Who would have thought that the U.S.A. could be worse at soccer than global politics?

Basically, this image sums up the U.S.A. right now. Why did we lose another soccer game? Why did we pick that man as president... again!? Why are we not reaping the benefits we were promised on election day? Why are we still clinging to NCLB? Why aren't we working toward not only reducing emissions but also working to improve our environment? Why is minimum wage STILL just over five dollars? Why are teachers, social workers, and therapists still getting paid less than our athletes, musicians, engineers, actresses/actors/politicians/lawyers while being held to MUCH more strict and rigorous standards?

Because this country, like the small town I am from, has a warped view of the future. Most Americans see a future that will be like their past... simplistic, free from deep thinking and consciencious living, as well as isolated from the problems of the world (aka. homeland security). These are what most of us tend to view as "Freedom."

Politics are just like our diets and bad habits... we like to just turn away and ignore the bad things that are happening because of what we take in. Yet, we don't want to change our lifestyles to accommodate the problems and fix them. Instead, we continue on the paths we are on waiting for things to get bad enough to do something about. However, then we blame everybody else we possibly can instead of taking responsibility... McDonald's, the tobacco companies, the president, etc. However, the problems begin with us. If we don't address the problems ourselves and take action from where we are... there is no hope.

Peace is a process that comes from within. Winning the world cup doesn't rest on a few players sent overseas to represent a nation. No, the collective body of the United States needs to go with them in hope and spirit. Until that day comes, we will NEVER win a world cup. Do you think the players knew that only 5-10% of sport followers in the U.S. were watching them? Of course they did. Until they have our backing, they will never improve. The same goes with our leaders. While it is important to let them know when they can improve (Why demand to hold teachers to a standard that politicians will not hold themselves to?), we must also let them know that we are behind them. Yes, our country blows. Blows BIGTIME. However, do we just give up on it and give our homeland to the roaches and mice?

It's up to us, folks. You... me... Us. The abbreviation U.S. is not a mere coincidence.

The beauty, strength, and future of the U.S. resides within US.

Love,
David

P.S. Thanks for listening to me babble... =) If you made it this far, I will personally shake your hand for sticking with me through my tangled web of neurons firing off in random directions... perhaps we could discuss these concepts. I did add a comment feature for a reason, you know. =)