If I had to put my finger on the biggest problem in America today, I would put it squarely in the face of our fears. It seems we’ve changed from the lion of the world just a few short years ago to a fearful angry nation hiding behind our weapons and out-dated policies.
It was fear that started the war in Iraq, the same for the war in Afghanistan. It that same fear that ties our hands as we try to climb out of the deadly recession. It rules our economic and political interaction with smaller developing nations as well as up and coming giants like China and India. Worst of all when we, the neighborhood superpower are afraid, everyone gets nervous not knowing what will happen.
It’s a strange turn of events when the country who developed the Marshall plan and pushed for the organization of the United Nations should feel we need to go it alone in military conflict after military conflict. No stranger perhaps than begging and pleading with the rest of the world to get on board with capitalism for a hundred years and then feeling threatened when they do. What are we so afraid of? This is what we wanted. We had a big part in building the world we live in both by action and example, now we just want it to go away?
We see Globalization as a threat, socialized medicine as a threat, global warming as a threat, the successes of other countries as a threat as well as being panicked by their failures. We look at a sudden burst of democratic reforms all across the middle east as a threat, and we see the slow and painful failure of the communist regime in North Korea as a threat as well. Many of the things we’ve worked years for we now regard as dangerous.
Maybe we just got old. An elderly country hiding behind it’s picket fence shouting out at the kids passing by, “You better stay off my lawn!” Blaming everyone and everything for our own sudden lack of confidence.
It wastes our energy to be so driven by fear. It eats away at our ability to see any real problems we need to address and focuses us on the lesser more frivolous
things. Fear is eating our lunch right before our eyes, the greatest nation the world has ever known is too paralyzed to move. A president once made a speech about that, I believe he said “the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” he was right, it’s scary.
American confidence was once legendary, even irritating. We always knew if we fell down we just picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves of and started again. It gave us the kind of power missiles and economic might just can’t replace, it gave us a positive resilient culture as a country.
It also makes us a target, both within and without. Our politicians predict doom at every turn and other countries are buying it. Our fear makes us susceptible to even more fear and is becoming a force of paralyzation. We already see it in congress, the fear of compromise is rampant. Positions have hardened so much only the most obsequious tasks are actually getting done. Our fear makes us fight among ourselves. We always done that, but these days it’s so bitter and has almost turned to the level of a blood-feud.
It also makes it very easy to distract us from what’s actually necessary, frittering away our time on what can be done rather than what should be done. Had we shown some of our old bravado instead of wasting time on pointless one up-manship we’ve never had been downgraded. In fact the worlds bank’s and people seem to have a lot more confidence in us than we do lately. Their money still flows in to buy our debt.
The causes are varied, perhaps 9/11, perhaps economic downturn, possibly two long drawn out wars of questionable value. Mostly I believe it comes from a growing sense of dismay which is being taken advantage of by those who feel disenfranchised. Little people who have replaced their dreams with petty fears, and can’t seem to wake up from the nightmare. They are like a pernicious disease that spreads itself further and farther with each new prediction of doom and salute to ignorance. These merchants of fear tell us extremists are hunting us, that we’ll soon be broke as a nation, that we have only enemies abroad, our religions are in peril and were under invasion by immigrants. It goes on and on and on.
What we loose by not scoffing at these supposed “dangers” is our collective optimism, that’s the true American dream. The one worth preserving. The one that brought millions of immigrants here in the first place to build this mighty nation.
I think as a nation and a people we need some serious scoffing lessons. I think we need to reject the nay sayers and doom announcers and denounce them for what they are, vile opportunists. Feeding on our fears to fuel their own little plans and prejudices, which have almost nothing to do with dealing with the problems we do have. We face our problems here, that’s what Americans do, it’s what we’ve always done. And when we get back to healthy scoffing we have our nation’s greatest weapon back, confidence and a hopeful outlook.
When you hear “No we can’t,” be the first to say “Oh yes we can,” and smile, this is America.
Copyright Prentiss Gray 2011
Prentiss Gray is a writer and columnist and currently writes the Domesti-Tech Blog for Gannett. He can be reached through his website at www.prentissgray.com
Prentiss Gray
Prentiss Gray is a writer/columnist/blogger from New Jersey. After 27 years as a Information Systems consultant and the death of his wife of 21 years, he returned to his roots as a writer, creating the national column Adventures of the Lone Dad/ Daddy chronicles. He now Blogs for Gannet on domestic technology, and writes feature pieces and stories for general publication. He is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and contributes to Bloomberg News, Daily Record, Gannett and the Tribune Syndicate.
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Prentiss, I don’t believe that recognising a threat should be characterized as fear. Some threats are very subtle and are simply a matter of changing attitudes while other threats are obviously based on some kind of economic or power and influence base. The key to dealing with threats is pre-emptive action. This can backfire and often has so any pre emptive actions need to be carefully weighed. Simple matter is that the Untited States is broke, we have lost our industrial base and their is nothing currently in sight that can replace it. Technology is somewhat keeping our ahead above water for now but how long can we tread water. Other countries are quickly gaining on us in these areas. I am happy for them and want to see everyone succeed including us. It is not about driving them back down as much as it is about us comming up to the challenge. We borrow too much and often expect too much in return for what we do, this was nice while it lasted but we may have to rethink our views on what we call quality of life. More and more I see politicians bashing religion in a bolder and bolder manner as they feel more confident to do so, Hillary Clinton and Pelosi are good examples of this. We are facing some serious threats right now, the most serious ones are amoungst ourselves. All countries take very serious their access to national interests and natural resources, this won’t change. We are in more competition for these things right now. Don’t underestimate the Chinese ability to manipulate whatever they can in their own favor, thats their job as it is our job to protect our own interests.
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I agree that response is key to any threat. We’ve can see that our initial response to the terrorist threat was not a good one, and hopefully we’ve learned from that. It certainly seems so, it’s all investigation and international cooperation now (well, maybe not Pakistan). We haven’t lost our industrial base as much as we’ve been focusing more on service industries and other products. There are plenty of new products to devise, invent and make. I’m not ready to rethink my quality of life, nor tell someone else what theirs should be.
As for religious bashing, that’s not as big a problem as some make it out to be. But then again I see that as a private matter and don’t have any issue with the exclusion of things like Christmas trees on public property and other supposed attacks on religion.
Yep, it’s a competitive world. And as the rest of the planet rises to meet that challenge i’m not all that worried, it’ll work some of the fat off us. After all, we’ve be at it longer than most.
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Steve, on manufacturing, have you seen this?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41349653/ns/business-us_business/t/despite-chinas-might-us-factories-maintain-edge/#.TmkGhOsXx28
US manufacturing is stronger than ever. I’ve heard the hype, it’s just not true. That can change, but for now we’ve become very efficient at maximizing our workforce and dropped product lines that are less profitable.
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That does make me feel a bit better, still the problem exists that we have a workforce ready and available for unskilled factory jobs that just are not there because of modern production methods, I still say cutting the work week hours will be the long term only solution.
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Your right that we have less manufacturing jobs overall, it’s output that’s up. However, I have a hard time complaining about better jobs, over unskilled jobs. I actually think that’s the way forward. We just need a lot more of them. Cutting work week hours does create more jobs, no doubt. But I suspect that employers that have to pay the extra salaries and benefits would opt for having two 20 hour part timers with no or greatly reduced benefits.
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It seems you see everything as fear based. An ignorant nation unable to do what you know is right has a dour future indeed. A black and white world is unfortunately not in the cards.
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Well, we don’t make televisions or cell phones, but we still lead in the manufacture of… paper clips! But I do see your point in some of the fearmongering which goes on. I don’t think the American people are lacking in boldness, rather our leadership is. We do stand by like lemmings as they “reform” what the Constitution means to suit their purposes. The fear is created by the political class, one side claiming the other will take your social security and have the elderly “eating dog food”, the other forcing gay marriage “down our throats.” They wordsmith carefully for maximum results.
The fear is a product of all of them, trying hard to keep us afraid and quiet, while they dissect us and take our money and our freedom and independence. If they keep us fighting amongst ourselves, we are to busy to protest what they do, and stop them in their tracks…
You are spot on, that they are taking our general optimism…
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It’s funny, i agree with most of what you say about methodology but seem to be completely on the other side of things like Gay marriage. For instance I saw the battle (still going on) over Prop 8 in California as the use of fear based advertising and tactics to vilify a minority section of the population. I was pleased at the initial legalization (not that anyone’s marriage is the state’s business) and then shocked at the backlash. But that’s California, not an easy place to figure out.
I’ve become a fan of sites like Politifact, MediaMatters, and Snopes.com just to help sift out the rhetoric. It seems we have to fact check everything these days.
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Actually, I think we are in agreement. I was just pointing to how the politicos operate. The oft repeated “ramming down our throats” line and the imagery painted by the elderly “eating dog food” is their M.O. to keep us angry at each other.
As far as gay marriage, I can’t say that I support gay “marriage” per se, but I do think two women or two men who live together as a couple for years should have the same rights, medically, financially or otherwise which anyone else would have. While I can’t agree that we should force a church to marry anyone they don’t wish to, I believe that the government shouldn’t be in the business of discrimination, rather in insuring equality of freedom.
I never did understand the widespread fascination with whom other folks have “relations.” I just don’t care. Do what you want if it is consentual and not involving children. And if it is seen in public, expect a fine. But I am for a maximum of freedom.
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Fear has indeed become an increasingly frequent tool to cow the public in the matter of politics, as has class warfare. Kennedy and Reagan elevated the rhetoric to hope and courage in the face of adversity, and the people responded. Obama preaches (1) class warfare, it is the rich versus the poor, (2) America is bad and other countries hold us in contempt for good reason (3) you insipid people need more and bigger government to rule your lives. Not the stuff real men are made of, and certainly not leaders.
The most egregious thing you said was – “US manufacturing is stronger than ever.”
What are you talking about? This MSNBC article is election mumbo jumbo used by folks to try and paint a favorable picture of an anemic economy, and in some sectors contracting severely, if not dying. The subject of the article is PRODUCTIVITY, NOT JOBS. AMERICA NEEDS JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY!
Productivity is up because automated processes enabled by computers and robotics is increasing. There are less jobs in manufacturing not more. The Japanese forced America into more automation as did NAFTA which shifted jobs out of America. Comparing our productivity with that of China is hocus pocus, they are a fledgling, emerging economy in the early stages of industrialization, where much of the work is still done by the worlds largest labor force. Ten years from now as the money migrates to Chinas friendlier business climate they will innovate, automate even more and eclipse our punitive business climate.
Democrats claim to be for the people and workers yet continue to pass legislation that drives business to seek more friendly environs. Numerous executives have told Obama to take government and get out of the way and we can crete jobs. California is hemorrhaging jobs to other states by imposing needless punitive legislation in every aspect of business. The Democratic Congress did the same thing and Obama encourages it. One of the hottest debates in America to day is whether Obama is so utterly incompetent that he has no idea what he is doing, or is he purposely doing it because he hates America and is serving one world government interests with an agenda.
Interviewed on 60 Minutes, John Chambers of Cisco was asked why he was moving business facilities to Ireland. His reply was courageously direct. “I have 30 companies there now because capital flows to friendly climates.” The interviewer asked what it would take to get him to create jobs here in America. He replied, “the United States has the highest, or nearly so, corporate taxes in the world. Lower corporate taxes and I’ll start moving people tomorrow.”
Manufacturing large goods typically means high gross income with smaller margins than electronics and the environmentalist control over the Dems has resulted in a sea of unwarranted and punitive legislation. We have probably killed the goose of large manufacturing and all the jobs it provides. Mac Donalds and unskilled alien labor cannot propel this nation forward.
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“Fear has indeed become an increasingly frequent tool to cow the public in the matter of politics, as has class warfare. Kennedy and Reagan elevated the rhetoric to hope and courage in the face of adversity, and the people responded. Obama preaches (1) class warfare, it is the rich versus the poor, (2) America is bad and other countries hold us in contempt for good reason (3) you insipid people need more and bigger government to rule your lives. Not the stuff real men are made of, and certainly not leaders.”
You seem to be pretty good at using fear and hate yourself
“The most egregious thing you said was – “US manufacturing is stronger than ever.”
What are you talking about? This MSNBC article is election mumbo jumbo used by folks to try and paint a favorable picture of an anemic economy, and in some sectors contracting severely, if not dying. The subject of the article is PRODUCTIVITY, NOT JOBS. AMERICA NEEDS JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY!”
The article is a reprint from Associated Press. Look at the top. In addition I said “manufacturing” not manufacturing jobs
“Productivity is up because automated processes enabled by computers and robotics is increasing. There are less jobs in manufacturing not more. The Japanese forced America into more automation as did NAFTA which shifted jobs out of America. Comparing our productivity with that of China is hocus pocus, they are a fledgling, emerging economy in the early stages of industrialization, where much of the work is still done by the worlds largest labor force. Ten years from now as the money migrates to Chinas friendlier business climate they will innovate, automate even more and eclipse our punitive business climate.”
More fear. You discount the possibility of change, things will not be the same in 10 years. We, and China are in a transformative period both our approaches will change
“Democrats claim to be for the people and workers yet continue to pass legislation that drives business to seek more friendly environs. Numerous executives have told Obama to take government and get out of the way and we can crete jobs. California is hemorrhaging jobs to other states by imposing needless punitive legislation in every aspect of business. The Democratic Congress did the same thing and Obama encourages it. One of the hottest debates in America to day is whether Obama is so utterly incompetent that he has no idea what he is doing, or is he purposely doing it because he hates America and is serving one world government interests with an agenda.”
All states compete with each other for businesses, it depends how much the people are willing to sacrifice to get those businesses. If you don’t care about polluters, or businesses paying their fair share it’s easy to get them to flock to you. You are seriously single-minded about Obama, almost blind.
“Interviewed on 60 Minutes, John Chambers of Cisco was asked why he was moving business facilities to Ireland. His reply was courageously direct. “I have 30 companies there now because capital flows to friendly climates.” The interviewer asked what it would take to get him to create jobs here in America. He replied, “the United States has the highest, or nearly so, corporate taxes in the world. Lower corporate taxes and I’ll start moving people tomorrow.””
Baloney. Cisco has gone International and they’ll incorporate wherever it’s cheapest. No matter how cheap we make it there will always be someplace cheaper. They will not be back, but we have the largest and most active market so we’ll get them one way or another.
“Manufacturing large goods typically means high gross income with smaller margins than electronics and the environmentalist control over the Dems has resulted in a sea of unwarranted and punitive legislation. We have probably killed the goose of large manufacturing and all the jobs it provides. Mac Donalds and unskilled alien labor cannot propel this nation forward.”
Thanks just the same, I’d rather have clean air and water. Even China and India have figured out that manufacturing pollution is a huge problem. We’ve spent the last 50 years cleaning up after large manufacturing polluters, and we’re still at it. As a former business person you must realize that manufacturers produce what makes the greatest profit. US manufacturers are dropping the low margin products in favor or higher ones. I agree Unskilled labor cannot drive us forward, so what would we want that type of manufacturing back? Jobs are not the answer, good jobs are the answer
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Paper clips?
We live in fear because we know everything about everything. Who killed whom and why, who was kidnapped and why. We know who hacked up his wife or shot at his brother. We know who give their kid hot sauce. We know who was a victim of a hit and run, who house was damaged by what flood. We know who swindled their friends and when someone went into rehab and how much money they made before they went into rehab and how much they will make once the get out of rehab.
I blame the media for producing stupid so-called reality shows and the buying and selling of every indiscreet or private moment that can be caught on camera. I blame the politicos who want to be famous and the wanna be’s who want to stay in the spotlight (Palin is one) that stir up all sorts of mess that gets crazy folks to do crazy things to normal people so that their crazy Joker smiles and/or manifestos can be plastered all over the newspapers and on TV screens.
How the hell can we not live in fear?
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I bet you loved that Obama bit about restoring the “Made in America” bit. While GE CEO Immelt sits with the Mrs. The man who shipped GE manufacturing to China.
You removed the MSNBC link I see.
I told you what the Cisco CEO said on 60 Minutes you however have cleverly read his mind.
California is hemorrhaging jobs because of excessive legislation in more than just environmental issues, because it is a Democratic controlled legislature and the state teeters on bankruptcy, and unfortunate event that seems to be characteristic of Democratic leadership and socialism everywhere, including Europe. You may have inadvertently heard of their troubles.
You would rather have clean air and water huh. Are you saying everybody that left did so because they were polluters and need fresh water to attack? I guess the beloved government you so stridently defend is not capable of enforcing reasonable regulations or negotiating win win terms to arrive at a climate favorable to industry and the citizens who need to earn an income.
Jeeez
The issue
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I didn’t remove the link, are you having trouble getting it to work? Let me know it’s my job to track down problems.
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It seems Prentiss that no matter how much you or me or any other open-minded person points out, explains, proves, demonstrates, establishes or shows when it comes to Obama (I’m being level headed here because what I really want to say is this African American man in the white house and I preface this by saying that I firmly believe that if the president were Hillary Clinton the reactions would be the exact same; you know, her being a woman) they close their eyes and ears and their brains go on shut down. It baffles me. Right after the president’s speech the other night several posted on Face Book. I want to share one, “WE MUST STAY IN CONSTANT PRAYER FOR OBAMA — so much cruelty and hatred…” For me that says it all.
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It astounds me that everything critical said about Obama’s performance as a politician is seen as racism.
There is no hope for truth.
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It is scary how much fear drives us and we seem to have embraced it. When I watched 2 Million Minutes I was stunned by how lax the American attitude is (for high school students) compared to other countries. Our students aren’t desperate enough and would rather play sports than take twelve sciences like they do in some schools in India and China. Other countries are using their extra curricular activity time on more school work wheras Americans are multi-tasking. I’m all for the rah, rah, let’s go out and get ‘em and not be so fearful speach, but our culture (by that I mean our students) aren’t hungry enough. That’s why most of the engineers aren’t coming from America – it’s too much work. As for myself, I wouldn’t be able to make it in India’s or China’s environment as a teenager and I’m not sure how America will compete with them in the future. Count me as one of the ones afraid no matter how much I try not too.
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I think you have to remember that it’s two different styles of educational systems. The Indian, chineese are much more based on rote learning, whereas the American model is much more creative and rounded. We try to grade ourselves against other system styles and it’s very difficult to get a true comparison. I’ve always wanted to examine the other systems based on the strengths of our system. After all lots of Indian and Chinese students come here for schooling, how many Americans go there for schools?
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And I don’t think the Americans would fair well if they went to Indian or China. My wife is Spanish and in Spain, they aren’t afraid to leave anyone behind. They basically get two tests – if they fail, they repeat. The Spaniard must learn to study, but writing is a weakness. Still, I see some advantages to their system.
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