Re:The press and the people... (Score 2)

I would like to attempt to take your points a bit further...

You mentioned that "we don't stand up". As I see it, there is a lack of inherent and true empathy for each other and certainly no strong sense of union... as if we were all living under the same "roof". Why? It seems that it's by design, in part, and also a consequence of our own selfish tendencies as the short-lived self-aware (mostly) animals that we are.

A few things that are important, in my opinion, to consider around the fundamentals of our system (not just government... but that will weigh-in heavily):

- We are taught to believe that our vote counts

-- This doesn't really seem possible without proper checks and balances in place... and when you add-in that elections are largely driven by money... how could the vote count above a regional level? It's not whether you CAN buy an election... we openly encourage it. (Citizens United decision is only another brick in that already massive wall)

- We celebrate heroes and individual achievements over "fanfare for the common man"

-- In sports when there is a goal, the person that last touches the ball gets all the credit. We all realize that's not possible without the rest of the team, but we still celebrate and idolize the person with the ball over the others, by and large.

-- In business... CEO's get massive compensation in comparison to their actual contribution to the bottom line itself. Too many examples to list.

- Our attention span is under attack

-- Instant gratification over true comprehension

-- 30 second sound bytes are enough for many people to form a lasting impression and opinion on almost any subject

-- There's so much data coming to us, constantly, that it's almost guaranteed we'll forget REALLY important information

-- We've proven we're easily distracted by the next shiny object in line. Sandy Hook could be at the top of the headlines and it only takes a celebrity passing, a scandal in pop culture or a new iDevice to divert our attention and muddy the waters of change.

All those things you mention... the lack of spine and the former achievements and ideals established by the foundational architects... those folks didn't live in this tiny, fast-paced and commercialized world that still puts more emphasis on terrorists than asteroids, more stock in self-worth than philanthropy. In those days (pre-tech surge) the people around you REALLY mattered and had a great deal of impact on your chance for survival. Now, we are all walled-off in our huMan caves.

IMHO, even though it's very dark to think so, we as co-inhabitants of this tiny rock will only stand together again when we face something threatening that is quite severe for everyone at once. It may not last (note previous asteroid reference) long, even then. In the USA, we tend only to "care" when we have had the chance many, many times already and there is simply no other option left... and then even after we have missed that chance.

I probably shouldn't have started this without having the energy to finish... but I have had many of the same questions my whole life, not just recently. I don't see today as anything but the likely outcome as it appeared to be decades ago. Us "rich" folks on the planet are so very selfish. Our time is short and we think of ourselves as SO important... when we are simply a blip. We are so preoccupied with short term goals and outcomes.

I'm going to keep dreaming, jamming and hoping... and working within my own circle of influence. Best I can offer the planet right now, I think.