I was watching the fireworks tonight (in the rain) and started thinking of the History Channel. They were showing how America became what we know it as today. It's quite remarkable and made me appreciate things much more than I have previously.

I then wondered if that could be a problem with society today? Do we just take the fruits of the labor for granted instead of appreciating the labor that got us those fruits? How could we as a society obtain more knowledge about our countries past to fully appreciate the freedoms we have today?

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Leaving the country for extended periods of time is a good start.

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It can be. I had no desire to return to the States after spending time in Germany.

I was warmly welcomed in Germany. I was treated like a potential terrorist on my return to the United States -- frisked, searched, and interrogated. This despite carrying a U.S. passport and military ID card. It was at that point I lost my last lingering shreds of affection for my country.

I love my country from the depths of my heart. I have, however, no remaining respect for it.

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No one cares about what it took to build this country anymore. This generation only cares about now and instant gratification. They seem to forget that most of the major accomplishments in the last 200 years came from the hearts and minds of Americans. They forsake their past for the now.

Just my 2 cents.

I think that's a problem. A huge problem. It allows many to slush off respect for the country and the men and women who died to give us what we now take for granted.

Slightly off campus here, but look how American society views their own elected President. Evil, corrupt, boneheaded, etc ... and this from people who've never held a position in any political office pretending to be intelligent about the job responsibilities of the President.

50 years ago, there were kids aspiring to grow up and be the President.
Now? Fuck no, because our society is full of disrespect for authority and it's just easier to be a person who blames the President for the problems in the country instead of being responsible and accountable and looking in the mirror.

It's disgusting. And the image we have of our President falls on them more than those who push that image onto their kids. --- JFK's sexscapades, Nixon watergate, Clinton lewinsky ... I'm sure there are a lot more than I'm aware. It makes it harder for the next President to win over the nation.

We can scoff at how other countries are operated, but from what I've seen they have more respect for authority figures (politicians, parents, teachers, etc) than Americans.


Edit, actually I'm sure some kids today would like to be President, however for different reasons than that of 50 years ago. Back then, it was to make a difference in the world. Now it would be to collect the $191,300 check yearly after their presidency has concluded.

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Well I have to admit I don't respect our government either. Everything I have seen from them the past 20 years or so leads me to believe there are no good politicians. In my view they are a big part of the problem. They act like children .They argue and gridlock the Government and nothing gets done. It's always Red vs. Bue and nothing in between. They spend our money like it belongs to them on programs they claim will help us but in reality they are only lining their pockets with the kickbacks from Big Buisness. Everyone is on the take. Just like this generation.

I would love nothing better than to believe in a President again. I would love to believe in a Government that believed that the Government was created "of the people, by the people, for the people" again.

A lot of "believes" in there. Mostly make believes though I'm afraid.

Totally agree.

I think the media has totally ruined this country. It's all about blitz and fame, and no longer about hard work and respect. Makes me sick.

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Our government was carefully crafted by the Founders to promote as much gridlock as possible. Gridlock is the only thing that keeps us even remotely free nowadays. Be grateful for gridlock. The less the federal government accomplishes, the more liberties you retain. An efficient government is truly a terrifying thing.

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Good point. The problem for me is the size of the Government. Why can't they have gridlock in a much smaller scale?

In my business I travel a great deal. Spend time in almost every state in America and province in Canada.

I do not think one can lump sum America as one single mindset.

When I was in New Zealand many Kiwis did not like Americans. The reason, they thought they were rude and pompous. I would tell them that is because you are only seeing the Americans who have the money to travel here to New Zealand. I would tell them if they went to fly over country the small towns in Iowa, Wisconsin, Idaho, Montana and such they would love Americans.

Los Angeles, New York breed a different type of American.

I will never forget the first person I spoke to in Los Angeles after arriving there from growing up in Canada. I was staying in down town Los Angeles. I had just checked it to a down town hotel. I went for a walk, and realized I had left my watch in the hotel.

I was dressed well enough in nice shorts and a golf shirt. A man in a business suit was walking toward me and I asked him: "Excuse me Sir do you have the time."

He never even looked me in the eye. He just said: "No I do not have a fucking dime. Get a job."

Was he a bad person? I doubt it. Was he a representative of all Americans? No. He was programed. I realized that with in 3 days as I was asked for money by about 50 people in my first three days down town.

Canadians on the other had. No matter whether in a big city or on the plains of Alberta or Manitoba generally are extremely kind. Canadians have "An Attitude Of Gratitude." Everything is "Please and Thank You."

I was in Cincinnati On September 11Th, that dreadful morning. For about 10 days after the attack on New York and Washington every person I met had an attitude of gratitude. Americans in a big city said Thank You. People stopped and waved you in to let you change lanes in the city. People said "Have a nice day." to store clerks and gas station attendants.

Milwaukee... Even in the city has wonderful people. Green Bay is like being in Canada. The kindest people who are grateful, friendly, and converse with strangers with genuine interest and kindness. It is the same in Boise, Billings, etc. etc.

Even Minneapolis. I was there, pulled over at a corner and was standing beside my car looking at a map. Two people pulled over and asked me if I needed help with directions.

That is not going to happen in New York. Baltimore. Los Angeles. or even the city of love San Francisco.

There is nothing wrong with America. Just stay away from both oceans and big cities near the Greaat Lakes.

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