The State of our Country...

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Concerto -> The State of our Country... (5/12/2008 9:46:10 PM)
We are a country of consumers. I know that has helped to grow our economy, but, millions of consumers have been blinded by greed for "stuff." Who knows, our unchecked lust for things may be the downfall of our country. We outsource jobs, abandon industries, fail to secure our borders (during wartime), allow our minds to soften through excess entertainment outlets, spend our hard earned money to fund the lives of people who are already millionaires (sports figures, hollywood, etc.), and we see CEO's make millions of dollars regardless of their performance while the worker on the frontline struggles to support his/her family. We spend our time listening to political talk show hosts as they supposedly inform us about the truth, while in actuality they add to the divisions in the country with their harsh partisan ranting. Meanwhile, we continue to observe our moral fabric deteriorate. Our sense of community, has been fairly lost. There may be pockets of hope here and there, but, a great deal has been lost. We cannot look to our leaders, for they have succumbed to greed and ego. The 3 leading candidates show us they are not brilliant by their bickering and tearing each other down. You will then have some say things are not that bad, or things have always been this bad, they unfortunately fail to see reality. The Bible clearly says things will continue to worsen. Listen to people's conversations, sports, American Idol, what is for dinner, etc. Chit chat is ok for a season, but it should not dominate our lives. We need each other to strengthen our minds, to encourage one another to seek those things that are above. Perhaps we can help encourage a turning away from superficial things and communal frivolity. C

blessedinnyc -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/12/2008 10:11:46 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Concerto We are a country of consumers. I know that has helped to grow our economy, but, millions of consumers have been blinded by greed for "stuff." Who knows, our unchecked lust for things may be the downfall of our country. We outsource jobs, abandon industries, fail to secure our borders (during wartime), allow our minds to soften through excess entertainment outlets, spend our hard earned money to fund the lives of people who are already millionaires (sports figures, hollywood, etc.), and we see CEO's make millions of dollars regardless of their performance while the worker on the frontline struggles to support his/her family. We spend our time listening to political talk show hosts as they supposedly inform us about the truth, while in actuality they add to the divisions in the country with their harsh partisan ranting. Meanwhile, we continue to observe our moral fabric deteriorate. Our sense of community, has been fairly lost. There may be pockets of hope here and there, but, a great deal has been lost. We cannot look to our leaders, for they have succumbed to greed and ego. The 3 leading candidates show us they are not brilliant by their bickering and tearing each other down. You will then have some say things are not that bad, or things have always been this bad, they unfortunately fail to see reality. The Bible clearly says things will continue to worsen. Listen to people's conversations, sports, American Idol, what is for dinner, etc. Chit chat is ok for a season, but it should not dominate our lives. We need each other to strengthen our minds, to encourage one another to seek those things that are above. Perhaps we can help encourage a turning away from superficial things and communal frivolity. C I think the problem is that people have turned politics into a football game. I actually had a funny dream last night where I was playing a game of football along with a bunch of politicians (Republicans on one side and Democrats on the other). Both sides got a whole bunch of Biblical figures as cheerleaders. But on a larger level, I think the problem is that many people don't want to scale back their lifestyles. So they do everything they can to put their problems onto other people- politicians, the Arabs, the terrorists- anyone but themselves. I also think that we actually have three decent candidates this year. The real problem is with the electorate and the media. We want a boxing match, but I think we'll have to settle for a debate instead.

lightshineon -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/12/2008 10:30:12 PM)
I agree with the OP, America is in trouble, and headed for a big fall.

McFatty -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 2:11:35 AM)
I have to be the one to disagree. I don't think our leaders are any more corrupt now than they were at any other time in our history. I don't think secular society is more sinful than they were at any other time in history. People are so incredibly convinced that we're mere months from the end. That may be, but I can't use current events to speculate. There have been far worse times than the present. Imagine if we lived in the dark ages, or late 18th century France, or the Great Depression, or in the Aztec or Mayan cultures during the invasion of the Spanish, or the Inquisition.

SonInMe1 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 7:53:39 AM)
Yada Yada Yada

Sophie11 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 11:41:27 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: McFatty I have to be the one to disagree. I don't think our leaders are any more corrupt now than they were at any other time in our history. I don't think secular society is more sinful than they were at any other time in history. People are so incredibly convinced that we're mere months from the end. That may be, but I can't use current events to speculate. There have been far worse times than the present. Imagine if we lived in the dark ages, or late 18th century France, or the Great Depression, or in the Aztec or Mayan cultures during the invasion of the Spanish, or the Inquisition. Still doesn't make it right! [;)]

eaglelady11 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 12:38:39 PM)
you've made some good observations concerto, I agree with you. i am trying to think of possible solutions though. We the people, have abdicated our power to government and to big business and have developed a take care of us attitude. I think if we garnered our energies, the average American could impact how the government is run, how we spend out money so big business wouldn't dominate our lives and speak up more. But I have found and perhaps I am guilty fo this myself, most Americans are lazy and not involved.

HisFish -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 1:18:34 PM)
quote: Listen to people's conversations, sports, American Idol, what is for dinner, etc. Chit chat is ok for a season, but it should not dominate our lives. We need each other to strengthen our minds, to encourage one another to seek those things that are above. Perhaps we can help encourage a turning away from superficial things and communal frivolity I could not agree more.

lightshineon -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 2:56:33 PM)
The world has always had evil. My concern in the United States is it should be called the states, we are not united as a people anymore.

BlackCapnHarlock -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 3:03:57 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Concerto We are a country of consumers. I know that has helped to grow our economy, but, millions of consumers have been blinded by greed for "stuff." Who knows, our unchecked lust for things may be the downfall of our country. We outsource jobs, abandon industries, fail to secure our borders (during wartime), allow our minds to soften through excess entertainment outlets, spend our hard earned money to fund the lives of people who are already millionaires (sports figures, hollywood, etc.), and we see CEO's make millions of dollars regardless of their performance while the worker on the frontline struggles to support his/her family. We spend our time listening to political talk show hosts as they supposedly inform us about the truth, while in actuality they add to the divisions in the country with their harsh partisan ranting. Meanwhile, we continue to observe our moral fabric deteriorate. Our sense of community, has been fairly lost. There may be pockets of hope here and there, but, a great deal has been lost. We cannot look to our leaders, for they have succumbed to greed and ego. The 3 leading candidates show us they are not brilliant by their bickering and tearing each other down. You will then have some say things are not that bad, or things have always been this bad, they unfortunately fail to see reality. The Bible clearly says things will continue to worsen. Listen to people's conversations, sports, American Idol, what is for dinner, etc. Chit chat is ok for a season, but it should not dominate our lives. We need each other to strengthen our minds, to encourage one another to seek those things that are above. Perhaps we can help encourage a turning away from superficial things and communal frivolity. C I agree when Paris Hilton and the celebity lost girls squad gets more attention than the serious issues that are hurting our nation that shows me that we have lost all sense of direction as people and as a nation.

radiorobert -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 4:09:31 PM)
Consuming isn't the problem. It's our values and behavior that is the problem. When people buy things they don't have the money for, THAT is when we have a problem. We have people who worry more about how much 'stuff' they do or don't have rather than whether they have enough money SAVED up. If people saved, invested, grew their money, we would be wealthier and much better off for it. But, when people spend money faster than they can make it, that hurts our dollar and ultimately our whole economy. Yes, people can over consume, but that goes into what I just wrote above.

kernsfamily -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 5:09:13 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Concerto We are a country of consumers. I know that has helped to grow our economy, but, millions of consumers have been blinded by greed for "stuff." Who knows, our unchecked lust for things may be the downfall of our country. We outsource jobs, abandon industries, fail to secure our borders (during wartime), allow our minds to soften through excess entertainment outlets, spend our hard earned money to fund the lives of people who are already millionaires (sports figures, hollywood, etc.), and we see CEO's make millions of dollars regardless of their performance while the worker on the frontline struggles to support his/her family. We spend our time listening to political talk show hosts as they supposedly inform us about the truth, while in actuality they add to the divisions in the country with their harsh partisan ranting. Meanwhile, we continue to observe our moral fabric deteriorate. Our sense of community, has been fairly lost. There may be pockets of hope here and there, but, a great deal has been lost. We cannot look to our leaders, for they have succumbed to greed and ego. The 3 leading candidates show us they are not brilliant by their bickering and tearing each other down. You will then have some say things are not that bad, or things have always been this bad, they unfortunately fail to see reality. The Bible clearly says things will continue to worsen. Listen to people's conversations, sports, American Idol, what is for dinner, etc. Chit chat is ok for a season, but it should not dominate our lives. We need each other to strengthen our minds, to encourage one another to seek those things that are above. Perhaps we can help encourage a turning away from superficial things and communal frivolity. Boy...you sure a "cup half empty" kind of guy! outsource jobs? we "insource" many more jobs than we "outsource"....an undeniable fact that gets overlooked. In many cases, the "outsourcing" of functions (call center, for instance), results in the NET INCREASE of U.S. based jobs.... abandon industries? like horseshoe manufacturing....and "buggy" assembly? spend our hard earned money to fund the lives of people who are already millionaires (sports figures, hollywood, etc.): There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking the kids to the movies....or to the ballpark (America's pastime). Athletes/movie stars have earned, and continue to earn, what their employer believes they are worth to that particular organization. Just as you earn what you earn at work (and are free to go elsewhere for higher pay/better benefits when you can earn more elsewhere) CEO's make millions of dollars regardless of their performance while the worker on the frontline struggles to support his/her family: true in some respects. However, there are many, many other CEOs and other corporate execs that are great "corporate citizens" that you never read about on the front pages of the newspaper. When's the last time you read an article about David Green (CEO/Founder of Hobby Lobby....who, once again was on the most recent Forbes 400 list....and a devout christian).....or Carlos Sepulveda (CEO/President of Interstate Batteries)....S. Truett Cathy (the chick-fil-a guy, who is also a member of this year's Forbes 400)??? those very corporations provide a means for workers to provide for their families....and, as a means for "upward mobility".....as there are countless companies out there who have CEOs who worked their way up from the factory floor...or from the warehouse driving forklifts. Yes..the bible will say things will continue to worsen....but, far too many people don't acknowledge when things IMPROVE....so, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you ignore 'the good', OF COURSE, things will always seem worse. Moral fabric deteriorate? Let me ask WHEN was our "moral fabric" in tact? and not "deteriorating" or "not torn"??? Please tell me when that might have been?

Concerto -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 7:41:42 PM)
quote: Boy...you sure a "cup half empty" kind of guy! Thanks for the replies. Cup half empty? No, just a person who voices the truth about what is happening in our country. Someone has to speak up since millions are pre-occupied with movies, music and games. Ultimately, the consumer is the one who drives movies and professional sports...take away the consumers...the businesses would dry up. I choose not make millionaires richer... c

McFatty -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 7:47:52 PM)
I don't believe the cup is half empty, nor do I believe it's half full. The cup in question is simply twice as big as it needs to be. It's important to look at things the way they are with no prejudices. There are goods and bads in this nation, just as there have always been. Some of the bads are worse than they once were, but some of the goods are better. We'll continue this discussion in twenty years when things are still both good and bad!

lightshineon -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/13/2008 8:06:18 PM)
If the Lord tarries.[;)] quote: ORIGINAL: McFatty I don't believe the cup is half empty, nor do I believe it's half full. The cup in question is simply twice as big as it needs to be. It's important to look at things the way they are with no prejudices. There are goods and bads in this nation, just as there have always been. Some of the bads are worse than they once were, but some of the goods are better. We'll continue this discussion in twenty years when things are still both good and bad!

cow451 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 9:53:47 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon The world has always had evil. My concern in the United States is it should be called the states, we are not united as a people anymore. And when were we last united?

SonInMe1 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 9:57:30 AM)
quote: And when were we last united? The Mayflower Accords...???

lightshineon -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 10:03:16 AM)
We were united during the 9-11 crisis, now everyone wants to not have unity. Without Unity we will fail, this is serious. People live with no boundries, and we will be overtaken. We do not stick togather.

cow451 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 10:07:46 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon We were united during the 9-11 crisis, now everyone wants to not have unity. Without Unity we will fail, this is serious. People live with no boundries, and we will be overtaken. We do not stick togather. The unity was short-lived. Recall how "ununited" the country was prior to 9/11. I blame the current President for the failure to build on the unity after 9/11. He tried to capitalize on it to advance the neocon agenda ahead of the nation's best interests.

lightshineon -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 10:11:46 AM)
I disagree it is mob thinking which downs the leadership which has brought disunity. Blame the president for everything, it gets a little stupid after awhile. Not talking to you personally cow just that jacked up attitude of the US. quote: ORIGINAL: cow451 quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon We were united during the 9-11 crisis, now everyone wants to not have unity. Without Unity we will fail, this is serious. People live with no boundries, and we will be overtaken. We do not stick togather. The unity was short-lived. Recall how "ununited" the country was prior to 9/11. I blame the current President for the failure to build on the unity after 9/11. He tried to capitalize on it to advance the neocon agenda ahead of the nation's best interests.

cow451 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 10:37:06 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon I disagree it is mob thinking which downs the leadership which has brought disunity. Blame the president for everything, it gets a little stupid after awhile. Not talking to you personally cow just that jacked up attitude of the US. quote: ORIGINAL: cow451 quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon We were united during the 9-11 crisis, now everyone wants to not have unity. Without Unity we will fail, this is serious. People live with no boundries, and we will be overtaken. We do not stick togather. The unity was short-lived. Recall how "ununited" the country was prior to 9/11. I blame the current President for the failure to build on the unity after 9/11. He tried to capitalize on it to advance the neocon agenda ahead of the nation's best interests. If a Democrat takes office, you will do the same.

lightshineon -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 10:48:07 AM)
No cow I will not. I do not say Bush has done everything right either, but the critcal Spirit, IMHO is not Godly. I mean people are people, and we are to pray for them too. Now we can question things, but blaming everything on one person is wrong. People need to take personal responsibility for some actions. I heard Joy on the view blame Bush for the covering of the Paris Hilton story getting so much coverage. I pray for Obama and Hillary,and McCain, and mr. Wright. A basic lack of respect for authority, a whole system will break down. If you do notb like them, you have to give respect, according to the word. One of my DD works at the church part-time, the pastor has unreasonable demands, I tell her do it with out complaining, and give due respect to him. BTW talking about a cleaning job. quote: ORIGINAL: cow451 quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon I disagree it is mob thinking which downs the leadership which has brought disunity. Blame the president for everything, it gets a little stupid after awhile. Not talking to you personally cow just that jacked up attitude of the US. quote: ORIGINAL: cow451 quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon We were united during the 9-11 crisis, now everyone wants to not have unity. Without Unity we will fail, this is serious. People live with no boundries, and we will be overtaken. We do not stick togather. The unity was short-lived. Recall how "ununited" the country was prior to 9/11. I blame the current President for the failure to build on the unity after 9/11. He tried to capitalize on it to advance the neocon agenda ahead of the nation's best interests. If a Democrat takes office, you will do the same.

cow451 -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 2:35:06 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon No cow I will not. In the unfortunate event Obummer wins, I'll be watching you.[sm=cool.gif]

lightshineon -> RE: The State of our Country... (5/14/2008 3:13:48 PM)
Well if he wins it will be Gods will, as I see it, so watch, I will do my best not to. Does not mean I will not question things. I do now, that is ok, just not personal attack. I felt great conviction on the HD post making a comment about his purple lips. I repented, and I hope I am a good enough Christian not to act in that manner again. I do not hate anyone, I felt sad even about saddam Hussien, I am not as mean as everyone thinks.[:)] quote: ORIGINAL: cow451 quote: ORIGINAL: lightshineon No cow I will not. In the unfortunate event Obummer wins, I'll be watching you.[sm=cool.gif]

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