There's been a lot of talk in recent times regarding the tightening of the boot straps on the middle and lower classes in the United States. In the past 30 years changes to the tax code have benefited the upper class much to the dismay and at the cost of the middle and lower classes.
The journal titled "The Economist", dated 17 June 2006, has recently reported on this trend and through it's research has come to the conclusion that children born to lower class parents have less of a chance of upward mobility than their peers in Europe. Indeed, children born to the middle class are facing the same lot what with tax cuts cutting into revenues that would typically be paid into by the upper class, thus pinching the middle class of dollars they wholeheartedly deserve for the work they perform.
So, what has become of the American dream where anyone who puts in an honest day's work and has the entrepeneurial drive can fulfill said dream?
Simply put, I don't know. But, I'm concerned for those who have worked diligently, forsaking their own pleasures, so that their children may succeed in our society. I'm appalled at the arrogance of the elites who continually state that lower taxes for the rich will benefit all because of the dollars not paid to the government in the form of taxes will be subsequently be seen as an infusion of capital later on. What about much needed infrastructure and social programs? I'm appalled at the notion that those who are not "gifted" with money are not deserving of a helping hand. I don't understand how a hyper capitalist country can let people freeze to death in the middle of winter due to their homeless status, let alone fall asleep in hunger because they can't afford a decent meal.
This country was once a compassionate country. There was a time when helping a person in need was not only a good gesture, but one that made a person better for doing so. My parents grew up during the Great Depression and the stories I heard from them and others who grew up during that time was one of mutual respect of all classes, compassion for those less fortunate, and a government that actually gave a damn about the people. Nowadays, I read the news and am appalled at how little we give to those less fortunate than ourselves.
So, what's the point of this post? To simply say that we need to get back on track. John Edwards was correct during his run for the Democratic nomination for President in 2004. We've become a country of two Americas, or as many have said the "haves and have nots".
Its disheartening to see how so many people just don't care. I thought the days of the "ME ME 80's" were over. But, Clinton didn't help the situation. Of course, neither has George W. Bush. But, more frightening than not, neither do a lot of the apolitic, turned off kids of the next generation.
Simply put, I'm disgusted with our country. And, until there is a diametric change in the population, I don't see anything positive change in the future. Those old enough to remember the Great Depression will soon vote no more due to their age; the baby boomers (ie. flower children of the 60s) for the most part have lost track of their idealism; and today's generation is turned on to the idea that what's mine is mine.
What's next? I feel that we are setting ourselves up for failure on the magnitude of a 8.0 earthquake on the Richter Scale unless we decide upon making serious changes in our character and fundamental values, otherwise known as our ethos.
I don't want to see this country become another Brazil where
the "haves and the have nots" are clearly discernible. I want to live in country that, according to The Economist: "has always had a genius for translating the highfalutin' talk of the American Dream into practical policies"
As The Economist stated, this "country is in need of another burst of practical idealism."