Is this nation going down faster than we think?....

[elf]

:
My husband, my 12years old daughter and me came on an h- visa to the USA in 96 in the middle of the Olympics in Atlanta.
(remember the downing of TWA 800 and the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics...) We came with some strange feelings and where not sure about, if we are save on our trip.

Our home was a bit north of Atlanta in a very nice "Golf Community"

Everybody home in Germany was a bit or even more jealous, that we had this opportunity to go to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !

We planned to be here for two years but we and our daughter felt so good and connected to this country and it's people that we are here now since 11 years.

We are totally happy with our lives, our daughter joins Seattle University. We lived there, but then went back to a shore (FL) we both are from the North Sea in Germany.

What I really want to tell you is,


OUR PEOPLE IN GERMANY DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE, WHY WE ARE STILL HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


See my dear DUers , we found a way to feel well.
The bad thing is, we can't vote (green Card)

But because I'm able I can donate a lot..............and I do! I go to my lawful limit.





Now we are back to my first question...................the Nation is in peril............


Power outage in NY

Steam pipes exploding in NY (build in 1920)

New Orleans under Water

bad management for disasters all over the country!!!

And now the bridges...............!!





Living here since 11 years, I see this country going down so fast.

What a difference since 1996.


Because I'm so much interested in politics, I'm stunned, that most of Americans just go "with the flow"


I love this Land so much and suffer, that most Americans just do not care.




I hope, that this Administration will be hold responsible, for the damage they did to this wonderful Country!!!

It will take decades to restore the greatness of this land or they will eventually pick the right person to be president of

MY BELOVED STATES OF AMERICA to bring the real meaning of this country out into the world..

I hope so much for the awakening of the people and I do whatever I can do even though I can't vote......................

[NMDemDist2]

1. sometimes it's like watching your child (or your waistline) grow

we see it everyday and don't realize the changes as they creep up

:cry:

[elf]

2. don't cry...........

............there is always a way to do something..................I'm still hoping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not so sure you are sarcastic, but I don't think so....................

[babylonsister]

3. elf, you are a sweetheart! And I hope this admin will be held responsible, too.

I'm very glad you found DU, and I think we are awake. The question is, what can we do about it?

[elf]

4. What can we do about it??!!

My dear DU friend.................I just don't know, because all of these "high leveled" politicians are somehow connected to industries or pharmacy or even more important right now OIL INDUSTRY

[Senator]

6. Perhaps you can help with your friends in Germany

We are working hard for impeachment here. And we are hopeful we may win at least that "public objection."

But it will be much harder to do what is really needed -- to have bushcheney charged and punished for their war crimes. Americans are too well trained to remain in denial about such harsh realities about "their own." This is why war crimes treaties are written so that prosecution can be done by any signing member country. It is known that it is nearly impossible to expect that nations will be willing and/or able to prosecute their own war criminals -- which would be best.

Our best hope for this needed prosecution rests in Germany (and also Italy). There are charges being filed there.

Maybe you can urge your German friends to help the American People by demanding that trials go forward there. It may be the only way to fully awaken this country to what has been done in their names.

---

[Viva_La_Revolution]

37. A cry for help, broadcasted Internationally!

Remember the "I'm Sorry" etc. sites? Maybe we need to set up a "Please Impeach Bush" site?


I think I may be on to something.... :evilgrin:

[Divine Discontent]

5. thank you for your support for Democratic virtues!

excellent post!!
Speak your message to all who will listen wherever you go...

[wake.up.america]

7. Ich bin froh dass ich nicht in Amerika wohne. Nein danke!

[Jackpine Radical]

14. Man kann hier bleiben und kampfen, oder übergeben und Amerika verlassen.

"Hier stehe ich. Ich kann nichts anders."

[Mira]

33. Gott helfe uns allen

[Canuckistanian]

18. Ich auch.

Ich sehe die Verwirrung in America und Ich bin dankbar daß Ich in Kanada wohnen.

[ClayZ]

8. Thank you elf, what a great post! K and R

I lived here all of my 57 years, except 2 in your beautiful country, Germany and 2 in Spain.

I know what you mean! This country has almost gone to "hell in a handbasket" since bu$h got selected.

Your post gives me hope!

[girl gone mad]

9. death by a thousand cuts...

it's easy to ignore until it becomes too late.

[tom_paine]

10. The short answer to your question is most likely YES!

It was going down MUCH faster than everybody thought in 2001-2, when even here at DU, mentioning the fact that I happened to notice, from a carefully weighed historic perspective, that the Bush/Rove/O'Reilly strategy, closely mimicked Nazi strategies (in virtually all areas save overt racism and open violence, though these are always the "last shoes to drop", if you catch my meaning).

Back then, in 2001 and 2002, even on DU, most people though I, and everyone else saying this, was nuts. It could NEVER happen here, they said. They pendulum will swing back, they said.

I answered with that great German psychologist, Karl Jaspers, who lived through and foresaw the rise of the Nazis, as people here who have known for a long time have watched in horror of the rise of the Bushies.

"All over the world I dread the self-deception which we have experienced - that this could not happen here. It can happen anywhere. It is improbable only where the broad masses of the population are aware of the possible menace and thus will not be lulled into security; where they know the type of totalitarianism and will recognize it in its rudimentary stages and in each of its manifestations - this Proteus who keeps appearing in ever new masks, who slips eel-like out of our grasp, who does the opposite of what he says, who distorts the meaning of words, who speaks not in order to communicate or tell the truth, but in order to numb, to distract, to hypnotize, to intimidate, to dupe - who will exploit and evoke every fear, and will promise security and utterly wreck it at the same time.

Totalitarianism is neither Communism nor fascism nor National Socialism, but it has appeared in all of these forms. It is the universal, terrible threat of the future of mankind in a mass order. It is a phenomenon of our age, detached from all the politics governed by principles of a historic national existence of constitutional legality."

http://evans-experientialism.freewebspace.com/jaspers02.htm

In both cases, said rises meant the literal end of freedom, and the destruction of the libreal-leaning philosophy of the nation that had come before, Weimar Germany in the 20s and the Old American Republic post WWII-2000.

When I started saying these things (not even as propehsies, but as concerns and possible predictions of the future), at least 70% of DUers insinuated I was crazy, a tinfoilhatter. :tinfoilhat:.

Now, amazingly, seven years later and things are so much more obvious, a mere 40% of DUers scorn the thought that, in fact it IS happening here (it is always different, so if you wait for Amerikan fascosts to advertise with swastika armbands, you will likely have a long wait).

That number goes up to 90% (down from 98% six years ago) in mixed groups of people.

Yes, the nation is going down faster than everyone thinks in all ways: economically, socially, diplomatically, Constitutionally (what Constitution? Amerika is ruled by Imperial Fiat) and sure, the crumbing infrastructure is part of our overall tranisiton on all levels to Third World Status.

But the Royal Bushies have a plan. As things get worse they known EXACTLY what to do:

Find a scapegoat, probably the Jews... I mean Liberals, and reprogram their Fox-watching weak-minded Authoritarian Follwers to go after that scapegoat, which coincidentally, is the scapegoat this cult has already been trained to hate, so it will be easy.

Again I say, there is a 98% chance that the answer to your question, sadly, is YES!

[elf]

19. thank you for this wonderful response

It's always good to be with DUers. Gives me always some relief.

Please watch the video clip from response # 13 BRENT BUDOWSKY He said wonderful things.

Let's not stop to hope and do everything to help turn this country back to where it should be.

Thanks to all of you!

[tom_paine]

21. You are right, and it IS important to remember hope

and not to give up!

[blondie58]

11. what a great post, elf and you are so right

I don't understand the high level of apathy in this country. I suspect that a good portion of it is that people are just busy- busy trying to take care of their families on one or sometimes two jobs.

There are so many things that need to be changed. We really need to get money out of politics. When the drug companies and the pharmaceutacol companies can write the laws that they benefit from, when they can "buy" the vote of their candidate- something is wrong.

Yeah, and the Bush administration has done severe damage not just to our country- but to our reputation. We have created so many more enemies.

[polichick]

12. I'm not sure why, but most Americans are complacent...

As Michael Moore points out in Sicko, people in other countries take to the streets in a huge way and demand change.

Seems some Americans stay too doped up on their current distraction to pay much attention, and others have post traumatic stress disorder and are unable to react.

[Perry Logan]

13. Here's someone with a positive message for the future...

Brent Budowsky on Life in 2009:
http://www.chbn.com/Clip.aspx?key=EF722A8399F7EA5F

[femrap]

15. Bless you, elf...

I, too, wish the American people would WAKE UP and become more involved with politics...as the British gentleman said in "Sicko," (paraphrasing)...Keeping people demoralized and/or in fear is to keep them quiet and out of politics.

And this administration has lots of ways to keep us quiet...I just got a letter from the IRS about 2005 taxes...I didn't even have a job that year.

Edited for typo

[Doctor_J]

16. I wonder why I am still here

And I have lived here for my entire 50 years. Too afraid to change, I guess. But hardly a week goes by that I don't feel shame for being too timid to get the fuck out of here.

[Greyhound]

17. Alpharetta? I'm surprised your head didn't explode. Talk about an extreme

riech-wing enclave. As for the rest of your post, yes we've been sinking faster and faster since the 80's and the sheep just keep ignoring how thin the flock is getting as the wolves circle.

We are at the point where fixing the problems is more expensive than just tearing the whole thing down and rebuilding. The problem with that is that the credit card is maxed out and there are no savings to finance it any longer. Since you're still German citizens you will have the opportunity to leave and you can say you saw, first-hand, the purposeful destruction of the greatest idea in history.

[elf]

20. Yes, Alpharetta.................

I lived there 9 years and survived by avoiding any invitation from my neighbors, not going to their "charity event" btw. they collected only $750.000 in 10 Years!!!!!! When they collected for a home for battered children and their mothers, I gave them $250.000 to make the 1 million full. What a shame to live in those mansions and give so little. I wrote them an "nice" letter with the check!!!!

[Greyhound]

40. Sounds like we knew the same people. More money than they could ever use

and a lack of compassion and charity that would make Ebeneezer Scrooge wince.

I really wonder what they think will happen as we go down this road. Do they believe they are safe?

Did you know or ever meet Leonard Tate? One of the best human beings I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

[elf]

22. a kick for the daytime DUers......................

it helps so much to read the responses! :toast:

[HamdenRice]

23. GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!

As a German surely you can understand when it's time to get out of a country, no?

In fact, if I was one of your European friends, I'd be asking, "WHAT THE FUCK ARE THEY STILL DOING THERE???"

On edit: I should explain that as someone whose family has been here for over 2 centuries (not including the Native American ancestors), and most of whose ancestors went through slavery and emancipation, I'm not planning on going anywhere. But if I were someone who only had a decade invested in this country, I'd be out of here in a New York minute.

[radfringe]

24. not to dismiss your assessment

I think you are correct..... and it has given me an idea for a toon

will give you a hattip -- watch for it tomorrow

[radfringe]

25. k&r

[Mrs. Overall]

26. K & R

Very thoughtful and moving post!

[leaninglib]

27. Could be. But as more and more boomers retire the decline will surely accelerate.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

38. that's 10 years in the future... I'm worried about 2 years from now.

:scared:

[leaninglib]

42. I wouldn't worry too much about the next two years...

After all, within two years the office of the POTUS will be occupied by someone far more competent than its present occupant.

[Arugula Latte]

28. Much of this nation has become like a second- or third world country

Pockets of extreme wealth exist, gated away from the rot and decay and crime of large swaths of this nation.

It is a disgrace.

We have been dis-graced.

This country had so much potential, and it squandered it upon the altar of corporatism.

This is the sad result -- uninsured people dying, unsafe streets, people in bankruptcy, low-paying mindnumbing jobs, environmental degradation, a cheap bread-and-circuses mass culture ...

Too many Americans are too ignorant (probably by design) to realize what has happened or even to care ...

I weep for this nation.

You are lucky you have the option of going back to Europe.

[provis99]

29. read an article today about Americans migrating to Canada

Apparently the numbers are as high as they were during the dark days of the Vietnam War. Its a powerful statement that the political situation is so screwed up that people throw in the towel and move to another country, not because of economic reasons, but because they've lost faith in recapturing the essential values of America.

[ChiciB1]

30. Someone Initially From Another Country Has Finally Said What So

many of us here have been feeling! Does anyone here wonder why many of us spell this country AmeriKA?? I don't know the country I was born in, I don't know how it got so bad, but I do know it's bad and it's going to get worse. I've been saying this for quite some time now.

What happened to "We The People?" IMO, we have become "We The Sheeple". I know many will disagree with me, however I heard a woman from Florida say this on C-Span this morning or yesterday morning. This OP is almost word for word what she said, EXCEPT she said that the people of this country no longer take time to actually DO much about it. Far too many don't vote, far too many let others think for them and far too many only LISTEN to what they want to hear!

I must say I agree wholeheartedly. That's why so many of us blog ourselves into oblivion because we know that too many others aren't willing to come along with us and "fight the fight!" I know this first hand because I can't tell you how many times I've gone to meetings or get-togethers by myself. I've tried so many times to involve others, some say they will come along but when the time comes they say they have something else to do. Some of it may be where I live, but I think too many are afraid of what others might think of them. I've been told numerous times that I'm far too political, but I say to them that EVERYTHING POLITICAL will impact their lives in some way.

As one who lived through Viet Nam when we felt we could actually DO SOMETHING, I feel so alone so much of the time. Do we have to wait until this country is in complete ruin before we DO Something?

What shall we do? Who fiddled while Rome burned? What we saw in Congress today should be a wake-up call to all citizens, but I know it won't be. I just spent a week with my 5 sisters and all they wanted to do is SHOP! I tried several times to watch Washington Journal as I always do and the outcry from them was a shock. They said we only got together once a year so we should enjoy it. I understand that, but to simply not want to know surprised me.

Because one of my sisters is from Texas and a Repuke, the other sisters didn't want to upset the apple-cart, so if the TV WAS turned on it was to see what the WEATHER was! I try and try to make others SEE, but most think everything is just peachy-keen!

I so WISH we could WAKE THIS COUNTRY UP, because if we don't we are going to pay a very heavy price!!

Thank you for your post... but I don't know what to do. Petitions, phone calls and letters just AIN'T cutting it folks, but I feel all I have is my little screen in front of me that doesn't do anything but sit here until I make it run.

[spag68]

31. We should look to Germany for guidance

Solar and renewable energy is a top priority there. The best pv and thermal setups are made there. Wonder why our pols. can't see the future. By the way my granny was Teresa Hildegaard Elizabeth Mousehart Snyder, so I'm proud and glad, they came in 1906.

[broadcaster]

32. My comments...

1. We've not been engaged as citizen/voters for decades and so here we are with a mess.

2. Congress has abrogated its checks/balances, enforcement role under Bush, and
here we are with a mess.

3. Unless citizen/voters take the situation seriously, it is going to get worse.

4. We are now in deep peril, as Bush/Cheney are playing six levels deep, and our
Democratic leadership is still baking cupcakes to take to the WH.

my opinion.

[Like It Is]

34. All you have to do is outlast Bush.

I hope you donated your money to Joe Biden, He's the best and he can use it.

[Comadreja]

35. From Republic to Empire.

No Senate, no Vox Populi. War is normalized as the Legions expand corporate wealth. "I'm Spartacus!"

"As distinct from other people on this earth, most Americans do not recognize - or do not want to recognize - that the United States dominates the world through its military power. Due to government secrecy, they are often ignorant of the fact that their government garrisons the globe. They do not realize that a vast network of American military bases on every continent except Antarctica actually constitutes a new form of empire." Chalmers Johnson The Sorrows of Empire: Militarism, Secrecy, and the End of the Republic

[Viva_La_Revolution]

36. proud to Recommend!

People like you are why America is (was?) what it is. :hug:

[radfringe]

39. it's not a sucking sound, it's a flushing one

Don't miss a toon - sign up for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION Radical Fringe on Comics Sherpa

[Perry Logan]

41. Six years of right-wing government have taken their toll.

The infant mortality rate is going up for the first time in 40 years.

[Totally Committed]

43. Um, yes it is.

Sad but true.

TC