Child Stars Bound to Break

   Many Teen icons have been under the spot light for too long and just want to live a normal live. We have seen Britany Spears for example go completly down hill. She never experienced what is was like to be a real teen. I believe that Miley Cyrus will be next, she has been in the spotlight and is an icon to many teens. This pressure will cause her to slip even more. The thing that is sad about child stars is they will never get that experience of being just a normal kid walking down the street and no one knowing who they are. America has grown up with many child stars and watched them go downhill. Hopefully Miley will not go down the same road.

Will The Oil Industry Ever Learn?

  America’s oil industry is furious at the Obama administration for not allowing them to do exploratory drilling off the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Coast. The article states:

“Given the disastrous oil spill in the central gulf, and industry’s inability to clean it up, one might have expected a little self-knowledge. Not from this crowd, which continues to lobby for more risky drilling instead of focusing all its energy on improving its capacity to prevent and respond to future blowouts.”

Because of BP’s inability to prevent blowouts, as well as the inability to contain and clean when blowouts occur, Obama made the overall right decision to deny new exploratory drilling. The oil industry argues that for a nation that consumes a quarter of the world’s oil, but only controls 3 percent of the oil reserves, “delaying drilling will increase America’s dependence on foreign oil.” The government has taken everything into consideration but the delay still stands. The government also takes accountability for part of the BP disaster due to there lack of oversight. It is said that, “one of the main reasons for putting the March drilling plan on hold is to give the government time to upgrade its staff and focus on creating a more stringent regulatory regime.”

Increase in Energy Research Spending Urgent for U.S.

   With the economy being the way it is in America today, which can be defined as terrible, funds for subjects such as energy, have been cut. America, who is now behind Japan, China, France and Korea in energy research, drastically needs to increase it’s spending efforts. The article states:

           

"The United States needs to more than triple its spending on energy research, development and demonstration projects, from about $5 billion now to $16 billion"

   The U.S. in lagging behind other industrialized nations in energy research spending which may eventually result in the U.S. being overtaken in the development of new energy technologies. In Obama’s 2008 election campaign he spoke of increasing energy research spending, but with the collapse of the economy, that money has gone elsewhere. And, although this necessity to increase spending is urgent, a bill being passed through the house looks grim due to it’s incoming republican leadership.

Mental Health Break

Off-Shore Drilling in Cuba

Gazprom, a Russian energy giant, has recentlty joind a slew of other companies to begin searching and drilling for oil off the coasts of Cuba. The article states:

"Cuba produces little oil now, but petroleum experts say the country’s northern coastal waters could hold plentiful reserves, which could help revive the island’s economy and ease its dependence on oil imported from Venezuela."

Because of this possible economic boom, Cuba has willing signed contracts with half a dozen oil companies to begin drilling as soon as next year. But, because of a 48 year-old oil trade embargo on the United States, The U.S. is unable to drill and more importantly, might not be able to aid the foreign companies if there is an oil spill which could be as close as fifty miles off the coast of Florida. Ocean scientists say that if there is a spill it, "could send oil spewing onto Cuban beaches and then the Florida Keys in as little as three days." I believe because of this possibility alone, drilling off of Cuba is a bad idea. Our planet has become too dependent on fossil fuels. Instead of investing money in looking for oil and increasing pollution, we need to put more money and effort into finding clean, alternative sources of energy. But, in the end Cuba, a struggling country, Is going to do anything to improve their economy and make a quick buck. 

North Korea Needs Aid

   As of now North Korea is in desperate need of food aid from the United nations and South Korea. Although North Korea has had a decent autumn harvest, they desperately need food, especially for their women and children. The article states:

"But even in the best of years, North Korea is unable to feed itself. Government food distribution provides only half the necessary daily calories," the report says.

   No matter what North Korea needs assistance from anyone they can get it from. The worst part about this is that due to lack of foreign currency and credit, agriculture is “the main contributor to the national income" in North Korea. With a nine percent drop in the countries Gross Domestic Product, the economy and Government are suffering. And, due to the long term tension between North and South Korea, it is unlikely that the South will provide enough assistance to improve North Korea's status. As of now the children of North Korea are losing the battle of malnutrition, and it looks as though the United Nation's are the only hope for North Korea. Unless the UN drastically steps up its efforts, North Korea will continue to suffer.

Another Trajedy for Haitins

   Haiti, being one of the most poor nations in our world, was not only was devastated with a major earthquake but is now facing an outbreak of Cholera. This disease is transmitted through drinking water, some of the symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting. Many don't even know they have the disease and are spreading it to others. Denise Grady, the author of this article states:

"They can carry the bacteria for two weeks and shed them back into the environment, where they can infect others, which is most likely to occur when sanitation is poor and clean drinking water not available."

 Haitians that are infected with Cholera may be spreading to others with out any knowledge. Clean drinking water is not available tho the people of Haiti so the out break is bound to infect many. Grady states "As of Sunday, there were 3,015 known cases and 259 deaths in Haiti". This Infection is taking the lives of many and there is a possibility that it could travel outside of Haiti. It is a mystery how Cholera appeared, but there are many theories such as, "An infected person could have brought the bacteria in from another country, or it could have arrived in food or even on board a ship that discharged infected wastes into a local waterway. Once it landed, the squalid conditions were ideal for its spread". It is scary that this outbreak is happening and we don't know how it happened. The Haitians have already suffered a massive earthquake and now are trying to prevent themselves from getting this scary infection.

Mental Healthbreak

Controversy Over Prop 23

   For a while now, California and Texas have been battling over proposition 23 which would suspend the Global Warning Act in California until unemployment dropped from 12% to 5.5%. Supporter's of the proposition call it The California Jobs Initiative because it will ensure thousands of jobs for unemployed people in California. Opponents call the proposition The Dirty Energy Proposition because it will increase greenhouse gases and emissions in California. The article states that:

"Much of the financial support for the measure, which is on the ballot as Proposition 23, has come from Texas-based oil companies."

This means that Texas, especially the oil companies, are pushing very hard for this proposition because it will vastly increase their profits. So, creating in your face, strategically spun campaign advertisements are definitely going to occur. On the other hand, California is pushing back and the majority does not want proposition 23 to pass. Twisting the infamous Texas slogan, "Don't mess with Texas", California has created a slogan of their own to put down the proposition which is, "Don't mess with California." Among the tension between Texas and California are the candidates for Governor. The actions these candidates take in the battle of these states could make or break their campaign. I believe proposition 23 is a bad idea because it will increase pollution and emissions, something our state is trying to defeat.

Fuel Reductions and Emission Restricions On Heavy Vehicles In America

   Heavy trucks and buses are called the "energy hogs of America's roadways."As part of President Obama's plan to increase energy efficiency and lower atmospheric pollution, the Federal Government created a national emissions and fuel economy standards for heavy vehicles on Monday. The Administrator of The Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa P. Jackson states:

“Over all, this program will save $41 billion and much of it will stay home in the U.S. economy rather than paying for imported oil.”

   This plan for reducing the amount of fuel consumption and lower emissions in heavy trucks and buses is part of Obama's "bite-size" approach to global warming. Ms. Jackson also states that, "Heavy vehicles account for more than 10 percent of the nation’s overall oil consumption and about 20 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted by the transportation sector. Because fuel use by trucks and buses is growing faster than most other emissions that contribute to global warming, even relatively modest cuts in diesel consumption will pay large environmental benefits." This quote is saying that the fastest way to reduce pollution and fuel consumption as well as saving money in America is to put restrictions on heavy vehicles. It is a smart, simple idea that will jump start the Obama Administration's plan to lower pollution and increase energy efficiency. 

Pension Bill Causes Protest in France

   In Paris, union workers at twelve of Frances' refineries have been on a nine day, nation wide protest. The protest was sparked after a pension bill to raise Frances' pension age from 60 to 62 was proposed. Because of the strike the French Government has lost substantial amounts of money. The article states:

 "the protests had so far cost the country €200 million to €400 million, or $280 million to $560 million, in lost production every day."


   With the amount of production lost it would look as though the Government took a huge hit. Worker's across France have been holding out and it sounds as though productivity in the refineries and the ports is slim to none. "In Marseille, France’s biggest port, striking port workers and garbage collectors left dozens of oil tankers idle at sea and nearly 9,000 tons of trash piled up in the streets. But, despite these implications, Finance Minister Christine Lagarde says,“We came out of the crisis in fairly good shape and we should not be slowing the recovery.” It seems as though the Government and the worker's of France are making progress in reaching a compromise.

Mental Health Break

   
    It is incredible what some people are willing to do for some cash! Juan Rodriguez, aka  the "Obama Streaker" is a perfect example of "dumb as we want to be". Although this mans stupidity is found hilarious, I  believe it makes our country look bad and as if we don't take anything seriously. It makes us look like we do not respect our president and we will run around naked for money.. Is this how we want America to be perceived?

Miners Resqued

   After two months of devising a rescue plan and the right way to execute it, the Chilean government was able to hoist 33 miners out of a collapsed mine after 69 days of being trapped. Chilean President, Sebastian Pinera, was very adamant not giving up on these miners until every last one is safe. After the rescue Pinera states:

"I want to announce to the Chilean workers and the employers that we are going to make a new pact in which the life, dignity and protection of workers will be the focus of government concern."

   This quote from the President of Chile shows that the Chilean Government is for the people. I believe this act humanness from the government is a sign of hope for developing countries like Chile to have a fair government that will do anything necessary to save human lives. The rescue mission is estimated to have costed anywhere between 10 to 20 million dollars, a large amount for the Chilean Government. But, President Pinera says, "Every peso was well spent." It is stereotypical of people to believe that government's in developing country would not give an all out effort to save it's citizen's. So, these swift, bold acts of the Chilean Government and President Pinera are very honorable. President Obama called the rescue mission a, "tremendously inspirational story." This Mission can be called all but unbelieveable.

Russia's Modernization May Bring U.S. Prosperity

   Russian President, Dmitri Medvedev, is looking to modernize Russia. Medvedev hopes that with help, Moscow's school of business management, Skolkovo, will reflect California's Silicon Valley. Medvedev has called upon Arnold Schwarzeneger, who he considers as an innovator, for help. Schwarzeneger states:

“We want to do what we can as Californians and as Americans because it is in our interest to make Russia successful.We don’t see Russia as an enemy. We see Russia as our friend.”

   This quote sheds light upon our view of Russia, who in the past was an enemy of the United States. But, those thoughts are gone and it is our belief, Schwarzneger's specifically, that the modernization of Russia will benefit us as well. Russia is looked at as a "gold mine" for foreign investor's like google and other technology companies. Investment's such as these could possibly jump start the U.S. economy and help us start our long climb out of debt. If Russia is looked at as a possible money maker I am all for it's modernization. 

Is Climate Policy Still Alive?

   Although recently a cap and trade bill did not pass, alternative proposal's for climate policy are not out of the question. The alternative revolves around much better organized financing for clean energy research.
The article states that:

"On Wednesday, the reliably conservative American Enterprise Institute and the left-of-center Brookings Institution will release a joint proposal to increase federal spending on clean energy innovation to as much as $25 billion a year, from the currently planned $4 billion a year."

   This proposal also states that recipients of this money will only continue receiving funds if they are reducing the cost of clean energy. This proposal is a great idea because it ensures that new technology for cleaner, cheaper energy will be produced. It is said that the reemergence of cap and trade, which is the global increase in the price of carbon emissions, will not be until 2013 at the earliest, if at all. So as of now, this proposal to research for cheap and clean energy is looking like a solid option. Environmental economist, Micheal Greenstone says, "the death of cap and trade doesn’t have to mean the death of climate policy." Our climate is continuing to get worse despite what we have tried in the past. I believe it is detrimental to our climate and energy resources to act upon innovative thoughts such as this proposal. If we don't act now, will we ever?

Sludge Spill Spells Disaster

Just last week Zoltan Bakonyi, director of the Hungarian company linked to Hungary's red sludge disaster, was let out of custody due to lack of evidence of his involvement in the spill. The article states: 

"Nearly 200 million gallons of caustic red mud — a byproduct of the conversion of bauxite to alumina, for aluminum — poured out of a reservoir after part of a containing wall collapsed. The cascade killed eight people and injured hundreds. Hundreds more have been forced from their homes, and tens of millions of dollars in private property has been destroyed."

This statement shows how extreme this disaster was, as well as how easy Bakonyi was let off. First and foremost, the sludge spill killed eight people and injured hundreds more. It is unfathomable that Bakonyi wasn't charged for murder as well, on top of millions of dollars of restitution owed from the property damage. And, what can certainly not be looked over is the impact this spill has on the environment. This spill leaked 200 million gallons of toxins into a residential area. The effect it will have on the environment will be vast. And although the government is going to attempt to control this disaster, the spill cannot be reversed. Plant life and animal habitats in the area will be affected greatly, and people in the area are going to struggle greatly as well. Overall this disaster will have a large affect on the environment, and is going to put the government to the test as well.

My Results

   The Quiz

The following are your scores. They are based on a gradual range of 0 to 12. For instance, a Conservative/Progressive score of 3 and 0 will both yield a result of social conservative, yet 0 would be an extreme conservative and 3 a moderate conservative

Conservative/Progressive score: 7
You are a social moderate. You think the progressive movement is overall well meaning, but sometimes it goes too far. On issues like abortion and affirmative action, you see the negatives of both extremes on the issue. You probably value religion, but at the same time you think it should still stay separate from the government

Capitalist Purist/Social Capitalist score: 4
You are a Moderate Capitalist. You support an economy that is by and large a free market, but has public programs to help people who can't help themselves or need a little help. Pretty much you believe in the American economy how it currently is.

Libertarian/Authoritarian score: 8
You're a Moderate. You think that we all have certain inalienable rights that must be protected, but that sometimes laws need to be made to protect the majority's lives or quality of lives. You might think that the 2nd amendment isn't necessary anymore because letting everyone a gun is extremely dangerous to the community. You might also be against illegal drug use or public pornography because of its possible harmful effects to society.

Pacifist/Militarist score: 4
You're a Moderate. You think that in very rare occasions, the United States should invade a country in order to make the world better by spreading democracy or ending a tyrants rule. You also think that defense is very important, and we shouldn't lower the defense budget. You think that, while the Iraq War probably was a mistake, that we can make the world a better place by sticking with it and spreading democracy in the middle east.

Overall, you would most likely fit into the category of Moderate

Haitai Cry's For Help

   Since the devastating earthquake that shook Haiti to its core, 1.3 million people have been displaced from their homes. Haitian citizens are desperate for money, food, anything to improve their terrible situation. In a cry for help letter a Haitian woman Mary Jean Jean writes:

“I feel discouraged, I don’t sleep comfortably, I gave birth six months ago, the baby died, I have six other children, they don’t have a father, I don’t have work, my tarp is torn, the rain panics me, my house was crushed, I don’t have money to feed my family, I would really love it if you would help me,” wrote Marie Jean Jean.

   Haiti is one of the most poverty stricken nations in the world. Haiti has very little money even when times are good, so it is no shock that when disaster strikes, it strikes hard and repairing the nation is all but impossible without help. Haitians have no other options but to beg and ask for help by any means necessary. I believe that it is the duty of powerful, flourishing nations to provide any type of assistance to 3rd world countries such as Hatti. Haitians, although poor, are people just like the rest of us and should be helped in such a severe time of need.

Automoblile Corporations Step On Chinese Employees

   Big corporations have no respect for low level workers in their companies such as Honda, because they are extremely powerful and step on the little guy cause they can. Some of these workers get payed so poorly, they have to think twice about buying such small amenities like a bottle of water. A man in the video says that the Chinese are looked down upon, therefor they are payed less (120 dollars a month). Whats worse is that companies such as Honda expect more out of their workers and don't pay them a penny more including no overtime pay. This results in twice the output with no increase in pay, allowing Honda to make enormous amounts of money. But, after watching this video I look at the company, Honda, differently. Is this the image they want their buyers to see?

Can Energy Help Reduce Poverty?

     Energy is the source to everything, it is a part of our everyday lives. When a area lacks energy it is inevitable that the area will struggle. Because our world is so poverty stricken, it is easy to tell that we are low on energy and are not spending our money to obtain much needed energy. David Jolly states:

"Around 1.4 billion people lack electricity , overwhelmingly in rural areas, the report said, while 2.7 billion rely on traditional biomass to cook. In addition to contributing to deforestation in poor nations , traditional cooking fuels degrade air quality, causing serious health problems and premature deaths, the report says" David Jolly.

     People who live in poor areas lack electricity and energy for clean cooking facilities. This causes them not only to pollute, but it also forces them to put themselves in danger and possible deadly situations. Polluting by deforestation and emitting cooking fuels that degrade air quality are some of the negative affects of poverty. In recent years our nation has been striving to "Go Green", and yet we can't even supply energy to poor areas to try and clean our nation up environmentally and to spark a reduction in poverty in our society. If energy is the key to lowering the percentages in poverty, why aren't we spending our money accordingly? 

Burning of the Koran Day: Statement or Stupid

There is a array of mixed emotions in America about the Muslim race since September 11th. Whether positive or negative, these emotions will remain for a long time. In Gainesville, Florida a Pastors outlook on Muslims is a very negative one. Pastor Terry Jones wants to burn the Koran on the anniversary of Sept. 11th. Cave and Cooper state:

"The pastor's announcement came after a personal appeal to him from  Defense Secretary Robert Gates and follows a growing chorus of demands, from President Obama to religious leaders, American generals and others, that he cancel the event planned for Saturday because of the potential impact on Christian-Muslim relations and the effect a Koran burning would have on American troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Earlier in the day, President Obama said that the pastor's plan to burn the Koran  on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was a “stunt” that violates American principles of religious tolerance."DAMIEN CAVE and HELENE COOPER.

     Just because someone has the right to do something does that mean it is the right thing to do? Pastor Terry Jones wants to burn the Koran on September 11 in spite of the Muslim race. But, broadcasting a movement such as this would result in the rest of the world looking at America in a negative light as well as adding even more danger to the war and our troops fighting in it. Jones' "stunt", as defined by President Obama, has the possibility to affect our troops, our principles and our country as a whole in a very negative way. I agree that the burning of the Koran will not solve anything and will only endanger our troops as a result.

Denmark, a Model Nation

Since 1985 it is clear that Denmark is on track to be a completely self sufficient nation with a stable economy. Tom Freidman writes:

" 'We decided we has to become less dependent on oil', Connie Hedegaard, Denmark's minister for climate and energy, explained to me. ' We had a huge debate on nuclear, but in 1985 we decided against it. We decided to go instead for energy efficiency and renewable energy. We decided to use taxation, so energy was made relatively expensive and [therefore] people had an incentive to save and do things in their homes to make them more efficient... It was a result of political will. ' " (p.18 , Hot, Flat and Crowded,  Tom Friedman).

 The result of Denmark's taxation on energy was a very good one. Not only did it improve Denmark's self sufficiency, it also drastically expanded their economy for the better. Denmark's economy has grown by 70% since the 1980's and they are no longer reliant on getting their energy form the Middle East. "In 1973 we got 99% of our energy from the Middle East, today its zero" states Hedegaard, Denmark's minister. This remarkable percentage change has changed their country in a positive way. I'm sure the citizens of Denmark were outraged by this tax increase, but it allowed them to be a fully self sufficient country with a flourishing economy. Wouldn't such positive statistics as these be enough to encourage our country to do the same? I understand our country is a lot bigger than Denmark's, but if we started taxing energy, it would be a step in the right direction. I'm sure our country's tax payers would be outraged but the outcome would be worth it. Bottom line our country is in a massive hole, we are getting deeper and deeper the longer we wait. Our attitude is "We'll get around to it when we get around to it" Friedman states. We need to take the necessary steps to get our selves back on track, and we need to do it now.

Cow Flatulence Creates Controversy

 The methane released by cows and other farm animals is greatly damaging our atmosphere by increasing its temperature. This controversial issue has put the large meat industries on the defense. Norimitsu Onishi states:

"At any given point, after munching and regurgitating grass, tens of millions of Australian cattle, as well as sheep, are belching methane gases nonstop into the air. With methane considered 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the atmosphere, the burping has given ammunition to environmentalists, vegetarians and other critics of beef while initially putting the large meat industry on the defensive." NORIMITSU ONISHI.

      When people hear that a cow fart takes a significant role in global warming, its somewhat hard to believe when in fact its 100% true. When cows burp and flatulate they release a gas called methane which is "considered 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the atmosphere" Onishi states. So what can be done about this? Mr. Kleive, an expert on bovine stomachs, states that Feed additives can lead to incremental decreases in methane. I think its good that something is being done about this and putting some effort into trying to decrease the amounts of methane being released into the atmosphere. At the same time this affects the meat industries because it gives beef critics a good reason to mount an attack on meat industries and attempt to significantly decrease the amount of meat being processed and packaged each year. 

Save our Earth

   As evidence increases in the relationship between global warming and the affect green house gases have on global warming, many people are creating theories that are quite justifiable. Justin Gillis states:

"Theory suggests that a world warming up because of those gases will feature heavier rainstorms in summer, bigger snowstorms in winter, more intense droughts in at least some places and more record-breaking heat waves. Scientists and government reports say the statistical evidence shows that much of this is starting to happen." Justin Gillis  
  
    Our society is all about the saying, "the bigger the better." Our cars, houses, electronics and metropolitan areas are all of gargantuan stature. but, at what price? We continue to destroy the planet we live on with complete ignorance to the fact. As pollution increases and our natural resources diminish we find ourselves asking, what have we done? Can we spare our beautiful earth or is the damage irreparable? I believe there is still hope. But, our society needs to become more aware and proactive toward going green and helping restore our earth. There is only one earth, we need to preserve and protect it, not unconsciously tear it apart. 

Mosque by Ground Zero Moral?

After 9/11 our society is now more suspicious and may take great offense to anything and everything Muslim. Laurie Goodstein states:

"While a high-profile battle rages over a mosque near ground zero in Manhattan, heated confrontations have also broken out in communities across the country where mosques are proposed for far less hallowed locations."  LAURIE GOODSTEIN.

How would you feel if you lost a loved one in the 9/11 attack? How would you feel if after 9/11 you had to drive by a Mosque only a couple blocks from the place your loved one was murdered? There are many people in this situation who have a very good reason to protest against and express hatred toward the building of these mosques, especially the one by ground zero. I understand that freedom of religion is a right in this country. But does that mean its morally right to build this mosque so close to where Muslim's brought terror and death to our nation? Muslims do have their rights and they should be able to practice their religion as they please, but building a mosque so close to ground zero is morally wrong and may be labeled as offensive in the eyes of many Americans. I believe that the building of this mosque will only increase the fear and hatred towards the Muslim race. Why does the mosque need to be built so close to ground zero? The building of this mosque will negatively impact the peaceful co-existence between Americans and Muslims.

Expansion Through Technology

The Internet has affected our country in many ways.  Tom Friedman states:

"The third flattener was a quiet revolution in software and transmission protocols, which I call the 'Work Flow Revolution' because of how it made everyone's computer and software interoperable- thus enabling work to flow farther and faster through internal company networks, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Suddenly, so many more people could work together on so many different things" (p.30, Hot, Flat and Crowded,  Tom Friedman)

     Although the Internet has some bad qualities, it is our business, social, financial and knowledge acquiring connection in this technologically advanced society. The Internet has vastly broadened individuals capabilities to connect to one another. This has resulted in the extreme increase in size and speed of the business world. On top of this increase in speed and expansion, the Internet has an unlimited amount of options and uses. It allows so many people to work on a variety of different things as well as sharing it with each other for business as well as pleasure. With its seemingly unlimited options, the Internet is truly the mastermind behind the "Work Flow Revolution".

We have our rights for a reason..

     If  we were truly the land of the free we would have exercised our right to bare arms to the fullest and could have prevented this terrible event from taking place... 9/11. Our negligence towards the threat of terrorism as well as our ignorance for our personal protection led to the worst terrorist attack in the United States history. In my opinion, especially after this event has taken place, citizens of our nation should be more aware and proactive in protecting themselves by bearing arms and exercising their rights. I don't understand how our country did not foresee any type of attack. Why didn't we have a clue? We pride ourselves on our military defense, yet we had no idea this attack was coming. After 9/11 security tightened its grip. Why did we have to wait until after 9/11 to have such intense security? Why didn't we have this type of security in the first place? America is at the top of the food chain and will always have envious enemies. Our government should have foreseen an attempt to knock us off our throne and should have had the security we have now 10 years ago. Its a shame that it takes a tragic event like 9/11 to get society to be aware that our world is not a perfect place and bad things will happen in the future. We need to be ready for anything.

America, we need to get our groove back

America has lost its way, we are not the same country as we used to be. I agree with Tom Friedman who says:

"America has a problem and the world has a problem. Americas problem is that it has lost its way in recent years- partly because of 9/11 and partly because of the bad habits that we have let build up over the last three decades, bad habits that have weakened our society's ability and willingness to take on big challenges" (p.5, Hot, Flat and Crowded,  Tom Friedman).

We are perceived as the most powerful nation in the world. We are also intimidated and influenced easily from my perspective. AMERICA, we need to get our groove back. Just because we got attacked 10 years ago, it doesn't mean we shouldn't still be the happy strong nation that we used to be. "Bad habits that have weakened our society's ability and willingness to take on big challenges". What happened to the people that truly loved America and would do anything to save our country? We are influenced so easily and news these days are telling us to be scared. For example, when swine flu broke out the news was making it seem deadly and scared everyone, when in reality its just a more severe type of flu. We can not be a timid country and scared of things we hear from the media. We need to get back on track and start being the strong, structured nation that we were in the past.