We are witnessing the End of America

[ChairmanAgnostic]

Was it Alexander Hamilton who suggested that every generation should have its own revolution, to prevent precisely what is happening to us now? Well, it has occured in the past several times, but we may be too close to recognize it. So in the 20th century, I suspect that we have lived through several of them already:

Revolution #1
The revolution of the '60s kicked America out of its racist, close-minded, anti-commie, sheeplike behavior. Not just with music, culture, arts, drugs, but with the very perception of reality and society. Sure, not everything was golden or perfect, but it was a great lead forward. We took away shackles of racism, of closed-mindedness, of oppression, and began to fully understand freedom as our forefathers intended.

Revolution #2
Then came another revolution that coincided with the election of Reagan. The corporate world reacted to the '60s by co-opting it.Packaging it. Selling it. Sucking the very soul out of it, by design. They continue to draw strength through misdirection. They turned America into supersized massive shopping mall, with supersized, massive shoppers, pushing supersized massive shopping carts through huge caverns of goods, ready to load into their supersized massive SUVs, while they stop for a take out Supersized massive grease and fried potato meal. With their diet coke.

Revolution #3
The latest revolution has been Power/Religious based. As for Power aspect? The neoConman movement that destroyed the Party of Lincoln, pushed out all moderates, all rational thinkers, all of those who cherished and worked for the very best ideas that Republicans once stood for. Freedom of speach, freedom of choice, freedom to do well and succeed, or to fail, and try again. Freedom from an overpowerful government. Ye Olde GOP of yesteryear did more for social security, benefits for the poor and to strengthen the social safety net as Republicans, at least until Reagan's era. Most GOPers from a generation past would be puking up a gut at the idea of domestic surveillance without a warrant. PNAC and the neoConman movement have done more to destroy America than I thought possible in my most paranoid nightmare. But there it is.

As for Religion? Every Faith Based initiative destroys every social net we have worked hard to create. Were there excesses in welfare, medical and other aspects of that safety net? of course, but far less in scope than the outright greed and theft that we face now. What a few welfare queens did retail, Haliburton, Enron, and many others do wholesale, at a far greater level of corruption, deceit, fraud and theft. The idea that the Big Ditch forest service employees cannot estimate the length of time that erosion occured, simply because some dimwitted, smallminded, fairy-tale believing, self-deluded cretin might be offended should be the source of rioting and protests, not passive acceptance and mild regret.

Philosophy has been replaced by crass commercialism and supersized massive evangelical churches. Rational thought has been replaced by faith based initiatives, crowding out the very idea of intellectual curiosity and a hunger for discovery and progress.

We are witnessing the fall of America. WE have lost our soul our ability to lead, our righteous, equitable and fair-mindedness. It is replaced with leadership by military-based group thought, by invading countries based on lies and by creating a scared population of sheeple, worried about dirty, rag-headed, smelly AY-rabs lurking behind corners, ready to pounce on honest, god-fearing, trustworthy, patriotic americans heading to church.

The only response is to follow the advice of Hamilton and have another revolution.

freedom of religion? sure, so long as we have FREEDOM FROM RELIGION, at the same time.
No more war-making? Absolutely, so long as we defend our own borders from enemies from without and within.
Education? Yup, but not with some idiotic, unfunded mandate like Leave No Child's Behind.
Environment? hell, energy, clean air and water, are all related. If we spent 1/10 of the cost of our little IraqNami Invasion, we'd have superb battery storage capacity, clean non-fossil fuel energy supplies, and efficent personal movement devices that would be a dream to park and recharge.

Yes, we do need a revolution, and the first step is to remove the president, Darth and their criminal cronies from office. LEgally. Bloodlessly, through the use of all constitutional tools.

[givemebackmycountry]

1. Excellent Post anti...

I just read it as a response to another post, now it is here to stand on it's own.
It's on it's way to the front page, and deservedly so.

K/R!
Nominated!

[NotGivingUp]

4. i, too, read it as a response and recommended it be posted on its own.

Definitely front page material.

[NotGivingUp]

2. It's time.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Well said! I cry when I think that we have shitholes in office who will say

that giving a person enough money to buy food is "socialism" and "we can't afford it" and then the same jackoff applauds the 25 bombs we set off that cost us $1 million or more apiece, dropped by a squadron of jets that cost us $500-1000 million each.

Every million dollar missile is taking a year's worth of food away from 100 people. Every $500 million fighter jet is taking a year's worth of food from 50,000 people.

I remember an episode of Boston Legal from last year, in which Alan Shore said to Denny Crane (say it again... Denny Crane! DENNY Crane! Denny CRANE!) something to the effect that if the poor people ever realize that they outnumber everyone else and decide to mobilize, the few people who hold the wealth will be screwed.

Why does the 85% at the bottom allow the 1% at the top to stay there? And what will happen when the 85% decide they aren't gonna take it any more?

[NotGivingUp]

5. We must unite...and we must act...we can do it! Man, I wish I'd seen that Boston Legal!

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. It was a great final scene.

I wish I could remember the case - Alan was defending a very poor person, possibly homeless. But that's all I remember.

I need to get season two on DVD. That was the first episode of Boston Legal I saw, and it hooked me, and I've become a total fan of Alan Shore's degenerate-but-liberal attitude.

[NotGivingUp]

18. oh cool! i didn't know they sold the entire season on dvd.

i didn't discover boston legal until my sister told me about it. i've missed out on a lot so i'm definitely gonna get the dvds. love alan shore!

[SammyWinstonJack]

8. EAT THE RICH!

[HCE SuiGeneris]

7. Let freedom reign

No more

Great post.

[Loge23]

9. I don't think the people are up to it anymore

I agree with your post and I can appreciate your chronology on past cultural revolutions.
But now, I just don't see the people of this country having enough passion to change things.
Without the will of the people we will not get another revolution - either politically or culturally.
Let's face it, if the overwhelming majority of people in this country are not completely outraged at this point then what's the point? I mean, we have a so-called president who was not elected and whom refuses to listen to anyone other than those who agree with him - and he's still in office after six years! We elect a Dem congress and don't demand immediate impeachement! (many DU'ers excepted)
I think through a combination of prescription drugs, super-sized meals, and enough crumbs to keep the masses busy, we'll take whatever we can get and like it. The moron knows this - Rove told him so.

[NotGivingUp]

20. i'm afraid you're right. so many people i know still don't even give a shit

what's going on. they still cover their ears when anything political is mentioned. i've had it with these folks. all they care about is 'survivor' and 'harry potter'. it's pitiful.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

21. well, harry's ok, if only it gets them out of using the

bible as a science text. Pi really equals three? geez.
Remember, the total number of official potter book burnings in the US exceeded 84 last year. I expect them to hit 100 easily, when the last book comes out.

But I agree with the rest of what you say.

[NotGivingUp]

23. i don't have anything personal against harry...

it's just that they care about harry and don't care about what's going on in the real world

[ChairmanAgnostic]

26. delusions can be very comforting. Look at the White House, for ex.

Then again, see what happens when the truth interferes? just look at condi's recent expressions.

[liberal renegade]

30. those same people will tell you

pi r round, cornbread is square.

[Skidmore]

10. Prelude to the Dark Ages.

I saw a program on the Plague this weekend. It focused on how the Black Death had followed the trade routes in another time of globalization on the planet. It talked about a corrupt church and the breakdown of institutions as the plague spread. It talked about the rise of the Flagellants, a thieving cult which preyed upon the fears of the survivors of the plague. And it talked about how the wealthy worked together to grab their wealth back from the rising middle class that formed in the wake of the devastation. I realize that the events of the 21st century thus far do not correspond on detail, but the world order has been devastated in the last decade. The box churches are driven by a corrupt clergy whipping the fearful to a frenzy. The wealthy are crushing the working man through globalization. Hopefully another Enlightenment will come...another Renaisscence...an age in which mankind will once again strive to seek its betterment.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

22. would that we survive long enough for that to happen.

the tubes of the net may offer our best, last hope, which means that I suspect the future of our tubes will be shortlived. Net neutrallity is but the first attack.

[mnhtnbb]

34. Hubby is fond of using the return to the Dark Ages analogy.

[Peace Patriot]

11. It was Jefferson. And I suspect that you've been watching too much

war profiteering corporate news monopoly TV, or listening to too much of their radio, or reading too much of their newsprint. One of their few fascist propaganda successes is to give the rightwing nutballs a BIG TRUMPET, way out of proportion to their numbers, to convince the rest of us that we are the minority, that the majority of Americans are "sheeple", and it's all hopeless.

We are witnessing the end of America, and also the rebirth of America. Pay attention to people around you. Don't judge them by appearances, or by notions planted in your head by corporate news monopolies. Really pay attention. And seek out the alternative America--here in the northern part of the hemisphere and also in the southern hemisphere. Do you know that an incredible, peaceful, democratic, leftist (majorityist) revolution is occurring throughout South America? It's worth looking into, because if the South Americans can do it, so can we--and there are lessons there for us in restoring democracy after brutal fascist dictatorships. (1. Transparent elections. 2. Grass roots organization. 3. Think big.)

Democracy is being reborn FROM THE BOTTOM. WE are democracy. As it should be, as it always was. And the leaders that we need will eventually arise from who we are. It is already happening.

Yes, the situation with the Bush Junta is very bad. But then there is you, and your identification of the problems--and many, many more like you, perhaps not as articulate as you are, but thinking the same things. Their viewpoint--your viewpoint--the viewpoint of the majority--is never reflected by the war profiteering corporate news monopolies, so people feel alone and isolated, never realized that 7 out of 10 people around them on the bus, or the freeway, or in their neighborhood, are thinking similar thoughts.

Some stats for you: 56% of the American people opposed the Iraq War before it ever started, before the invasion (Feb. '03). 63% of the American people oppose torture "under any circumstances" (May '04). The opposition to the war on Iraq is now at 70%. And a whopping 84% oppose any U.S. participation in a widened Mideast war (poll this summer). In fact, opposition to every major Bush policy, foreign and domestic, has been running at 60% to 70% for several years.

These are not "sheeple." These are people who are much better informed than anyone gives them credit for, who have learned to read between the lines, and whose main problem is that they are demoralized, disempowered, and, above all, DISENFRANCHISED.

And the latter problem is the remedy. Get rid of the rigged voting machines. Stop the purges of black voters. And we have a democracy again--or the first and most important step toward one.

As for the Bush Junta, it's done more to awaken people to the founding document of our nation, the U.S. Constitution, than the A.C.L.U.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

13. I wish I had your optimism. I really do.

What you suggest, seeking out alternative America, demanding transparent elections, Grassroots orgs, and viewing the larger picture all make sense.

But what I fear is an apathetic response to what is already upon us. The destruction of a free, democratic republic.

Signing statements are just the first example. In no way are they or can they be part and parcel of the constitution. Yet, they shape and impact our domestic and foreign policy far more than any act by Congress. (given the bright shade of yellow that runs down the backs of too many congresscritters and senators, it is of no surprise).

Torture, prisoner abuse - for the first time in America's history, WE BEGAN TO TORTURE PEOPLE AS A MATTER OF POLICY. Think about that. Official US policy. WE TORTURE PEOPLE. For decades, the America I knew, sought to halt that practice, even among allies (although we made too many exceptions in the cold war).

Other aspect of government failure? How about the fact that Government oversight over Billions in IraqNam funds did not exist. Anyone who questioned the rampant theft and worse was fired or worse. This left those in power incredibly rich and holding even more power.

Just because the constitution says that Bush is limited to two more years, why do you believe that limitation will be treated as anything viable? Why do you think he will let go of power?

Here is why I am so saddened and depressed. The apathy throughout the US may disappear, but it will be too late. All it takes is one more concocted event. One more attack on US soil, and our country has had it.

Recall the ease with which the terra-alert level system was gamed. Every time bad or anti-administration news came out, the alert level rose. Add to that the total disregard about the death and destruction caused by our IraqNam invasion, and you have proof that the deaths of individuals matter not to these assholes. They are merely tools and "unfortunate casualties". (fuck you, Gonzales and Cheney)

If there is one more terra-based event, either created by the US, or allowed to happen because it suits their goals, watch for martial law to be declared. once that happens, our rights and freedoms will be long gone. Watch for every e-mail and website to be "approved" by government censors. Watch for snail mail to be limited to paying bills to corporations. Watch for spies to use city surveillance cameras for much more nefarious reasons like crowd control.

How much would you bet that there are NO EXISTING, SECRET plans for martial law? I am confident that there are and that Darth Cheney has them right at his fingertips. I am positive that Bush will not hesitate to use those powers, with the proper PR preparation of the US population. People like you and me will be long gone, arrested, hidden away, and speechless deep in the bowels of some Haliburton prison in Arkansas or Oklahoma.

[nicknameless]

33. *Rebirth*

That’s what I was thinking, as well.

There’s that RFK Jr. quote, "80% of Republicans are just Democrats who don't know what's going on."
Well, a lot of republicans finally woke up during the bushco administration.

I agree with you that the vote-rigging machines are the #1 issue to address.
And, IMO, our propagandizing media is #2.

[porphyrian]

12. I'll kick that. - n/t

[Arugula Latte]

14. Religion is a huge part of the problem.

People who will swallow myths and superstitions as truth will swallow most of what the militarycorporateindustrial establishment dishes out. Much like in the Middle Ages, they're conditioned to not use reason and common sense and to accept the authority of the priestly class. "Faith" is propped up to be a wonderful value to strive for. Americans are encouraged to disregard facts and science and embrace a belief in a sky fairy, a dude who is coming back from the dead to save us all aaaaaaaaaany day now, and faith that George Dubya and his Big Bizness Buddies have our best interests at heart.

[NotGivingUp]

16. you've nailed it right on the head. that is the whole truth in a nutshell.

[Tyo]

17. Right on

Religion has done as much to hasten our decline as anything that Bush & Co have foisted on to us.

[mvd]

19. Organized religion is part of the problem

The fundamentalists, especially. Liberal Christians like me are more spiritual and use our beliefs for good. When we do disagree with someone, we do not believe in oppression and damning to Hell.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

27. good point. ORGANIZED religion is the culprit, or one of several.

belief in doing the right thing, to follow an honorable approach towards your fellow homosapiens, to seek peace and prosperity, not war and worse, these are all good things, no matter what path is used to get there.

[liberal renegade]

31. I always thought religion had a set of rules to follow

you know, like thall shall not kill. I guess that doesn't apply if your rich, white and control the worlds most powerful military force.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

32. but even rich, white, overlords of the military can be benign, empathic,

and self-directed towards betterment of society.

[blues90]

15. Great artical .

I agree with it 100% .

What seems to be the main problem to me anyway is the apathy in this country .

While it is true one can't see what problems others may be experiencing while they have a job and drive a newer car and own a home , they may be very well on the edge of falling off a cliff but the appearence is deceiving . It appears many are doing ok . An illusion perhaps .

We know what we see , we are taught to judge what we see around us . We do not communicate as we did during the 60's .

I do feel as long as people in the US can keep going holding onto what they have got even if they are forced to work 2 jobs each this is a better situation to many rather than loosing all .

Americans bought into the huge box stores over time and the I am more important ideal as well as the ease of pulling into some fast food fat factory which was also sold and packaged as a time saver .

Many jobs fit this profile well , many people now have jobs at a desk working on a computer . Jobs that used to require more movement . Now many labor jobs pay to little and are also given to immigrants by companies choice .

Yes this america is on it's death bed and I truly can't see people getting out in mass numbers to protest this end , not until many many more are so affected that they finally realize there is no longer any other choice . By this time I fear it will be too late .

We are fed news of a police state and detainment camps or a marshal law put into effect after another attack on our soil . This may not be fiction but fact and we just don't know for certain so the fear resides at least for those who are keeping up on the events .

[ananda]

24. Yes, ever since Reagan..

.. we have been witnessing the end of what could have been a decent country.

IMO, there's no hope for that until tinpot dictators and b i g money no longer
have control of our legislators and courts.

Sue

[Homer Wells]

25. Kicked and Recommended n/t

[MoseyWalker]

28. This truly is a great thread

and should remain kicked and recommended.

yes indeed.

[Unca Jim]

29. I think fear and the media's abrogation of decency are also to blame.

The '60s scared the living hell out of a lot of people. All the rules middle-class white folks grew up with changed in a generation; I don't think it's a surprise there was a great deal of backlash. I'm glad the '60s happened and I have happily accepted the changes they brought all my life, but I think it is only recently that a vast majority of Americans really accept the changes of the first revolution you talk about.

I think we're going through another '60s-style revolution. In the future, I believe the majority of Americans will accept gays, family planning, a cooperative place for the US in the world, environmental responsibility, and that rich folks and fundies care only about their money and power.

I concur with the others who brought up that there are a lot of people out there who are not the idiots you see on the corporate media. We are far from a nation of idiots, and for every dumbass demanding cavemen with their dinosaurs, there are five who just don't care.

Just because they're loud doesn't mean they will make any lasting impression on our nation. How's that temperance movement going?
:yoiks:

[Odin2005]

38. More like the 30's and 40's then the 60's and 70's

accoridng to a book I've read called The Fourth Turning There seems to be an 75 to 80 year long cyclical pattern in the national mood, with a period of revolutionary institutional change and innovation called a "Crisis" (1773-1794, 18670-1865, 1929-1946) alternating with a period of revolutionary cultural change and ideological innovation called an "Awakening" (1822-1844, 1886-1908, 1963-1984). During the Crisis the values created during the Awakening are used to rebuild society as the "prophet" generation that came of age during the Awakening (for our cycle that would be the Boomers) start entering Elderhood and reach the peak of thier political power.

America's 3 Crises have been the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Great Depression and WW2.

America's 3 Awakenings have been the Trancendentalist Awakening, the Social Gospel Awakening, and the New Age Awakening.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

39. cool. I've got to get that book.

Does Amazon carry it? or do we need to search out the publisher or some indie bookstore?

[Odin2005]

42. Here it is on Amazon.

:)

http://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Turning-William-Strauss/dp/0767900464/sr=8-1/qid=1168976220/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-4833431-8200469?ie=UTF8&s=books

Here's the offical website:
http://www.fourthturning.com

And here's the message board I post at associated with the website:
http://www.fourthturning.com/forum


The general concensus on the message board is that Katrina marked the start of the "Crisis" period.

[mmonk]

35. Have witnessed or at least America redefined

or changed into something else without its principle defining documents, laws, and government.

[Fire Walk With Me]

36. This congress removing the milindus complex from the Treasury would be a start.

[Marie26]

37. Revolution # 4

Americans begin to see through the Republicans' propaganda, and kick them out of Congress. President Bush falls to low 30's support.

It's not the "end of America" - people did notice what was going on, and we already have had another revolution. Now the country's just waiting for Bush to leave so we can elect a Democrat to the office.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

40. perhaps that started today. New Mexico just announced that they

will introduce a bill to impeach the president and Darth.

[greyl]

41. It's beyond the USA, I think. It's our entire culture, east & west.

Here's a related post you may appreciate which is about enacting solutions based on authentic hope.