partisan media and negative ads would disappear, non-partisan independent groups would draw district lines, voting would be easier, and lobbying would not be allowed on Capitol Hill.
The direction our country has taken is far removed from those beliefs. Now, too many of us don't vote for a person, we vote for one of the two parties. And our opinions our shaped more by a media of our choosing. We may hear candidates' opinions, but we more likely hear how awful the opponent's character is in some PAC's commercial. Gerrymandering and voting restrictions have skewed representation. And laws are written by lobbyists and think tanks with their wealthy benefactors in mind.
If our country started going in the direction I'd like, money would be removed from elections, partisan media and negative ads would disappear, non-partisan independent groups would draw district lines, voting would be easier, and lobbying would not be allowed on Capitol Hill.
31
We seem to be moving from an age of crafty self serving by the powerful to a time of vulgar reliance on thinly veiled threats of violence and brute force. Civility has very often served as a cover for wrong doing. The question is what happens to wrongdoing when civility is thrown away. We shall see. My own fear is that we are watching America self destruct.
5
Imagine Ginger Rogers and Groucho Marx paired up on Dancing with the Stars. Will they win? No. Groucho will sabotage it for laughs; on that we can rely.
Playing Groucho's ruinous role is what the Republican Party has so resolutely been doing for seven years -- in spite of which, BTW, President Obama has done an excellent job that will prove of historic value and note.
It takes two to tango, but only one to ruin things. Democrats -- especially President Obama -- have been trying to govern. The modern Republican party has not only resisted effective governance, but it overtly announced its intention to sabotage the President (Mitch McConnell's promise to make Obama a one-term President, no doubt uttering more dire words in private), and deliberately shut our government down altogether in ideological games of policy hostage.
America CAN head "in the right direction" -- if we must use so simplistic a characterization -- but only if the Republican party is utterly repudiated for its deliberate failure to govern. Only then will they come back with hat-in-hand contrition to relearn the meaning of "representational government" and "compromise."
It should be clear to all thinking people that America can never "head in the right direction" led by the novice, potty-mouthed ideologues whose Frankenstein existence the establishment Republicans have given us by inviting so many unthinking lemmings into their tent for their fear-and-anger (With Guns a'Blazing!) entertainments.
Playing Groucho's ruinous role is what the Republican Party has so resolutely been doing for seven years -- in spite of which, BTW, President Obama has done an excellent job that will prove of historic value and note.
It takes two to tango, but only one to ruin things. Democrats -- especially President Obama -- have been trying to govern. The modern Republican party has not only resisted effective governance, but it overtly announced its intention to sabotage the President (Mitch McConnell's promise to make Obama a one-term President, no doubt uttering more dire words in private), and deliberately shut our government down altogether in ideological games of policy hostage.
America CAN head "in the right direction" -- if we must use so simplistic a characterization -- but only if the Republican party is utterly repudiated for its deliberate failure to govern. Only then will they come back with hat-in-hand contrition to relearn the meaning of "representational government" and "compromise."
It should be clear to all thinking people that America can never "head in the right direction" led by the novice, potty-mouthed ideologues whose Frankenstein existence the establishment Republicans have given us by inviting so many unthinking lemmings into their tent for their fear-and-anger (With Guns a'Blazing!) entertainments.
44
Well said.
5
It's not just the past 7 years of Obama. The GOP and Newt tried to do the same thing in the Clinton years. There were too many of the old guard left and Newt self destructed and Clinton was able to work with the Congress.
That they tried with Clinton and re-adopted that modus operandi with Obama speaks to the REAL problem. Republicans (Including Murdoch's Fox News, Pittman's I Heart Radio and the rest of the conservative entertainment conglomerate) are not willing to accept the legitimacy of ANY Democrat elected by a majority of the American people.
The Hastert Rule in the House, the promiscuous use of the filibuster and the Thurmond Rule (don't confirm any judges in the last year of a presidential term) by Senate Republicans demonstrate for all to see that Republicans don't believe in majority rule anywhere if getting to a majority entails compromise - you know, that action that made the Constitution Republicans pretend to revere possible.
Long before some Republicans started calling Donald Trump a fascist, the party was heading in that direction. It will be up the press to do its job if there is any hope of keeping their plans from fruition.
That they tried with Clinton and re-adopted that modus operandi with Obama speaks to the REAL problem. Republicans (Including Murdoch's Fox News, Pittman's I Heart Radio and the rest of the conservative entertainment conglomerate) are not willing to accept the legitimacy of ANY Democrat elected by a majority of the American people.
The Hastert Rule in the House, the promiscuous use of the filibuster and the Thurmond Rule (don't confirm any judges in the last year of a presidential term) by Senate Republicans demonstrate for all to see that Republicans don't believe in majority rule anywhere if getting to a majority entails compromise - you know, that action that made the Constitution Republicans pretend to revere possible.
Long before some Republicans started calling Donald Trump a fascist, the party was heading in that direction. It will be up the press to do its job if there is any hope of keeping their plans from fruition.
Many Americans now hold the same opinions that I did fifteen years ago, regarding the undue influence of financial/corporate groups that dominate our legislation.
They realize that the political process has been manipulated so as to give the appearance of being democratic in principle while the machine that it is works for the large hands that manipulate the controls.
Is the country heading in the right direction?
No, but more Americans now realize that they must take action to avert the results of years of ignorant bliss under two parties that have been more like drug dealers than enablers. IMHO, Bernie Sanders is a step in the right direction but only one step. Many more need to be taken before the country is heading in a better direction and it is better that we make the journey, even if we wear out our comfortable made-in-China shoes to get there.
They realize that the political process has been manipulated so as to give the appearance of being democratic in principle while the machine that it is works for the large hands that manipulate the controls.
Is the country heading in the right direction?
No, but more Americans now realize that they must take action to avert the results of years of ignorant bliss under two parties that have been more like drug dealers than enablers. IMHO, Bernie Sanders is a step in the right direction but only one step. Many more need to be taken before the country is heading in a better direction and it is better that we make the journey, even if we wear out our comfortable made-in-China shoes to get there.
21
No doubt we're going in the wrong direction, but I don't lay the blame for that at Obama's feet. It's Republican extremists and corporate money run amok that are destroying the middle class.
115
America is hemorrhaging in virtually every aspect of civil life: health care, immigration, job opportunities, gun control (just to name a few). The tentacles of corporate influence are inescapable, as it even has control over the food we eat. Consumerism and commercialism stimulate a kind of soul-less-ness, a lack of meaning, in this country, where most people rather remain uninformed about issues that directly affect them. Who cares about climate change when Real Housewives is on? No. America certainly isn't headed in the right direction. Not when university has now become another cog-producing corporate machine. Not when people are working longer hours, at multiple jobs, and still barely making ends meet. This country has really lost its way. Bernie Sanders is a glimmer of hope though.
66
Are we headed in the right direction? Since Barrack Obama came to office, our economy has improved, the jobless rate has fallen, health care has improved, and we have decreased our military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are headed in the right direction.
I hear criticism of ISIS, the recent downturn in the stock market, immigrants, and the lack of gun control. I also hear about increasing economic disparities and decreasing political compromise. I miss the idealistic altruism of the past. Things aren't perfect, but much progress has been made. I approve of the direction the country has taken in the last 7 years.
I hear criticism of ISIS, the recent downturn in the stock market, immigrants, and the lack of gun control. I also hear about increasing economic disparities and decreasing political compromise. I miss the idealistic altruism of the past. Things aren't perfect, but much progress has been made. I approve of the direction the country has taken in the last 7 years.
25
"...healthcare has improved..."??! delusional.
4
"...we have decreased our military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan..."
Decreased our military involvement, yes. Spoken like a true speechwriter. As opposed to, you mean, aren't being quite so stupid in Iraq and Afghanistan.... but pretty much.
Decreased our military involvement, yes. Spoken like a true speechwriter. As opposed to, you mean, aren't being quite so stupid in Iraq and Afghanistan.... but pretty much.
2
I'm going to be 66 this year, and despite our social security not being sufficient to pay the rent, let alone full retirement expenses, I am optimistic that there are better days ahead. I've lived thru all of the worst in modern history, from the Cold War to the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Kennedy assassination so I have some broad experience to judge my feelings by. Today, it feels like the Progressive Democratic Socialist values I have held since my youth are finally coming of age. That makes me feel positive, and optimistic about 2016.
Those long ago planted seeds in the '60's have taken root in a few of us, grown to prominence slowly but steadily ever since, and now expanding to the younger generation in force.
Perhaps now to finally get the pendulum to swing back to the other direction I we will have finally changed the world, for the better.
Those long ago planted seeds in the '60's have taken root in a few of us, grown to prominence slowly but steadily ever since, and now expanding to the younger generation in force.
Perhaps now to finally get the pendulum to swing back to the other direction I we will have finally changed the world, for the better.
19
Americans are committed to some free-market economic principles and want a pass on some others. They like competition among suppliers of the goods they buy and they like the freedom to buy from anyone importing from anywhere. But free markets in labor are less interesting. Letting foreign labor come here to do the "jobs that Americans do not want" is getting less and less popular. And things are not going well for many Americans because cheaper foreign labor competes effectively with us for jobs that used to be our jobs. The jobs at risk are moving up the ladder. Pretty soon your urologist will be in Uruguay examining you by Skype with a robotic catheter.
Some Lying Pieces of Feces (SLPS for short) who want to be President tell us that the labor market can be divorced from the market for goods and services if only miners, oilmen, loggers and ranchers are permitted to despoil land and climate at will. Its over-regulation that causes the engine of the market to race for the rich and idle for the rest of us. Balderdash. SLPS merely want to grease the wheels for certain of their friends by turning our air, lands, forests, grasslands and climate over to the rich to do with what they want.
So yes, we are going in the right direction when we protect the environment and climate. Thank you Barack Hussein Obama. And we are going in the right direction when we enable more people go get medical care even if not through their employment. Thank you Barack Hussein Obama. etc.
Some Lying Pieces of Feces (SLPS for short) who want to be President tell us that the labor market can be divorced from the market for goods and services if only miners, oilmen, loggers and ranchers are permitted to despoil land and climate at will. Its over-regulation that causes the engine of the market to race for the rich and idle for the rest of us. Balderdash. SLPS merely want to grease the wheels for certain of their friends by turning our air, lands, forests, grasslands and climate over to the rich to do with what they want.
So yes, we are going in the right direction when we protect the environment and climate. Thank you Barack Hussein Obama. And we are going in the right direction when we enable more people go get medical care even if not through their employment. Thank you Barack Hussein Obama. etc.
23
Law requires I submit my social security number to my private health-insurance company to prove I have health insurance and avoid paying a penalty to my government. Same law fails to address the hacking of (at least) one very large health insurance company earlier this year (BCBS) which exposed the private data of 10 million of its customers.
Lets discuss this violation of our right to protect the last remaining "personal" information we possess. The last thing I should have to worry about is theft of my identity resulting in a loss of the credit I will need to fund my education.
Lets discuss this violation of our right to protect the last remaining "personal" information we possess. The last thing I should have to worry about is theft of my identity resulting in a loss of the credit I will need to fund my education.
4
As a sixteen-year-old, my viewpoint seems to be markedly different from the majority of the United States. I was born too late to remember 9/11 as a turning point in American history. All I've ever known is an America of bold interventionism, under Bush, and now cautious participation in the global scene under Obama. To me, it's tempting to say that America is headed into decline. I'm horrified by Donald Trump's bigoted statements, and the resoundingly impractical tax plans of Republican candidates. But, as I read about the constitutional provisions in Myanmar that prevent the majority party's leader from taking her rightful office as head of state or of the fractured populace of Nigeria causing constant instability in its government, I am reminded of my luck in being born to the United States. Our freedom is prevalent: we can speak freely, can carry guns, and can elect whomever we so wish to public office.
Some argue that Obama wants to take our guns, but it is a testament to the system that stands behind Obama, and every president and Congress before him, that we can protest and argue and lie and speak the truth freely. I find a sort of joy in listening to the Donald; he is ridiculous, in my mind, but he shows that the ideal of free speech prevails even in the face of plentiful disagreement.
The country will change with this coming presidential election; that seems clear. But that is the nature of elections, and they've not failed us yet.
Some argue that Obama wants to take our guns, but it is a testament to the system that stands behind Obama, and every president and Congress before him, that we can protest and argue and lie and speak the truth freely. I find a sort of joy in listening to the Donald; he is ridiculous, in my mind, but he shows that the ideal of free speech prevails even in the face of plentiful disagreement.
The country will change with this coming presidential election; that seems clear. But that is the nature of elections, and they've not failed us yet.
20
How can one not think that the country is headed the wrong direction under Obama. We have had one of the weakest recoveries in postwar history, just over 2% per year,and the beneficiaries are a small sliver of society. Real median income in 2014 was 4% below the level of 10 years ago, and a reasonable level of unemployment has depended on loads of people dropping out of the job market.
In the Middle East, things are simply crumbling slowly all around, and Russiahas become aggressive with its neighbor's because there is no price to be paid. Asia is certain,y no garden ofedeneither.
The US wou.d be better off if we would follow the example of Czechoslovakia and peacab.y separate into two or three countries.
In the Middle East, things are simply crumbling slowly all around, and Russiahas become aggressive with its neighbor's because there is no price to be paid. Asia is certain,y no garden ofedeneither.
The US wou.d be better off if we would follow the example of Czechoslovakia and peacab.y separate into two or three countries.
5
and you blame Obama? he has been stopped at every turn by the GOP members of Congress. everything he tried to do to make the recovery stronger was voted down by the GOP.
25
On the eve of the last SOTU address of America's first Black President, I find myself thinking of missed opportunities. Barack Obama became President by riding a wave of hope and a yearning for change. He hit a few big ones early on, especially on healthcare, and the economic crisis; Detroit owes it's continued existence to the President.
But on foreign policy, despite the Iran deal and Cuba normalization, he has left America in a bad situation. His Spocklike remove becomes tiresome when the whole world seems on the brink. What does it take for him to "break bad", and throw our collective weight around? Surely, he must be concerned that the boil festering in Syria could burst, and spew pus all over the region, and even into Europe and America? At some point, it becomes necessary to reboot policies that do not work.
But on foreign policy, despite the Iran deal and Cuba normalization, he has left America in a bad situation. His Spocklike remove becomes tiresome when the whole world seems on the brink. What does it take for him to "break bad", and throw our collective weight around? Surely, he must be concerned that the boil festering in Syria could burst, and spew pus all over the region, and even into Europe and America? At some point, it becomes necessary to reboot policies that do not work.
4
We have come so far, we cannot go back. It took eight years to bring our economy back and get out from under those two crippling wars. So much good has happened and if President Obama hadn't been blocked by the useless congress of hate at every turn, just imagine where we could be? Imagine.
56
I'm not sure America is going in a direction at all. Not sure whether that is a problem or not. Certainly there are disturbing trends, but there are hopeful signs as well. To me the most disturbing trend is the willingness of people (including people in positions which should demand some objectivity) to accept any statement which agrees with their prejudices, even if it is demonstrably false.
12
Yes. I believe we are pointed in the right direction. People are better informed on the issues and the candidates. It makes for better voting practices. Healhcare is more about keeping people healthy, rather than pushing drugs. More attention is paid to equality, better pay, affordable college, free community college, and making a living wage. I feel Republicans shot their foot off, when their single focus was to make President Obama a "one term" failure. A mistake. There was; and is, nothing President Obama could have done right for most Republicans. Their disdain and disrespect of him opened a can of worms, in the form of Trump and other hatemongers. An open mind and heart can heal this country. No One Black or white or hispanic, etc can do it alone. "It takes a village". Bad habits and beliefs that cause harm and suffering is taught. Practicing to be better takes work. I believe President Obama has pointed us in the right direction. Our eyes have been open to alot. The door is open. The economy is improving. Healthcare is more accessible. Evironmental issues are gaining traction. Discrimination, prejudice, inequality are America's and every other country's enemy. We will self destruct if we can't open our hearts and minds. This is the God that I know. Our country is moving in the right direction, without these sorts of destructive issues. If Republicans continue on this course, then they can take a seat next to the "Whigs". We're pushing forward.
10
Yes.
Compare to 2008.
Compare to 2008.
25
Actually things were all just great in the 1880's when people worked 16 hours a day and African Americans lived in total fear and today everything is total chaos even though unemployment is 5 % ....or 50% if you listen to some garbage in the web. This string is going to be a compendium of good old days nostalgia that is historically illiterate....well Clinton is disintegrating and Trump will be the next president and as parents used to say before they would hit their kids "I am going to give you something to cry about"
4
The "exceptional" must feast on its own exceptionalism, and therefrom wither.
4
No, obviously.
We emerged out of WWII as the world's dominant nation, mainly because we were (luckily) spared the devastation that hit our major competitors (Russia, Europe and Japan).
We became rich over the next decades as these other nations put themselves back together. In the past few decades, while we developed a stupid notion that we "Americans" we're exceptional, we developed an imperial mentality that has led us to waste enormous amounts of money, resources and people on silly adventures around the world.
Simultaneously, we moved away from a social democratic set of policies towards our fellow citizens into an uncaring, each person for him/herself that has produced an oligarchy and a vast number of alienated (?braindead) citizens.
Our media which is logically a "protector" of our democracy seems in large part to have been corrupted and now is part of the problem.
A reversal of this state of affairs is going to require that the scales fall from many peoples' eyes, and that will in turn require a lot more pain for a lot of people.
We emerged out of WWII as the world's dominant nation, mainly because we were (luckily) spared the devastation that hit our major competitors (Russia, Europe and Japan).
We became rich over the next decades as these other nations put themselves back together. In the past few decades, while we developed a stupid notion that we "Americans" we're exceptional, we developed an imperial mentality that has led us to waste enormous amounts of money, resources and people on silly adventures around the world.
Simultaneously, we moved away from a social democratic set of policies towards our fellow citizens into an uncaring, each person for him/herself that has produced an oligarchy and a vast number of alienated (?braindead) citizens.
Our media which is logically a "protector" of our democracy seems in large part to have been corrupted and now is part of the problem.
A reversal of this state of affairs is going to require that the scales fall from many peoples' eyes, and that will in turn require a lot more pain for a lot of people.
105
I am not optimistic about America's future. I think we are careening toward another civil war, the conservative, religious right one side and the rest of us on the other. My other grave concern is the squeezing of the middle class, especially those of us heading into retirement. I've never borrowed against my house, saved like I was supposed to, have a 30 year old 401K retirement account and I still can't retire. It looks like I'm going to work until the day I die. Add gun violence to the list and no, I am not optimistic about America's future.
50
I believe the "United" States is a misnomer. With our country completely divided on core issues (gun control, abortion, climate science, immigration and economic policy to name just a few), one of the two political parties is PROUD of the lack of compromise. America will never be good, let alone great until the politicians work for EVERYONE, not just the people in their particular party. If I were younger, I would absolutely emigrate. I see no hope here.
80
The extremes of both parties have us all believing that there is no middle ground. Actually, if you take the top 10 issues facing us today, you will find that 80 percent of Americans are generally in agreement on how to proceed. It is the extremist in each party coupled with the press and special interest who are bringing us all down.
14
"We don't have a country"
- Donald Trump, candidate for President of nothing.
- Donald Trump, candidate for President of nothing.
5
I don't know about agreement on 10 issues, but what I wish we could agree on is that the powers that be know that keeping us divided is good for business. Conflict keeps the media coffers full and allows for massive campaign contributions. We, the people, have been duped into disregarding what works best for us and our country. We've let film-flammers scare us into thinking that our root values are wrong and out neighbors and fellow citizens are the enemy. We've regressed to the point where we are trying to strip our citizens of their rights and we allow it in the name of security that our leaders have told us we need. We need to concentrate on improving the lives of all our people through education, accessible healthcare and jobs that provide a living wage. When we are educated and healthy and secure in our financial futures, our differences won't seem so important. Our responsibility is to vote for people who actually represent US and then actively hold their feet to the fire to make sure that they know what that means. Our vote is our voice and it will guide our country in the direction that it needs to go.
4