America's Government and Economy

America is a great country, and I love the freedom I have as a citizen. In fact, the reason why I can write this blog, free from any persecution, is because of the rights secured by my government. However as I grow older, my perspective begins to broaden. Why can politicians continue to manipulate the system? Why is our economy unstable? Why is America hated by much of the world? Why do so many of my peers know little about the war we are involved in? It continually perplexes me to see my friends openly condemn the war, then ask me who the Taliban are. It's time to take a look in the mirror. I must admit I know little about details of our government and economy. At the moment, my perspective of America is a little skeptical of what happens behind the curtain. Before I'm pegged as an anti-American, I must clarify that I do love my country and what it stands for.

Democracy gives us the freedom of individuality. Our government allows us to have individual opinions. As an American, I can openly speak about my political beliefs and condemn or acclaim whoever I wish in the upcoming election. All Americans are guaranteed the freedom of speech by the United States Constitution. Any citizen in this country can fight for their beliefs, and potentially bring about change on the federal level. This is proven by our Bill of Rights. To secure the citizens' rights, the amendments were added to the United States Constitution. Would we have the 15th or 19th amendments if we didn't have the ability to fight for our rights? We are quite fortunate to be part of such a successful government. Another great addition to our country is our economy. Our capitalist economy puts the power of success or failure in our individual hands. I can invest my money in a business or spend it on a new iPhone. I can buy stocks or open a savings account. As an American, I have the ability to use my individuality and intelligence to climb the economic ladder, or fail miserably. Because of our successful governmental and economic choices, our entire lifestyle is ridiculously privileged. As an American teenager, I am the epitome of privileged! I have my own computer, clothes, bed, cell phone, and a room full of possessions. Electricity, running water, and transportation are all available from my comfortable four-bedroom two-story house. Hmmm... privileged? Is that an understatement?

With our cushioned lifestyle, Americans are indubitably proud. Many Americans tend to believe our country is the best. Of course all countries have pride, but how soon does this turn into complacent self-acclamation? I believe that our pride causes complacency, which leads to ignorance and apathy. I think this complacency blinds us. We need to take a cold, hard look at ourselves. Wherever we look, we find corrupted politicians and greedy officials. Our dollar is failing, Wall Street is beginning to slip, yet politicians and businessmen are thriving through manipulation. Why doesn't our federal government have control over this? Or do they have the choice, and choose to turn a blind eye? Corruption seems like it contaminates everything, even our beloved government. So much manipulation in our government and greedy pursuits are poisoning our economy.

Complacency in society has ruined America as a potential world model for democracy. However, we have moved away from any hope of this possibility by proving to the world that we are more concerned about the American Idol election than our own presidential election. Recently I watched a newswoman report the death of Bernie Mac while the ticker tape below reported the current situation in South Ossetia. Why are our celebrities more important than foreign affairs? Honestly, Americans are oblivious to foreign issues. We embarrass ourselves with our ignorance, and continue to give other countries reason to dislike us.(1) We can't possibly promote democracy in other countries when the general public cares so little. If we continually show the world how superficial we are, democracy and capitalism will crumble. American soldiers are dying for democracy while we prove our enemy's point.

So our government is corrupt, our economy is beginning to shake, and our society is still watching American Idol. Where do we go now? Instead of complaining about the darkness, we need to light a candle. We need to educate our youth, and in some cases our adults, in politics and the economy. Two half-semester courses of Participation in Government and Economics in a student's senior year in high school is not enough to make an educated decision in an upcoming election. As citizens in a world superpower, Americans have an obligation to pay attention! We need to at least know what our foreign policy is, if not what actions we are currently taking overseas. The film Lions For Lambs follows a professor's attempt to convince an apathetic college student to take action. He urges his student that “the problem is not with the people who started this. The problem is with us, all of us, who do nothing.” As a teenager, I realistically can only change myself. I plan to educate myself in American government, economy, and foreign affairs. Let's stop complaining. Let's do something.

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6W3T7MTh4M