A retrospective evaluation, by a civilization sometime in the future. by D.R. Starr II
(centrist)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
It is said that hindsight is 20/20, it is on this premise this article is written. I don't claim to see the future nor is it meant as prophecy, it is simply a theoretical exploration in retrospect.
It is difficult to isolate a single cause for Americas decline and fall. However, the most contributing factor would appear to be the disintegration of the justice system. History has shown that no society can exist without some form of law, and perceived justice. That the masses must have faith in the law, and that it is possible to receive some form of justice. If the masses feel that they have no opportunity for justice, at the very best, you have civil unrest, at the worst, revolution.
The irony of Americas decline and fall, is that the country began from a perceived tyranny being committed by the King of England on the colonists. The colonists motivation for revolution was "taxation without representation", A perceived injustice. Americas civil war was another example of perceived injustice, southern states felt that the federalists were usurping authority over the rights of individual states.
At the beginning of the 21st century it was reported that while America accounted for only 5% of the worlds population, it had 25% of the worlds incarcerated population. This seems to be contradictory to Americas basic principles of freedom. Prisons became a private for profit industry. Many were of the opinion, that the rise in incarceration was due to Americas war on drugs. A large number of Americans saw the hypocrisy of the drug war when it was brought to light that the CIA, a secretive arm of the American government, was complicit in the importation of drugs into America, using the money to buy arms, to supply a rebellious faction known as the contra in overthrowing the Nicaraguan government. Had this occurred post 9/11 they would have been deemed "Terrorists". (More info.)This would not be an immediate contributing factor, but would in time, create a contempt for the government, law enforcement, and the justice system. Prior to this, the same organization in conjunction with the executive branch, was discovered to have been selling arms to Iran to release hostages being held in Iran. Contrary to an arms embargo initiated by the American government.(More info) During Pres. George W. Bush's term in office, legislation was passed called the "patriot act", a highly controversial legislation, claimed by many to have basically dismissed the American bill of rights.
Another contributing factor may have been the perceived hypocrisy relating to human rights. Decrying the abuse of dissidents and protesters by other countries around the world, while America is committing the same acts on American citizens. I.E. Iran using tear gas and flash bang grenades on political demonstrators. (Video: Iran, America) Also, condemning other countries for the mistreatment of it's citizens in relation to labor. While American companies are reported for it's abuse of labor around the world.( More info)
Financial irresponsibilities, unrestrained spending by the government, over taxation, and uneven distribution of political influence played a major role, and appears to have been what lit the fuse and in effect was the beginning of the end. It was the invention of television and instant news, that began what was then labeled "sound bites", which was to be exploited by political parties and individuals to sway public opinion. Along with an atmosphere that all is fair in elections. Those who were elected into office, made a career of being re-elected, no matter the cost, no matter the method. Large corporations would gain political influence by donating to an election fund, and/or using lobbyists (A lobbyist is a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest or a member of a lobby.)
Also in the 21st century a major financial crisis occurred that threatened to collapse the entire American economy. Large financial institutions and corporations were bailed out with public funds, while individual Americans were losing their jobs and all they owned. This began a class war. American citizens perceived an injustice, and felt that they had no opportunity for justice because by this time the entire elected government was so corrupt, that whoever had the most money had the loudest voice, which allowed favorable laws to to be written, passed, and put into effect, that literally placed corporate interests above the American people, and the common good. This to the citizenry showed it was obvious that the great experiment had failed.
Apathy, and cynicism became the status quo among individual Americans, they felt that judges were bought, paid for, and were appointed, who would rule in favor of big business over the American people, elections were rigged, and justice could be bought, and those who could not afford a good lawyer didn't stand a chance in court up against those who had armies of attorneys on retainer, with a common practice of keeping it in the courts so long, that any opposition would, 1.) Go broke, or 2.) Give up.
So you can see how the perception of injustice came about, and in the end caused the decline and fall of America.
This article is intended to prompt America to take a good look at itself, and realize this is a real and probable outcome. Whether revolution by citizenry into socialism or a fascist take over, America cannot survive on it's present course.
I'm just say'n
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