This topic talks about our past, our present, and what we need to do for our collective future. By seeing our past and our present, we can see what we have lost more clearly.

Who we were.

After world war two, we were viewed by most countries as the hero of WW1, WW2, and Korean War. We had power and never used it to gain more territory. We were the country other countries could come to for help. We gave money and help to countries in difficulty. We helped created NATO. We created the United Nations with the building in our country.

The US was often referred to as “the Beacon of hope high on the hill.” We were leaders of the world in technological development. People wanted to live here. We welcomed people to our country. On the Statue of Liberty were the words,” Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, Tempest-Tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” We encouraged immigration not reject it. We continually tried to get better and improve freedom. We fought a civil war to stop slavery. Expanded civil liberties to all. We have given woman the right to vote. Women are leading in Medical Schools and Law Schools. Many races hold high political office. Every single subgroup has been productive in our country.

It was nice to be admired and desired.

Who many have become.

Now many of our allies are aghast at how we have changed. Counties tell their citizens that this is a dangerous country to visit. Allies have lost trust with our country. We change trade agreements at a whim. Our slogan has changed from leadership and friendship to selfish, (America first), racially prejudiced, and rude. We don’t follow international law. We kill people in boats in international waters and don’t treasure life. Our President lies all the time. He says that Russia didn’t invade Ukraine. American civil liberties are frequently not being followed. Safety net programs are being cut. Due process is often not being followed. We are abandoning the poor. We are becoming isolated from other countries.

Thoughts

We see that our country is being destroyed from within. President Lincoln said that if our country would be destroyed, it would come from within. We have met the enemy; it is us.

Many of the friends of this website have read a great small paperback book, “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder. It has 20 small chapters on how to avoid tyranny. The first chapter tells scientifically why it could happen here. The last chapter is very short. It is called “Be as courageous as you can.” The chapter has one sentence,” If no one is willing to die for freedom, then we will all live in Tyranny.” As Thomas Paine once said, “These are the times that try one’s soul. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands now deserves the love and thanks of men and woman.”

WHAT WE MUST DO

This is a call to action. Be informed. Talk to people. Share ideas. Learn. VOTE!