Okay, I know am an ‘old fart.’ At age 73 I have seen and heard more than most Americans in a nation whose average age is 38.1 years of age. This makes it easy to understand why I do not recognize this nation which continues to call itself the United States of America.

I know certain facts which are undeniable. My age group is more educated than today’s average college student, whether or not we earned a diploma. We learned more about history, current events, and geography in high school than most young men and women who graduated from their universities this year. We remember what it meant to be a proud American. For us, the ‘American dream’ was possible.

In the 1950’s and 60’s patriotism was based on reality. Our government was far from perfect, but both parties deliberated the issues and in the end found compromise which would serve all Americans. I became interested in politics at an early age. I remember “Ike’s” second election; JFK was elected the year I entered high school. Both men acted in a dignified manner, and their words were mostly inspiring and gave us hope for the future of our nation. Reciting the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ before classes began often caused tears to flow.

The middle class was growing. Most of us planned to go to college and graduate with a degree guaranteeing our success and security for the future. We expected that we would buy a single-family home and raise children in safe and friendly neighborhoods.

Family gatherings were attended by everyone; young and old. Inevitably politics would become one of the subjects open for discussion. Voices were raised, but anger was seldom introduced into the conversation. Diverse opinions were respected; families were not divided based on their support for Democrats or Republicans. What happened to ‘my America?’

Today’s America is divided between those of us who believe in democracy and cherish the Constitution, and those who support oligarchs. The middle class is disappearing. Between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans there are two Americas. The man who is occupying the White House is supported by some and hated and disrespected by most.

Income inequality is growing every day. Ten percent of all Americans control 90 percent of America’s wealth. One-half of our nation’s people live in poverty or are considered low income; struggling to survive paycheck to paychek. Our government no longer serves our nation’s 320 million people, they rule over us. Our wishes and needs are their lowest priority. Serving their wannabe autocrat is their first concern.

Washington is leading our nation backwards and away from other developed nations. Racism and bigotry have become acceptable once again. Hate crimes against minorities, Muslims, the LGBTQ community, Jews, and women have increased by more than 800 percent since July of 2016. Guns are more important than the lives of innocent Americans. Religion is the reason why women are denied control over their own mental and physical health.

Education is no longer a priority. Nine out of ten college students are unable to name a single state which borders their own. Few can balance a checkbook. Only one in 50 can name their state’s senators or name the first four in succession for the presidency. None of them know why June 6^th, 1944 was one of the most important days in history, or what two presidents we honored in February before “President’s Day” replaced two holidays and sadly honors some of the worst presidents in history.

Economists claim that few younger Americans will ever be able to purchase a single-family home. The American dream is dead.

Lastly, and most disturbing, is that wireless phones have replaced intelligent conversation. Texting is the only way younger Americans communicate with each other today. The “dumbing down of America” began 30+ years ago and it’s getting worse.

Where is my America? It may be gone forever.

I continue to boycott Facebook. Please tell everyone about my blog; the truth lives here.

Op-ed by James Turnage

SOURCE

Image courtesy of anokarina

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