As we near the end of this decade it is a good time to reflect on where we stand at this moment in history. It’s not really standard cheerful holiday fare but here goes.
Half the country hates or doesn’t want the duly elected President. The other half likes or tolerates the Chief Executive.
The two main political parties remain locked in a pathetic never-ending dance of mutual destruction that has next to nothing to do with what’s best for the country.
Those in law enforcement are dispirited by overwork, lack of funds and a bitter feeling that they are under appreciated by the communities they serve.
Many in minority or poor areas continue to feel the deck is stacked against them during every interaction with police or the courts.
Mass shooters – those who shoot or kill more than four people in one incident – continue to take innocent lives at record breaking speeds. There were more mass shootings in the U.S. in 2019 than days in the year, more than 400 separate incidents so far. An unknown number of active serial killers roam America, some experts put the number in the thousands, resulting in countless unsolved murders.
More than 34,000 people died from gun-related violence this year, another 25,000 were injured.
Still, the only solution our elected officials can come up with is to pass more restrictive gun laws which, of course, will only be ignored by criminals with guns.
It is reported that on average 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner – more than 12 million men and women every year. Heartbreaking crimes against hundreds of thousands of children happened this year. Crimes that included physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation through child pornography or sex trafficking. About 2,000 of these children died but Washington doesn’t keep accurate track because no state reports their child death statistics as required by law.
Embarrassingly crude and criminal content is posted on the internet and will live there for future generations to digest. Those in charge of removing it hide behind the First Amendment as cover for their failures. Children get cellphones and other gadgets that allow them to retreat from reality for hours on end, exposing them to the lurid postings of sick minds and teaching them that it is okay to tune out the world. Their narrow-minded internet exposure helps foster the lack of tolerance for others’ opinions.
Yet, there was positive news this year. There is increased prosperity across the land. The economy is strong. The United States has now become the largest oil producing nation in the world, thanks to expanded crude oil output from New Mexico, Wyoming and North Dakota. More Americans than ever before are employed and wages continue to rise. College enrollments across all groups continues to rise and racial and ethnic diversity is now the accepted norm. Opportunities for individual advancement are there for those who strive to succeed.
But money alone doesn’t solve intrinsic problems. Refocusing priorities does. We need to rethink our values and realize that when we focus solely on what’s wrong we only diminish our future. When we help the young, the abused, the mentally ill we are, at the same time, strengthening both our safety and our national soul.
At the core we are a good and honorable people living in a country founded on solid principles: freedom of religion, opinion and the right to live life the way one chooses as long as it doesn’t harm another. Across America there are countless stories of people helping troubled neighbors, strangers pitching in after a natural disaster, charitable organizations assisting the elderly, disabled and feeding and housing families after a fire or flood.
Now, if we could only punch out of our political schism and find a way to draw on our better selves to address the country’s problems. Think of what could be achieve if we just stopped fighting.
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Reader Mary Ann Edwards writes:
Diane,
Indeed, the strong economy isn’t enough..and.. we are a country of good an honorable people and principals.
Dig deeper…why in our robust economy are there these atrocities you mentioned happening? Why the opioid epidemic? Why the unconscionable abuse of children…why the human trafficking? Why the push to legalize marijuana despite the issues caused by smoking it? Why 60 million or more abortions since Roe, why the uptick in mass shootings? Has it always been this way in our country or is something else going on?
What do you think?
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Mary Ann Edwards
Diane replies to Mary Ann:
Honestly, I think its a combination of things.
*The breakdown of the two parent family,
*declining church attendance,
*courts that are sometimes too lenient,
*lack of security at our borders (and the US mail system) allowing drugs in to the country,
*lack of beds for patients in need of meaningful mental health care,
*too many guns in the hands of the wrong people,
*disrespect for officers of the law,
*police brutality which breeds disrespect
I could go on but I think you get my drift. I honestly think good citizenship begins and ends at home.
Perfect!! Couldn’t agree more….
Reader Luis Hernandez writes:
This is the greatest country in the world. That’s why folks from all over the world seek the USA to take advantages of our freedoms and endless opportunities.
My biggest concern is the deficit but that wont be solved in my lifetime. Both conservatives and liberals are happy with putting this off.
Reader Scott Wilson replies to Luis Hernandez:
It is too big to fix, the entitlements that would have to be cut would be the end of every politicians careers that voted for them. Republicans have learned that everytime they try the democrats slam them as heartless bastards so unless a democrat leads the reforms needed it will never happen.
Luis Hernandez replies to Scott Wilson:
Not too big to fix. But agree with the rest. Both sides are the blame though.
Reader Susan Berkowitz Karsin writes:
Get through the nonsense and it’s all good for our country.
Reader Bill Voinovich writes:
LOTS of stuff needs to be fixed, most notably, WASHINGTON.
Until THAT’S repaired, we’re all pretty much still screwed.
Reader Joe DiGaetano writes:
I was in 9/11and was proud to serve this country as I do now Fall in!
As always, your views, perceptions, and assessments are “Spot On”! You consistently “tell it like it is” without bias, animosity, sarcasm, or criticism. You are to me, and to your loyal followers and admirers “The most trusted and honest journalist” in the Nation!
Reader Cliff Darnell writes:
I don’t think your assessment of the crime statistics are right. Things are much much better Statistacly speaking.
Diane replies to Cliff:
I invite you to click on the links I provide to the statements I made.
Reader Steve Liddick writes:
I believe American Democracy is so damaged that it can’t heal itself. Those who could make the repairs hold the controls and will keep them even if it destroys the America of our better days.
NOTE TO READERS; Mine is a syndicated column which is carried by newspapers/news sites nationwide. It is distributed by Creators Syndicate. The following thread appeared at the Creators site. It struck me as so important I re-post it here in its entirety.
>>>Michael •
” Yet, there was positive news this year. There is increased prosperity across the land. The economy is strong. The United States has become the largest oil-producing nation in the world, thanks to expanded crude oil output from New Mexico, Wyoming and North Dakota. More Americans than ever before are employed, and wages continue to rise. College enrollment across all groups continues to rise, and racial and ethnic diversity is now the accepted norm. Opportunities for individual advancement are there for those who strive to succeed.”
I do not see that at all: -The 2 most common jobs are waiters and retail salesmen. Both are minimum wage jobs and very unstable.
-America has become the world’s largest oil producer but the average American gains nothing from it. Compare America to Saudi Arabia who ranks 2nd. Their citizens get a whole range of amenities from Oil revenues including practically no taxes, paid vacation, paid eduction, and a lifestyle that would be the envy of Americans if they knew. The oil profits go to the oil companies and their shareholders. They do not share and we continue to pay top dollar for our gasoline. I take no comfort knowing that some rich oil tycoon has made a few more billion dollars to spend on his hired girls and drugs for his parties.
-Household Debt is now at 13 Trillion dollars. The Average American worker works to pay debt. He does not save any money. Often he uses his credit card to make ends meet. Credit card debt is at 1.3 trillion, College loan debt is at 1.6 Trillion. College graduates are flipping burgers to pay off debt and due to that cannot raise a family or have to delay having kids or buying a home.
-Opportunities went with Outsourcing. When President Clinton signed NAFTA in 93 Corporations used those laws to outsource everything from jobs to companies. Good well paying jobs are shipped abroad so that a Taiwanese will be paid less for that well paid job.
Benebeth replies to Michael •
You need to rethink only waiters and clerks need apply. I know otherwise.
Oil means more money into America and less relying on the Saud’s and that is a good thing. Look it up.
Household debt? Not since we put the kids through college. Thanks to Trump our 401k has soared into the upper stratosphere. Life is good.
Outsourcing and you gripe? Why? Is your job being eliminated? Companies are now outsourcing HR and payables. No big news there.
Michael to Benebeth •
One of the biggest problems of outsourcing is that Social Security to Medicare lose. The deductions from our paychecks does not apply to overseas employees . Outsourcing has also outsourced the Middle Class
More oil means more profits for Oil companies and their shareholders, not for us price at the gas station should have significantly dropped.
Our economy or government are not obliged to meet the needs of locals. from agra Business to the Oil industry are dictated by world prices. They will be sold to the highest bidder regardless if Americans are starving or cannot afford energy. Obviously in many Arab nations the needs of the people come first when oil is sold.
-Household debt is too much. Back before Reagan the national debt was 550 billion Today it is 22 Trillion and servicing that debt per year is now 600 billion. Trump’s taxes benefited the rich and any break the average person got from those taxes was negated by the Tariffs
-I stated that the prevailing jobs are waiters and sales agents.. These are lowing paying jobs that are easily eliminated
Benebeth to Michael •
It seems to me your household debt is your problem, not mine. Buy what you can afford.
Job eliminated? TV repairman or fast food worker since kiosks are everywhere. Checkers at Walmart is another one since most people do their own checkout.
As far as the middle class goes, I think they are doing fine. Their 401k is growing and interest rates are rising after being flat during the obama years.
So there you have it. America is in great shape. Bring it on.
Michael to Benebeth •
I wish each household’s debt had nothing to do with the national debt but when foreclosures start adding up and people cannot pay off their credit card debt, car loans or student loans it effects the banks. They are overloaded by bad loans. When that happens banks cannot borrow.
When people can longer afford to buy what is normally consumed retail is hit hard. Buying what you can afford means food stamps at best.
No the American middle class is dead and it has nothing to do with your infatuation over 401K. It has do with debt and lack of jobs.
Benebeth to Michael •
No Plan B when you buy a house? We had a Plan B.
We also never bought what we could not afford and I remember buying a house in 1982 with 12-1/2 interest.
Debt, as I said, is your problem, and what lack of jobs. Where have you been? Mars? Our SIl, whose degrees are in finance and economics, started applying and within two weeks was offered three jobs.
Thanks to Trump, the middle class and upper-middle-class is alive and kicking.
Michael to Benebeth •
Economists, Financial institutes and government policy makers see it my way. The debt of a nation includes the debt of its people & businesses. the consumer habits are an integral aspect when calculating the health of an economy. We do not live in that bubble where the debt of a family has no relevance to the debt of the nation.
Benebeth to Michael •
LOL Oh spare me! You think I’m a rookie here? I’m married to a CFO who agrees with me!
Move along ——–>
Michael to Benebeth •
This is pathetic when you have to resort to pulling out personal credentials because you lost on merit. Well I am the leading CEO in Silicone valley.
Benebeth to Michael •
There ya go! California! The land of fruits and nuts!
Michael to Benebeth •
I suggest you ask your hubby if family debt matters to a nation before you max out his credit cards.
Benebeth to Michael •
We have credit card debt? Since when? /// He laughed when I told him about you. People buying what they cannot afford. Youngsters buying a house they cannot afford because they want the same life they grew up with. Going to a college they cannot afford and for a worthless degree. Yes, it all adds up, doesn’t it. Everything I’ve done in life is something I could afford.
Michael to Benebeth •
You know what? you do not have a husband and sound immature to be an adult. I suspect you are too young and the internet is your world where you have no clue about economics, geopolitics and do not care. I hate to imagine that you are in fact a grown up person with a child’s mind.
Benebeth to Michael •
On my God, thank you so much. I try to keep a young persona for my writing. I’m 68 and my husband is 70 and our children and their spouses are all in their 40’s.
Not that that is any of your business.
I am positive I have tweeds older than you.
Michael to Benebeth •
If you are what you claim then maybe you can explain things to me. How does an American buy a car without taking a loan? most Americans do not buy a car with cash on hand. Please apply the same question to all household furnishings, house. Few if any American buys a home with cash. they take a mortgage.
Benebeth to Michael •
Well, we had car loans back in the day and the loans were three years at our request. As we aged we could pay in cash. I remember going to Haverty’s outlet for furniture once upon a time and as time went on we bought nicer things plus we inherited antiques. Nothing uncool. One thing was a bass fiddle a grandfather played in a Chicago dance band. A table from 1888 that my french grandfather used as a kid. Things like that. I tell people do not buy new, go to an antique store, or junk store as they are called where I live. If you can find primitive, buy it. Usually people have no idea what they are selling. Same goes for books. My most valuable first editions I bought at a yard sale for a quarter.
As far as a home goes, don’t buy what the realtor says you can afford. Don’t look for your dream home. Start small and grow. Our first house didn’t have a garage or a/c. We bought bigger and better as went on but my theory is if you have an attached garage and a dishwasher and a/c and the master bedroom has its own bath, what more do you need?
Husband is still working and when he does retire, we are moving to a tax-friendly state. Arkansas is not tax-friendly and Tennessee is and we’ve lived there before and liked it.
Michael to Benebeth •
Me too. I own and live in a nationally registered historic home built in 1840 – Pre civil war and played a central role in that war. I too buy antiques and I have been a home owner and a landlord. I owned and lost and owned again but in all my dealings it involved getting mortgages, I never bought anything with cash because I never had that much cash in the first place. Anyway thanks for sharing a bit about your life. Merry Christmas
Benebeth to Michael •
Likewise. Merry Christmas. /// …and I stand by my statement….Life in America is good and considering the last administration’s flop, we are grateful. I can see past the trees also. Some believe what talking heads tell them. Me, I have a brain of my own. Nobody tells me what to say or think. Sad to say but I have no solution for the inner city youth crime. Where are the parents, or should I say mothers. Today I read about a nine year old in Illinois setting a fire that killed five and now he is undergoing a psychological evaluation for competency. Outside the Barnard campus a fourteen year old teen is wanted for the stabbing murder of a coed. Both of them are black. If I could wave a magic wand I certainly would. This is outrageous and the people in the inner city need to take better care of their youth but I have been saying this for over forty years.
So, Merry Christmas, Diane. You do a great job.
Diane Dimond replies:
Thank you so much!! I hope your holidays are glorious…both of you. This was a FASCINATING give–and-take here between you, Benebeth and Michael. I’m going to repost the entire thing on my website. You two precisely laid out the “great divide” in American thinking today. Glass half full / glass half empty. I especially loved at the end of your thread how you two began to talk about your lives to each other, the tone got softer… that was nice. Happy 2020 to both of you!! Diane
Thanks for sharing this discussion! It’s nice to see two people with different opinions carry on a debate for so long and not end up Trumpin’ each other. Civility and respect seems to be very rare these days when people disagree. I wonder how it became ok to be disrespectful of others much like we are seeing now days.