Since sometime in 2007 when Obama and his ideology began running in earnest for President, Americans have been subject to a barrage of rhetoric about what’s wrong with America, their lives, their future and who is to blame. We have not heard one positive theme, no uplifting message, no words of encouragement, no put your shoulder to the grindstone, no pull yourself up by your bootstraps or any other “old-fashioned” common sense. Instead we are “encouraged” by more Americans on one government support program or another.
The push for mediocrity and so-called equality extends to our place in the world as well. Do we see the U.S. as simply one among many nations happy to relinquish our leadership role and willing to accept the consequences? The fact is, of course, that every entity needs a leader … even America.
What the heck has happened? Have Americans simply become fat, dumb and lazy? Have we convinced ourselves that success is bad and not worth the effort? Do we fear competition in favor of accepting our fair share or more likely the leftovers? Is the once great United States of America unable to cope with the rest of the world? Is China simply too much for us to deal with?
Contrary to populist opinion, this is not the worst of times even while it is not the best of times. Yet to read the news you would think there is no hope for anyone except the infamous one percent. We are convinced we are victims or should I say we have been convinced. Instead of looking to Wall Street, we should be looking in the mirror. If we are victims at all, we are victims of our own changing attitudes and life styles.
The worst is yet to come? Only if we let it come by staying on our leaderless path to mediocrity. [Note to Mr. Wilson: True leadership overcomes obstacles be they problems, schedules, money or Republicans or Democrats. That’s what our greatest presidents have done.]
NOT long ago I asked a good friend of mine — one of the smartest men I know, and one of the most devoted dads — if he thought that his children would live in a more prosperous America or at least enjoy the same bounty of opportunities that we had.
His response was instant and unequivocal. No.
“How do you make peace with that?” I said.
He shrugged, laughed bitterly and answered, “I’m hoping to leave them a lot of money.”
The American dream, 2014 edition: Squirrel away nuts for a leaner tomorrow. The worst is yet to come, so insure yourself against it if you’re among the lucky few who can.
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