I'm bored, a bit cranky (truck problems...don't ask), and tired of the negativity spewing forth from prime time news. So, it had me thinking. I don't care if this is political, religious, or economical-based, but what is your opinion as to what our country is going to look like in 30-40yrs? How about 60yrs? Do you feel the U.S. will cease to exist as we know it (not literally, just the principles from which this country has thrived), or do you think much of what is "predicted" is simply outlandish? Note, I'm not picking political sides here, nor am I pointing figures, I just was curious as what everyone's opinion is given their observations of our past, current, and future trends. Is our political, economic, and social climate truly at a historical low, or are a lot of the "talking heads" grasping? I do have a stance on this, but I don't feel like sharing right now. I'm more curious as to see what you guys/gals think
If it keeps going the way it is now, this country will not have a dime to it's name in the very near future. The working people cannot continue to support the ever growing welfare troops. Too many people have made it a way of life for generations now and they don't know any other way of living. It was meant to be a temporory fix until they got back on their feet, but has become the only life many people have known. And is only getting worse. And don't get me started with the big company bailouts. Since you asked, there is my soapbox speech for the day.:D
I know this country will right itself. There are too many solid people from both sides of the aisle to let this great country hit the floor without a fight.
Like JM I am in fear of the social programs and how they will further cripple our economy. Everyone says to tax the rich but they will not have enough to float the mounting debt. Within a few years we could see a VAT tax and increased income tax. My state is looking at doubling the state income tax to pay the deficit. Sadly I am seeing a lot of my supplemental hunting money vanishing before my eyes.
This country has long lost the identity of the "US as we know it" and it will only continue to get worse, unless something very drastic happens. I hope I am wrong, but I don't see this country righting itself without first tearing itself apart.
The thing that scares me the most is when the "have not's" are more the the "have's" that's when the working man is in trouble. It's closer than we think. I saw an article about how many people don't pay Federal Income tax and it was 47% of people in the U.S. WTH is up with that no wonder why there is a deficit of funds in our goverment.Besides reckless spending.
Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in order for change to occur...and we're getting close. America has gotten too fat, and something has to give. I agree that mainstream media is so negative and depressing, that I have all but quit watching news and reading daily paper. The good news is that there are still so many great people in this country and so many willing to work hard...the answer will come. It's time for people to pull it all back in a little bit - what are your top priorities? Sure seems like the older generations were happier - and they had no money...just family and a lot of time - no wonder they fished so much
I hope your right but I'm thinking It's wishful thinking. It's not just the government that screwed this country up. I'd say It's more the people of today that did the wrong more then anything. No one wants to work for anything anymore, everyone wants It handed to them. There Is no pride In people, just greed. People back In the day had a work ethic and were appreciative for what they had.
This is a big part of the problem. No one wants to work for anything. I hope things get better and it they do it will take a long while, but I just don't see it happening.
I think people vastly underestimate themselves in this day and age. I feel there are alot of hard working good people out there and we can get through this. I dont know alot about how the economy works or other things like that but i just feel this country isnt going to just give up.
Some things definately do need to change. And much of that change needs to come from spending. The US can't keep spending at the rate they are. Social Wealfare programs need to not be so easy to get on. Like what was already mentioned, there are millions of people, multiple generations who rely on social programs as a way of life. That needs to change. Keep the social programs as they are needed... just regulate them much better. Make people who are fully capable of working, work to receive the benefits. Military spending.. I fully support whatever it takes to adaquetly support our troops. But after working on a military reservation for a while, I can honestly say i've never seen anything come even close to the amout of "wasteful" spending I had to be involved with, with the Government. It was unbelievable... And bailouts. LOL yikes. After all of that said, I still see the US in a leading global position in 30-40 years, but not in the dominating economic excellence like we've had through some of the past 20 years. The US is too big and the people won't let it fail. But other counties like China will be at clearly at the top instead.
History has proven that when the US goes far left for a decade, the next decade we will go far right. It's happened time and time again. Calm down, people.
Interesting points as always, guys. I tend to be more on the pessimistic side of things at least given the circumstances. I'm cautiously optimistic with what some of you mentioned concerning the fact that there are too many good people in this country to let it fail. Then again, I'm not sure we have gone down a path such as this to this extent before, so who really knows?
