What Happened to America?
by L.J.
SEPT-19th-2012
What Happened to America?
by L.J.
SEPT-19th-2012
After the atrocities of 9-11 in 2001, America united. The USA once again were brought together to protect one another, and American Pride ran strong with Red, White and Blue. Then, something unexpected happen, the US economy began drying up, jobs were going overseas, and two unjust wars crippled our once thriving economy. A lot of blame went to Bush and Republicans, and rightfully so, but America saw a way to fix this, by making history. That history making decision was electing the first African American president, Barack Obama. 'Change', that was the platform, 'Yes We can', that was the motto. Obama was on a mission, and he wanted America back on top. He wanted Healthcare for all, he wanted a growing economy and he wanted to put an emphasis on Education. Instead of helping the President and backing himl; Republicans and Tea Party factions decided to stop Obama at any cost. Even after Obama made history with The Affordable Health Care Act and saving the Economy from collapse, giving small businesses tax cuts, and helping college students with loans and Pell grants, the republicans were against him and would stop at nothing to stop him. Why? Why would people stop progress? There are numerous reasons, one is race, no matter what people say, another is that he was successful (crazy, right) and some just don't like Democrats. With the Party of No, the USA became divided. Unity was lost, people lost sight of what made this nation great. Bipartisan wars started, and we were no longer the United States of America. The United States of America used to mean something, it used to evoke a sense of pride and unity. Now, this division will break us apart, and it could have everlasting effects.
There are many Republicans and Democrats who say the late President Ronald Reagan truly helped America come from dire conditions back to world power status. American pride meant something again, and President Reagan helped to tear down walls, and to get an economy rolling again. However, in the first 4 years as President, Reagan didn't exactly get the massive praise he did after his 8 year tenure. Many Americans believed they were worse off, and to add insult to injury, his approval rating was lower or worse than previous presidents. Yet, Reagan built a glorious legacy, and rightfully so. The man helped Americans feel good about the United States of America again. Not only was he immensely patriotic, he cared for the American people and it showed, even when his popularity dwindled. The reason I bring up Reagan is due to the fact many people hold current President Barack Obama to Reagan's standards and accomplishments. In fact, some critics and professionals say there are similarities between Reagan's tenure and Obama's. Is this fair to do? Reagan was elected because Jimmy Carter was not exactly loved and the American people felt he handled the presidency in an amateurish manner. Something which is akin to the George W. Bush's years in office.
Was Reagan perfect? Of course not, it is not fair to expect perfection from Presidents, they are, after all, human. Even the best athletes, best musicians, best poets, best directors and best teachers make mistakes. Even the one of the brightest minds, Stephen Hawking, makes mistakes, it happens. Reagan was no different, and he did the best he could, and what he thought was the right choice. Sure, his trickledown economics made the economy strong for a few years, but it also weakened our economy for the long run. Yes, Reagan implemented some regulations that would turn Republicans stomachs, and there are many Democrats who think Reagan actually failed as a president. However, no one can dispute the power Reagan had on the American people, good or bad (see Genesis: Music Video: Land of Confusion) and he accomplished a task that was desperately needed and helped America, he gave us our pride back. Reagan made us strong again, and that is exactly what the American people needed at that time, confidence.
Yet, today, pride is used for political gain, not to help the country we have come to love. No one can dispute how all fellow Americans came together when 9-11 occurred. It was a sad dark day that will live on forever, but it was also a day when Americans needed each other, and we were there for one another, thick and thin. Yet, when Americans made history by electing the first Black president, did we unite? Did the American people put their horrid past about race and ethics behind us? No, instead, republicans decided to have a singular goal, let's not care about the American people's issues, but instead, our main goal is to get rid of Barack Obama. Not even 2 years into his first term and that is their goal. Why? President Obama's policies are working, but not "fast" enough. President Obama has helped Veterans immensely, but he is not patriotic enough. President Obama is an American citizen and has proven so many times, but he had to show two different Birth Certificates short and long form and still no respect. Shoot, President Obama has been ridiculed, called a Muslim (because that is bad?) called a communist, socialist, and even racist. Yet, he has done his hardest to get jobs back on track, fix Wall Street, gave Americans Universal Healthcare and still, no respect. It boggles my mind how President Obama is hated so much, even with all of his accomplishments. Americans stood behind Bush (yes, there were many critics, but not like what President Obama has to deal with), even though he started TWO unjust wars, ran the economy into the ground and wasn't even technically elected by the American people in the 2000 election. The American people need to look deep down inside of themselves. The American people needs to bleed that dark hate out of their bodies. We are Americans, not racists, not anarchists, and we do not need to be fueled by lies, and we do not need to teach these lies to our children. America is once again becoming prosperous, and no matter what, President Obama is to thank for that. Hating him will only over shadow the truth, and when the future generations reads about this time, this presidency, will they see a difference between the American of the early 1900's compared to the early 2000's?