The American Dream; Becoming a Nightmare?
The American Dream is Not What it Used to Be!
Did 9/11 provide a turning point?
It seems that ever since 9/11 the American Dream is really turning a corner. I'm sure some turning was necessary, as we had become overly complacent with regard to our safety and security from threats nobody ever thought really possible. We slept, while the enemy plotted; shame on us!
We Needed THAT?
If we had been more prepared, 9/11 would not have occurred, but since it did occur, we now see that we NEEDED to: Tighten up airport and border security; have our government agencies talk with each other; have fully operational Emergency Response plans and drills. be more vigilant in our everyday activities; understand that not everyone in the world thinks just like we do; and be able to act more proactively than reactively regarding terrorism and similar threats.
Dream or Nightmare?
Unfortunately, many of these needs have also had significant negative impacts on the American Dream. Air travel is more bother today, and many people just don't fly anymore. But, overall it is safer; not as private though. Border passage is a bit slower today. But, it is safer, not as private though.
The rest of the story: Government agencies are doing better, but still fumbling with things (Homeland Security, FEMA, Katrina?). Becoming more vigilant in our everyday activities appears to have created a sense of distrust and even paranoia between people. By pushing our ideas on others around the globe, we have become arrogant in the eyes of much of the world. We are getting a reputation for corruption, greed, materialism, Capitalism and downright bullying by some.
We already fought for things we're losing now. New Freedoms? Not likely!
By promoting proactive approaches to terrorism and similar threats to America's security, it seems we're seeing a lot of profiling being exploited by some of our law-enforcement agencies.
Many innocent people can be caught up in something they have no part of, just because of their personal associations, religion or lifestyle choices.
Fundamentalist religion is becoming a questionable life-choice in America; the land where religious freedom has always been one of the sacred "inalienable rights" guaranteed to all Americans.
Why can't we all just get along?! All is not lost!
So, the American Dream!
It is still a Dream to me, but I can see how it could eventually become something else if we are not all careful to keep a tight grip on our freedoms, earned through the blood, sweat and tears of many generations past!
Tips & Warnings
* Hold on tight!
* Stay the course!
* Spread peace!
* Non-violent, peaceful protests only!
Published by w1z111
I've been writing for many years, for various purposes. I've also been composing my own music for many years. Now that I'm retired, I'm trying to put some of these "skills and talents" to use. I also crea... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentThanks, John...I appreciate your comments and feedback; and I agree about the flawed dream theory. The "propaganda machine" is alive and well, and we are being told one thing when another thing is the actual truth. It is unfortunate things are that way, and I know what you mean when you say life comes in up and down cycles; too bad we cannot just live by the truth in everything...but maybe that's expecting way too much.
Thanks again!
I agree with a good portion of what you said. I also think that we have been sold a flawed dream. Are you better off than you were 4 years ago? Are you better than last year? The problem is we have given Americans the idea that every year will be an increase over the last. That's crazy. In our personal lives, we have down periods. In our health lives, we have down periods. We have Americans thinking that it should always be increase. It just ain't so! By the way, the last two have been difficult for my family but we adjust, cut and work at it.