What is happening to America?

[Bubbajbi]

I know this is a motorcycle forum, but it is late and I just have to rant.

 

It seems like everywhere you look today we are developing alternate ways to communicate. Talking face to face has all but disappeared. I see kids that only use their cell phones for text messaging. There are more ways to keep yourself isolated and still be a part of society. How is that possible? I talked to a kid at my church that said he had not left his house all week. He said he sat in his room and played video games, chatted online, and sent text messages to his friends. I just figured out yesterday that I can go online from my cell phone and order a pizza or even groceries and have them delivered to my house. I don't even have to get off the sofa!

 

I was at 7-11 the other day and when I went to pay the total was $3.71. I gave the clerk $5 and then reached in my pocket and found $0.71. The clerk had already punched in the amount so when I handed him the $0.71 he looked bewildered. I had to tell to give me $2 back. That is pathetic! We rely so much on technology that a 7-11 attendant cannot make change without the help of the cash register.

 

Now I am seeing on the news that parents want schools to serve healthier foods in cafeteria and take out the soda vending machines. But these are the same parents that didn't even flinch when the schools abolished the physical education programs. They also let their kids sit for hours on end and watch TV and play video games. Then they want to blame the schools for the kids being fat?

 

My nephew's school started a program where the kids (elementary school age) can eat their lunch inside while playing "educational" computer games. My sister got together with some other moms and got them to shut that program down. But I fear that it may be in other schools where parents do not care.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am all for technology. I think it is amazing that I can play a game of chess with someone half way across the world. However, I also think that just like everything in life, it must be used in moderation. Like everybody here, I have used the internet for linking up with people of same interests and email. Heck, I have even bought some Christmas presents off the internet this year.

 

But if the internet crashed, cell phone towers fell down and my electricity went out all at the same time, I would still be able to cope with life. Yesterday, I took my son and my dog to the park and we played for hours. No video games or TV, just a tennis ball, a big grass field and a playground! We walked there so we didn't even need a car.

 

When I was in junior high, my friends and I rode our bikes to and from school rain or shine. After school we would ride our bikes 5 miles out of the way to go ride in a nearby dry lake bed. We would ride hard untill dark and go home dirty and sweaty. We had video games but we only played those when we couldn't go outside or when we were home from school sick and had to stay inside.

 

I was walking in my neighborhood about 3 months ago and came across an open garage with an HD electraglide in it. There was a guy knelt down next to the bike cleaning it. I aproached him and we began talking. I invited him to go on a ride with the group I ride with. He came to our ride and now him and I are calling each other every other day with "...you gotta come over and see what I bought!".

 

What I am trying to say is that I hope that 50 years from now, our kids and grandkids are still playing outside and not just "acting it out" in a digital world. I know this is a really long rant but I think it is up to us to make a difference. I vow to take my children to the park, camping, hiking boating, and any other outdoor activities that keep them off the couch. I will keep them active and make sure that they experience real life and not virtual life.

 

God Bless you,

Bubba

[Guest kozman01]

I couldn't agree more with the above statement. My wife's kids sit ALL week long in their rooms playing these GD stupid video games. Now don't get me wrong, back in the day, the Atari 2600 was all the rage and I played it like a fool BUT I played it with a room full of my friends. These kids today never leave their room and only talk with others by texting. When I was 13, I may have been in my room along time alone, but I had a trusty Playboy or Penthouse with me, but I digress. You NEVER see a group of kids playing pick up football or hockey anymore. I grew up in Michigan and EVERY weekend, no matter the weather, a large, large group of kids would always team up and play each other, usually to the death, or at least until someone had to go to the hospital:) I again refer to my wife's kids, 16 and 18 year old and they have virtually NO interest in girls. All they care about are those video games. Man, at that age, that's ALL I could think about. Well, I guess I still think like that at age 40:rotf:. Anyways, I'm done with the rant as well. I could go on for days with my diatribes. And my wife thinks I'M the CRAZY one because I refuse to own a cellphone!!!!!

[Pilot]

Don't Get Me Started................

[Marcarl]

Years ago we walked where ever we went, or we rode a horse. We would talk to folks as we passed them, ask about things in their life and their families, we could tell if they were lying or if they told the truth, because we could see them. Then slowly on we got cars and we just waved and then the cars got windows and air conditioning and then the windows were tinted so that now we don't know who we are passing. The same goes for communications, first a letter, then the phone and now we have email. Can we really tell who's who from email?

This may seem a bit religious and probably is, but our world is being set up for a one world government, and how can that happen unless we as a general population are first isolated from each other? The progress is far advanced on this issue, but who cares? As long as we can live in our own little world, the government can do what they want, but when the beast finally takes over, it will be too late to stop it.

You mentioned that if we took away all the 'goodies' that we are so used to today that you could go right on living, not so. Take away one little thing - electricity - for only one week and see what kind of soup we would be in. What if we could no longer communicate via the internet, what would happen to production, food on the stores shelves, cars in the drive way, bottled water and the list goes on.

If we can go by how many people actually vote for government then we see how many people really care about what the future holds. If half the population doesn't care then that half will dictate to the rest of us how things will be, and those of us who care will be swept along with the masses whether we like it or not. We have seen so much change in our lives that we are quite used to closing our eyes to things we don't go along with, and then accept the change as 'that's life today'.

Aacchhh I could go on, but maybe you get my point

Carl

[rsstar]

Parents in this day and age need to become real parents.

We as a society need to stand up and say "enough" to crime , corruption, and politics that isn't in OUR best interest.

We need to get tough on crime. A lot more vigilantiism and less ACLU. I believe in tough love for kids, an eye for an eye, and my right to protect myself, my family and property with deadly force.

I believe in the elimination of child molesters, purverts and women beaters.

The security guard in Colorado had the right idea--eliminate the problem.

 

Did you watch Boston Legal this week? Did you hear what was said could be done with the money we are spending in Iraq and Afganistan? How can we afford this war when BEFORE we couldn't afford to provide basic medical care for the elderly? I believe the US is so far in debt that nothing will ever get us out. Do you agree that the National Guard is and was meant to be a military force to be used IN THE US and not overseas?? What does "NATIONAL" mean???????

 

My last thought; the US has for too many years, tried to impose our beliefs and ways of life on the world. It is time for the US to pull ALL military troops home, stop ALL foreign aid, build a 50 ft. wall on our southern border and TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN!! And if that mean nuking someone who tries to hurt our citizens then so be it. I'll bet that if we had nuked Iran back in the 80s we wouldn't have the problems in the Middle East that we do now!!!!

[Snarley Bill]

whats happened to america? it's called living in the fast lane. everyone is geared for the fast lane trying to pack two days into one.people are so far in debt they have to be in the fast lane to try to make there payments.it's so bad that the mortgage companies are so far in debt they are going under.teenagers are starting families in high school, and are buried before they get married.most will never get out of debt in their life time.my niece when she was 15 went to the doctor for a back ache and the doc told her she was pregnant she had a kid 2 weeks later.he's about nine years old and lived in an apartment almost his whole life.never had a yard to play in.really sad. still glad i'm as old as i am. probably check out before the big crash takes place. :depressed:

[E-Fishin-C]

Boy oh boy, I would like to put my too cents in but that 2 cents will end up to a 1000 bill so I'll just say your right:doh:

[wild hair 39]

vote

[Eck]

Dang, I just gotta say something now...

In my opinion, when the power of love overcomes the love of power we will finally get back on the yellow brick road to prosperity, peace and real fulfillment.

The younger generation, and even some of the present generation, I think, believe the odds of them winning the lottery are probably much higher than their odds of attaining The American Dream.

Every day, I get home from work and watch the news, I see The American Dream becoming more and more like the Impossible Dream.

 

The American Dream is no longer attainable by the majority of people. I'm about ready to retire, and am worried if I really can now.

Aren't you?

Who can really afford thier home? Heck, just the thought of purchasing a new home ..wow...considering the ridiculously high prices out there and enormous interest rates..(wolves and thieves)..?

What about decent jobs with stable companies arent these also a thing of the past??

It appears to me the prevailing mentality in our society today is that you can get something for nothing. There is a sense of "entitlement" and an expectation of wanting the good life without having to work hard for it, (or work at all..I'll just wait till I inherit it all).

 

This is reinforced, and glorified by the media with shows like “The Lifestyle of The Rich and Famous.” When all you see is glamour, but not the real hard work and sacrifice that goes into achieving such success. This only inspires more envy and the desire for a “get rich quick” scheme leading to the daily errosion of basic morality and personal integrity.

Take a look at the break down of "today's" family system. Both parents spend long working hours (sometimes just to make ends meet), their children left alone, being raised by peers, gangs and oh yea..TV.

Family values and compromised integrity simply don’t run parallel.

Children have become corrupted by default, increasingly turning to violence, which in turn negatively affects not only our way of life, but our economy as well.

I feel, when the power of love overcomes the love of power can will get back on the yellow brick road to real prosperity, have REAL peace and REAL fulfillment.

Indeed, the best things in life ......are free

[muffinman]

I agree on this one but the real porblem is lack of parenting for the most part that and people are not held responsible for their actions.I like video games computers ect but like has been said in moderation they are fine.Margaret says I was born 50 years to late I think she is right.I have a hard time controlling myself when dealing with the younger morons I work with because they think everything should be handed to them and that they should be able to hear the radio enywhere in the hanger even though the crap they listen to should not be on in a work enviorment.Dont get me started on that one.The world is definatly in trouble most of the guys I work with dont read give me a good book and a quit place and leave me alone.I can survive just fine without electricity and technology but they are nice to have especially to keep up with this family.

Jeff

[BoomerCPO]

Sadly our society here in the USA has evolved to a large degree where the words responsibility, accountability,honor,respect,and patriotism have been deposited into the toilet of PC'ism.

 

I don't want to live long enough to see just how bad it is going to get.

[Eck]

Im ready to go for a ride.......I need my theropy treatment...

[Bubbajbi]

I also think that part of the problem is the misinterpretation of the word prosperity. I am by no means a fiscally rich man. I make enough money to support my family and live comfortably. However, I do consider myself prosperous. I have a beautiful wife and son who love me, a great job that allows me to be home with them 3-4 days a week, a roof over my head, and food on the table (and a loyal dog). Sure I could take a second job on my days off and make a great deal more money, but then what becomes of my relationship with my family?

 

Our society had dictated that to be happy you need the latest car or gadget. We have replaced signifigance with success. Signifigance benefits others around you, success only benefits you. My grandfather taught that to my dad and my dad taught that to me and someday I will teach that to my children. This is not taught through words but through actions.

 

"Live your life so that the minister does not have to lie at your funeral!"

[Guest MotorCycleRadio]

It is truly a serious situation. That being said; I tend to be a positive kind of guy when I'm not b_______! So, I continue to vote and believe that our Country will survive. SRI but I'm 65 and I'm going riding. Someone else will have to do it.

[Snarley Bill]

It is truly a serious situation. That being said; I tend to be a positive kind of guy when I'm not b_______! So, I continue to vote and believe that our Country will survive. SRI but I'm 65 and I'm going riding. Someone else will have to do it.

it is a serious situation,i'm old enough that it really should'nt matter to me ,but for some reason i just can't stick my head up my butt and say well it will work it's way out.it ain't going to happen.it's like a cancer working on our country .i have been around long enough to witness the deterioration.i do my best to get the message out there.i would like to be able to say i don't care but i still love my freedom and my country.and i can't just sit back and say everything is going to be okay cuz it ain't that easy.bill

[Orrin]

Gentlemen and ladies! You don't like what you see around you with the kids, TV, welfare, etc. You get the idea. Please get invovled with your schools and your children and grandchildren. You have the power to do something about it.

 

I rant too, so I am not one bit better than you, but I can suggest a solution. And if you got this far you just read the solution. This is a participatory democracy. Get involved.

[Older...]

All comments here have been great, but who is listening to we the people? "Vote" has been stated, but I believe even our vote is not heard. I believe this president was appointed against the wishes of the majority of voters. I was told to get over it, that's the way it is.

With that I will end my rant.

PS: this country needs change bad, we're broke, we're devided, we're dumbed down, and without the clout of nukes controled by our corrupt leadership we'd already be overthrown by (fill in the blanks.)

[Gray Ghost]

Just before Thanksgiving I was priviledged to watch a fine group of young people graduate from Basic training at Fort Benning. And last year I was extremely priviledged to work around some of the finest young men and women our country has produced, unassuming young people who love life but tended to put others first. Yep we have our problems as a society, and while I vote I don't expect government to ever solve social problems, but I am not dismayed by what I see on TV or read in the papers.

 

I can imagine that there were a lot of folks who looked at the generation growing up during the "Roaring Twenties" and thought that they would never amount to anything, but they were part of what we now call the "Greatest Generation."

 

So, my two cents only and a Merry Christmas to all.

[hipshot]

i am by no means an "authority", but - - - i think it all began, when parents started calling their "offspring", KIDS!!!!

instead of "children"!!!!!

kids, are baby goats!

just my humble opinion.

check google, for dates!

just jt

[Snarley Bill]

All comments here have been great, but who is listening to we the people? "Vote" has been stated, but I believe even our vote is not heard. I believe this president was appointed against the wishes of the majority of voters. I was told to get over it, that's the way it is.

With that I will end my rant.

PS: this country needs change bad, we're broke, we're devided, we're dumbed down, and without the clout of nukes controled by our corrupt leadership we'd already be overthrown by (fill in the blanks.)

it's not the politcal party that is causing problems in our goverment ,it's the human beings that run it .whats the alternative? as long as there is greed in human beings.it does'nt matter whos in there it ain't going to get any better. we have a wonderful choice on both side of the slate again this time.i always vote because i can't complain and express my feelings if i don't.it's just a matter of who am i going to vote against this time.it would be great to be able to vote for someone for a change. as long as our government keeps expanding with buracracy.it is going to keep declining.too many people trying to tap our pockets on both sides of the political fence.we really have a wonderful choice of canidates again this time.lol name one candidate that gives to hoots in hell about you and me.that being said our government is still better than the alternative.how would you like to wake up in the morning in red china or iran or looking out your window at a picture of sodom hussien.i will back my president no matter who it is cuz i'm an american and he was picked by the majority.right or wrong i will still back my government and country 100% before i will weaken it in the eyes of the rest of the world, like these derelect hollywood commies and the commies that have infitrated the colleges and news media do. maybe we should write in sean penn or whoopy goldberg, or martin sheen.they seem to know everything.what a fiasco hollywood has made out of our country and our electoral proccess. just my opinion.i still love my country and this earth and nature.it brings a tear to my eye when i see what human beings are doing to the awsome beautiful place we were given, to make the best of or destroy.looks like we have chosen to destroy it.bill

[spear]

food on the table (and a loyal dog).

 

That's all you need brother, not necessarily in that order!

[MrRadi8]

It seems like everywhere you look today we are developing alternate ways to communicate. Talking face to face has all but disappeared.

 

And as I type this on the web forum... :rotf:

Sorry. I agree with much of it but I just had to say it.