Hello Dutch Uncle,
Originally Posted by
Dutch Uncle
Those are the two common extremes. Obviously we could choose anything such as "Flat Earthers" vs. "Space Explorers" but the majority of Americans have chosen capitalism and socialism.
Sure, we can have a bit of both. IMO, the best system is what we have: a constitutional federal republic fueled by capitalism with a socialist safety net.
The main problem, IMO, is that, like a marriage, it needs constant maintenance. That hasn't happened in 30 years.
IMO, the US is in transition. WWII forced a massive transition on the US turning it into a relatively weak, isolationist nation protected by two oceans into both the world's first superpower but also the economic engine for the entire planet. It remained so for almost 50 years and now Americans are a bit lost and confused.
TBH, I think we'll be fine. It's not a matter if things will get better because, unless humans destroy ourselves, it always does get better. The problem is how fast things will get better. The whole internal debate in America is "Which path to make it better?"
Trump's Terrorists want to look backwards and turn back the clock to the fanciful 1950s just like on Happy Days where anyone can have a good job, a nice house and a car while the wife takes care of the home.
The Democrats keep pushing authoritarian socialism; the whole "We know what's best for you and your kids" philosophy.
Obviously there is conflict between these two ideologies. To some extent, the conflict will remain due to human nature. However, like a marriage, they need to get along or face a nasty divorce.
I don't remember any black characters on Happy Days.
There is this complacency in America. Like we just take it for granted we will always be here and everything will be fine and we can do anything we want, including disrespecting our institutions that hold it all together.
Everything is not fine for everybody. Racism and cross-generational poverty are big problems and they won't be solved by listening to hateful right wing entertainment pundits telling us it is wrong to teach our racial history in schools.
And aside from all our issues just getting along with others, the Climate Crisis is relentlessly heating up. It's not about to just go away.
We've got to get past our legalized corruption and hatred to deal with these serious issues that are only going to get worse in time.
We are rapidly running out of time.
We've got to mend our national differences, get busy, and deal with our issues NOW.
Personal Ignore Policy PIP: I like civil discourse. I will give you all the respect in the world if you respect me. Mouth off to me, or express overt racism, you will be PERMANENTLY Ignore Listed. Zero tolerance. No exceptions. I'll never read a word you write, even if quoted by another, nor respond to you, nor participate in your threads. ... Ignore the shallow. Cherish the thoughtful. Long Live Civil Discourse, Mutual Respect, and Good Debate! ps: Feel free to adopt my PIP. It works well.
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