USA

‘I think they mistake anger for depression’.
Angus McColl

My view of the USA is a mixed one. from what I have seen the nation is in trouble. The economic turmoil has hit this huge economic powerhouse hard, both physically and mentally. Sadly the ones most hurt by the Global Financial Crisis are the ones least able to afford it. The wealthy have come through unscathed it seems while the middle classes, particularly the lower middle classes, have been the most disadvantaged. One in six income earners are below the poverty line now. The GFC has managed to amplify the widening gap between the rich and poor. ‘She’ll be right mate’ is the attitude I’ve experienced from the man on the street. ‘We’ve been through this before and survived’. That may be true but the feeling is that the USA has passed it’s prime. It is living beyond it’s means and recovery from its enormous debt burden will be slow and painful. And it seems to me, it’s greatest enemy to recovery is it’s own government. The political system cannot and will not find a solution. Decision making is too slow. The politicians are more interested in furthering their own careers than putting their country first. You would think in a crisis such as this there would be by-partisan support for good ideas but that isn’t happening. Any attempt to deal with the problem is blocked by self-serving opposition. Why is this? I think the system is so established, generations of politicians have been brought up in the system and have lost touch with the real world. They just don’t give a shit. Could this toxic situation be a symptom of non-compulsory voting? What about the masses? With the widening wealth gap, why aren’t they revolting? I suspect they largely feel powerless. They have given up on the political system. They feel angry but I think they mistake this anger for depression. The are many slick ads on tv by drug companies promoting anti-depressive drugs. Perhaps the angry are unwittingly drugged into submission. This is purely my theory and not based on any facts.

The military forces aren’t just a job but a culture here in the USA. Generations upon generations follow in the footsteps of those before them to sign up. It seems if you are born into an army, navy or airforce family, that is what you are destined to do. It is surprising that this culture persist considering those at home can see what is happening to those on the battle field and how they return. They are respected professions as servicemen and their families have certain privileges in American life.