American Morning
Mad as Hell: Can we bridge the bitter divide?
Solutions – that's the tough part. We're on, hopefully, the tail end of a deep recession. We've been living beyond our means and there is a sense that not all of our politicians have been stand-up guys and gals.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/23/costello.mah.art.jpg caption="A protester wears an American Revolution-era flag and an Obama picture during the Tea Party Express rally on September 12, 2009 in Washington, DC."]
So what IS the fix?
"We ought to fire all the politicians and get new ones," says Pennsylvania Republican Chris Wesling.
Distrust in politicians is in our DNA. But today, says Republican consultant Rich Galen, things are different. “Now you've got an entire population, on the entire continuum, from left to right, including that gigantic center that looks across the political landscape and sees nobody that they like, nobody that they trust and nobody frankly that they want to follow."
Still, at the Latrobe/Gateway football game in western Pennsylvania, there were some still willing to give politicians a chance. The president, after all, has a 55 percent approval rating. The fix for some – is Mr. Obama.
"He's swimming against the current, you know, and he's got a lot of energy and he's got a lot of a battle," says Stanley Zimmerman, an independent. At the Community of Reconciliation Church in Pittsburgh, the fix is about hope too – and about redirecting our moral compass.
Watch Carol explore the national divide 
"There's no question in my mind the moral authority in this country is capitalism and narcissism," says Pastor Denise Mason, a Democrat. "It’s me and how much. ... That's the basis upon which most of us make our decisions."
Dolan Vogle, a Republican, shares the same sentiment. "It's a very me, me, me attitude," she says. "I'm at fault because I give to my kids all the time."
Carl Vogle likens social harmony to a football team. "Everybody's got to pull their weight and once you do that you have a winning team. Same thing with the government and with America. Everybody works hard, we're going to get there."
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Over and over again I continue to hear how "divided" we are as a nation. 'Problem with that is . . . well, I can't find anyone that I actually know that feels so divided or at odds with people of a given political persuasion! I mean, I can read all the input on this thread and only wonder where in the world you all are hiding, but I have friends and acquaintances that have far-ranging beliefs and trusts yet can't find anyone that feels "divided".
My point: much if not most of these alledged rifts between us exist only in a theoretical, exagerrated sense because politicians and the media – ALL of them – as well as a quinintestimal few that vent like the ones in this thread and march in ridiculous protests – would have us believe that.
I would argue that we are FAR less divided than suggested.
I agree with everything Myrna Carlson said about President Obama (and I'll add Mrs. Obama) being an individual with a strong moral compass. Kudos, Myrna, for being one of the first to acknowledge this fact!
To that, I'd like to add a few more individuals in our country who posses a strong moral compass. People many don't know like myself, most of my friends, colleagues, etc. and people we do know like Deepak Chopra, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Oprah Winfrey, Louise L. Hay and Dr. Wayne Dyer...just to name a few.
It's sad that so many people feel there is nothing and no one they can look up to. Even if you feel no one else fits the bill, you should at least be able to look within and like what you see enough to count yourself as someone with a moral compass–unless you're just a heathen :>).
Well, first of all, the press needs to stop acting like there are only "two sides" to every story... especially giving the extremists more weight to a story than it deserves.
Secondly, and this is the hard one, the American people need to do some fact checking and stop believing every chain email that pops into their in box!
The piece on "solutions" this morning was so much psycho-babble. I am angry because our federal government since the 1970's has believed in expanding the role of the federal government, much as was done in the depression years of the 1930's. In this period government activism turned a 3 year recession into a 10 year depression and only the war saved us.
Our Founders wanted America to be "exceptional" in that we had never had a King, Queen, dictator, chief or Czar. So they set up the Constitution to limit the power of the federal government. They wanted government decisions to be made at the local level; town, county and state because the people making the decisions would better understand the impact on each individual.
The only purpose of the federal government was to protect our borders from foreign interests, maintain domestic security, settle arguments between the States and provide for the general welfare (eg maintain the proper supply of money). Everything was left to the States.
For the last 40 years we have had people in Washington that think they can make better decisions than we 300 million can make for ourselves. After the New Deal, it re-started with the Great Society and now with the New New Deal. A lot of us Conservatives have just decided it gone too far. American "Exceptionalism", which means "with the consent of the governed" and a captialist free-enterprise system has given the world the greatest increase in the standard of living in history and there are more "consent of the governed" societies than anytime in history.
Over the last 40 years, a basic political party has learned that it can raise the expectations of a large segment of our population by promising to "spread the wealth" from those that earn it to those that don't. Each of the non-producers have the same one vote as the producers and there are a lot more non-producers than producers. Today we transfer about $80 billion each year (if my numbers correct) to those below the proverty line from those that earn it. This is the basis for the anger toward the liberal Democrats. One thousand people in Washington think they can make better decisions about how I live my life than I can. They are simply wrong and we need to change that attitude.
If we don't change the attitude of politicians that government's role should be limited and that we in the electorate should be responsible for our own lives, America has largely run its course. We will simply be another failed state like most of old Europe. Stagnant, dead and constantly complaining about what is not being done for us.
Sadly, I am not optimistic for the first time in my long life. I will be at the next protest in Washington trying to change my outlook.
The problem is way too much apathy as opposed to "constructive" anger which is not the same as rage. They say the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Well there is a small percent of very loud obnoxious toxic people trying to get their WAY at the expense of the well being of our nation. The majority of people are passively watching the freak show and numbing out. I say turn off network tv and read, get informed on Public stations and radio and write your congressmen. We have nothing to fear by a government run by the people for the people. We only need to be afraid of a government run by corporate America FOR profit. Check out real health care informed experts from the medical field. Look into Mad As Hell doctors on facebook and youtube
"Racial as hell" is what the socalled TEA PARTY MOVEMENT is all about. Who is behind the TEA PARTY MOVEMENT? THE REPUBLICANS.
Until our electorate demands that politicians can no longer serve for life and ascend to celebrity status, nothing can change. Not until we impose term limits will politicians be able to focus on their mission of genuinely representing the people and abandon what has become the singular goal of every elected official.....RE-ELECTION!
Until then, we deserve the gov't we get!
I read blogs and hear the media saying that they have heard nothing of gun bands or new gun laws so why are people so mad about it ? What people need to understand is the president has too much on his plate right now to tackle gun laws , but its only a matter of time. The people must also understand that although the president has not directly mentiond gun laws, he has already appointed people into high ranking positions that threaten our second amendment rights and is still trying to appoint people like Cass Sunstein into a position where he would oversee all regulations coming from the White House, including hunting regulations from the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture even though Mr. Sunstein is known for being against hunting and would like to ban it altogether ( which would destroy conservation as we know it ) and he also believes the second amendment only applies to the national guard. So even though as of now there has been no direct threat from the present adminastration about gun laws or bans its always just under the serface and the fight is always ongoing even if the rest of the country is unaware of it.
I'm sure you know about the Mad At Hell Doctors from Oregon, who are travelling cross-country to raise awareness and support for a single-payer health care system. These are smart, reasoned people – they don't yell and will let you finish both your thought and your sentence – maybe a good idea to give them some air time 'cause you know Fox won't do it!
Don't forget the Mad as Hell Doctors,
http://madashelldoctors.com/
Law abiding, hard working, tax-paying Americans should not have to spend our valuable, productive time and money fighting gun grabbing politicians when it is our right to bear arms to protect our families. The criminals killing our children in the streets of Chicago do not legally carry or purchase firearms. These criminals are in violation of the strict gun laws already on the books, but our government is too lazy to enforce their own laws. If the politicians would pay more attention to the job for which they were elected instead of cheating on their taxes and wives our country would be in much better shape. I'm a residential developer, an executive of a company founded 30 years ago who now is fighting for my survival in business as well as my right to keep my legally purchased firearms to protect my family. I am just one of millions, who just like me, will not turn over and play dead.
I find the man sqwaking like a chicken this morning on the "mad as hell" segment funny when he says gun owners are all chickens. It is his type of people who would be the first ones hiding behind us when the #@! hit the fan. Fact is the gun owning " class " of america are mostly blue collar and pretty much keep this country running , it is us standing up for our second amendment rights and all other rights for that matter , it is us the hunters and firearms owners forking out millions of dollars every year for the conservation of our wildlife and its habitat and putting money into programs which takes inner city kids out of the city for awhile to let them experience the outdoors like we do , and it is us who volenteers to put on a uniform and travel overseas to fight for all of our freedoms and our country . Yet I hear these fat , lazy americans who pay a couple dollars in taxes every year and MAYBE vote think that they deserve the free ride in this country that we provide. So whos the real chickens?! You wanted to know why america is "mad as hell" well when you have a grown man on national television sqwaking like a chicken , thats why !
September 23rd, 2009 8:45 am ET
Who do I think represents (current) moral authority in the United States?
In the United States, there is not a single person you could "trust to be the moral authority" unfortunately in our society we have so many fallen leaders which span all sectors of our society (government, religion, education). This experience teaches not to believe in a single human for moral compass. Somehow the capitalistic nature and the freedoms of our country drive or allow leadership to find disgrace and feeds into the possibility of corruption. More disturbing is that through life experiences, somehow the corruption or moral misdeeds are permissible, excused, and forgiven. The bar of excellence in moral authority is a "moving some would say sliding" standard. The moral authority or true compass for each individual is or would have to be a very personal and indivdual (spiritual) choice.
4) 80% tax on excessive benefits
To dissuade corportions and congress from awarding huge bonuses, stock options, or other excessive benefits, levy an 80% tax on benefits exceding 5% of an individual's salary.
If an AIG exec makes $29 million, he could still receive a 1.5 million bonus!
So how do we tackle the imbalance of executive compensation?
5) Monetary evaluation in executive job descriptions.
Put a dollar on the "skills" required of any executive position. Oh, you don't have job descriptions? Don't identify skill sets? Hum....
6) Repeal the law giving corporations the right of an individual
Congress originally renewed corporate licenses on an annual basis provided that the entity "served the public good". Legislation changing that practice gave corporations the status of a citizen, allowing boards and executives to defer responsibility to the corporation. Bad legislation.
I believe President Obama has the right moral compass. After all he endures at the hands of his critics, the birthers, tea baggers, and the like he has shown only civility in response. He continues to try and reach out to those who disagree and he is met with stubborn and often outlandish resistance from those trying to demean him. I also respect his love of family, and his love of country. His loyalty to the troops, and his willingness to talk rather than display bravado is commendable. We all have much to learn from a leader who fights for the rights of all no matter what their position and a leader who maintains his cool no matter what is throne at him. One who asks us all to do unto others as we would have others do to us, is someone I can respect.
I believe President Obama has the right moral compass. After all he endures at the hands of his critics, the birthers, tea baggers, and the like he has shown only civility in response. He continues to try and reach out to those who disagree and he is met with sutbborn and often outlandish resistance from those trying to demean him. I also respect his love of family, and his love of country. His loyalty to the troops, and his willingness to talk rather than to display bravado is commendable. We all have much to learn from a leader who fights for the rights of all no matter what their position and who maintains his cool no matter what is throne at him.
This is one of several of my "Mad As Hell" feelings.
As a retired person and former manager for a company that required me to interview people for possible employment, I have witnessed a troubling attitude developing over the years.
Younger candidates feel that starting salaries are way too low. They think that they should not have to "work their way up the ladder" as we older folks did. Recent college graduates want to start with six figure salaries from the beginning rather than "earn their way to the top".
This concept seems to carry over into the lives of many. So much so that "get rich quick schemes" are hatched up by many of these younger persons at the expense of anyone/everyone else.
I was taught that you had to "pay your dues" before you were rewarded.
A lot of people feel comfortable blaming the media for fanning the flames of US's white elephant in the room...RACISM. Here's the thing: If people would stop acting like barbarians or spoiled, petulant children and stop pretending their views and race are superior to others, we would have the problems we do. The news crews wouldn't show up if there was nothing to report.
Yep, people are mad as hell that we now have a black president and they are using the health care debate, "big government" and any other topics they can to spread as much hatred and negativity as possible–because it makes them feel good and feeds their incessant need to feel like they have more power and are better than others.
If we're not part of the solution, we're part of the problem.
How about:
1) Elect NO incumbents for 10 years.
That's citizen term limits (since congress won't ever limit themselves.) It would destroy the "seniority" system, which I believe has failed to deliver the intended wisdom, and makes "representation" unequal (some reps have more influence / power than others).
It also delivers a blow to lobbists, who would spend a fortune 'buying' a new crowd for every election.
2) A referendum requiring the Congress to secure voter approval of ANY increase in benefits.
Might have to word it to REVERSE the current "lifetime" benefits congressmen receive if elected to one term. (How much do congressional benefits contribute to our deficit?)
3) Quarterly bill statements for the federal deficit
I understand we pay 500 million a day in interest on the existing deficit. The Bush administration gets that bill for war expenses that were excluded from the budget so the public wouldn't revolt. Maybe we could grant Haliburton a special tax break for using some of their war profits to help pay the interest.
Since the average American can't keep track of our nation's debt, how about the federal government having to itemize a quarterly bill showing the source of all this debt? (I know, the spinsters would still twist the facts to blame someone else.)
NOT SURE HOW CNN HAS MISSED THIS EMERGING STORY IN CUYAHOGA COUNTRY (IN NE OHIO) AFTER YOUR COVERAGE OF COUNTRY/CITY CORRUPTION IN NEW JERSEY:
You think the country is "mad as hell" because of what's happening in America? Try living in Cuyahoga County in Northeast Ohio where the FBI and IRS have been having a field day for over a year now since they raided the country and city offices and private businesses who did business with them. Here is the latest:
"Now that concerns have been raised about the integrity of commercial property appraisals in Cuyahoga County, the public is likely to wonder whether they have been cheated."
http://www.cleveland.com/countyincrisis/
We're caught in a DOUBLE WHAMMY HERE! What has emerged is a widespread pattern of corruption that it is now obvious thousands, THOUSANDS of county employees knew about. Convictions of public and private business are being handed down weekly if not daily since the beginning of the Summer. MILLIONS of dollars in kick backs to county officials with direct effects on property values, etc.
So not only have property values dropped because of the housing crisis but because of CROOKED politicians and private business leaders.
I criticized and my comment was blocked for 40 minutes now it's finally there in the blind middle of the body. There were many comments from the left wing perspective after mine that went up before mine. CNN seems more like they claim Fox News is every day.
Why is it that ANYONE thinks there IS or there NEEDS to be some "specific" MORAL authority ANYWHERE, ANYWAY? We've each got our own moral compass and if we would all just care about each other, those compasses would all be pointing in a similar direction. What I do privately, what you do privately, what I believe about relationships and marriage, race relations, abortion, etc., what everyone else believes is simply part of the stew.
Kathleen's last line above is what we all seem to forget, "Do unto others, as you would have done to you." The Golden Rule.
If there were some "specific" moral authority, it would impose its morals upon other and the Golden Rule would be out the window. One interpretation of that rule could be "stay out of my morals and I'll stay out of yours". Peace, Love, Coexist!
I like Sitanshu's comments also, as well as others.
A moral "authority" is for the birds.
THANK YOU for raising the question. The comments themselves illustrate the issues. A) many point to someone/something else to blame; B) a few show awareness of others (yea!); C) too many show the partisan opinionation that is poisioning public discourse. "Whatever the perceived opposition says has to be wrong".
Capitalism itself may not be the problem, but greed and executive "entitlements" are certainly part of the corporate breakdown. Executive pay growth to 300 times that of line workers...multi-million dollar bonuses...executive parachutes despite corporate bankruptcy- examples of how common sense has become rare. And who wouldn't like a job where you give yourself a pay raise, and then have an annual cost-of-living increase be automatic unless you call if up for a vote (that's our Congress!). I think the anger we're currently seeing is simply the frustration of individuals who feel powerless. Unfortunately, the proof that we lack a moral compass is evident in the manipulation of the masses by mis-information and downright lies - where those who practice deceit receive no timely consequences.
It may get worse before "we" as humankind tap our spiritual strength to rally to survive America's decline, climate changes, and potentially violent social upheaval. Our parents, and their parents, found that strength when things looked insurmountable. I still believe Americans can do incredible things when they unite for a good cause. It's TIME !!
"What is the fix? " Free Market Capitalization is the FIX. Reduce taxes, will create more jobs. Eliminate Gov mandates. Subcontract many Gov agency to private enterprises.
the Phrase "Whats in it for ME?" THAT is the key to success. PPL want their FREE choice, No Big Government, Free market economy, ie Capitalism creates business and profit.
For those whiners who want FREE health care and FREE job training here you go. http://www.goarmy.com
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Why is it that everytime i give constructive criticisum my comment is never posted .You need all kinds of perspectives to move foward .It is obvious that nothing is getting better .Where is the freedom of speech no wonder nothing will change ,you guys are just proving my point .
I accept blame for my situation ,unfortunately i came from an island where asume that all the morals ,standards and work ethics i was taught would be enough like it is on the islands to help me progress and live a good life .I soon found out none of what i learnt did not matter ,all the morals standardsand laws that was instill in me was about to go out the door if i was not strong .I soon had to choose to sell my soul be a selfish miserable rude indivisiual or i was going to be chew up and spit out like it in this country .
Which is excatly what has happened over the years it is a life style i do not wish on my worst enemy ,it is what is killing and will continue to push this country to the ground .Parents do not care about kids ,kids do not care about parents families treating their own like their enemies ,employers treating employees like slaves .A life that is full of hate misery depression .A life where some have so much and others have so little ,a life where people are branded by how much money they have .I would rather live poor and sleep on the floor on the islands than live this life .
I have been treated so badly by employers they were times i wanted to kill myself whats worst .The eeoc office say they cant help .I have been scam by so many companys ,i have no more to give .Coming from an island where a mans word was his bond ,i put my trustin too many people .Two invention companys and a cleaning franchise i lost quiet a few thousands .I do not trust anyone here ,i try to live by my culture but i am very guarded .I have a twenty year old son whom is in high school he has a learning diability so he is behind .I fix his breakfast everyday i do his laundry i take care of him .His dinner is ready when he comes home .People think i am crazy i invest in employers who give me no vacation pay no sick pay no vacaton pay ,no health insurance ,no retirement plan .Why would i not invest in my kids ,my kids are my retirement plan .I do not worry about reitirement my kids will give back what i give them .
This country needs to start to work within they own families ,goverment will not fix everything .Look at the rest of the world they are united at any cost ,they live by their belief or die by it .In this country i have learn all ill will .How to be selfish ,how to screw over anyone you can ,how to be greedy ,.Its no wonder everyone drinks so much ,everyone is on antidepressants ,sleeping pills ,energy drinks .Everything is so twisted it is scary .My plan is to go back to this islands but i am waiting on my son who is in school there is no way i am leaving him here .If i am 45 and having a hard time dealing with life in this country ,why would i subject my son to that .If we have to live in a one bedroom sleep on the floor what ever as long as the
there is life in my body i am not going to subject my son to the life in this country .I will leave him on the islands but not here .The life here is like a big whirlpool that is steadily sucking up more and more people .
Finally we meaning everyone can turn this economy around but we have to be willing to help each other .If you are struggling and you have a family member or friend struggling move in together ,turn your garage into an efficiency ,put the kids in one room and rent out a room ,talk to each other so you see the big picture .Unless we start to unite it will continue to get worst as more people loose jobs and unemployment ran out .I am will to lead this fight please join me unity is power
What politicans can we trust? To end the corruption, our "distrusted" politicans should be fired and stripped of their retirement. The "common" worker in the U.S. would be fired. Why should it be any different for our politicans? Unfortunately they make all the laws and decisions so there will always be corruption.
Who’s “Mad As Hell” now?
Where are all of the Tea Party demonstrators and their followers who were publicly demanding media coverage of their anti-Obama, anti-government protest marches, signs and shouts?
Suddenly, since the SE USA has been ravaged by flooding, seems like a helping hand from the Federal government, to provide basic necessities like housing, food and medical aid, isn’t such a repulsive idea (any more).
I’m sure we’ll soon be seeing images victims waiting in lines at FEMA centers, desparately seeking help in rebuilding their shattered lives.
For some reason, I don’t think Tea Party aggitators will be there, marching, shouting and carrying signs, and demanding that the federal government stop meddling in the privatle lives of Americans.
Can everyone say, “hypocritical liars”?
These protests have ALWAYS been about racism and intense hatred of a black man elected President.
I’M Mad as Hell that a band of wierdos is trying to hijack my counrty.
We need to step back. All change is not necessarily good. We've gotten to a place in our country in which everyone has an opinion but no one wants to actually do anything about the problems.
I suppose it's a lack of personal responsibility and discipline. On your news programs, it's always about "What is somebody/the government going to do about this?"
Parents want the schools to do everything–feed, nurture, teach, monitor, etc. Then, if something doesn't suit them or their children, they complain or bring a lawsuit. How can children develop a "moral compass" when their parents take no responsibility for their upbringing? What would happen if children had responsiblities from an early age (preschool) and watched their parents SHOW them how to be selfless and honest and hardworking and able to accept criticism?
You can't teach morals and personal responsibility by talking about them. People can SEE these qualities in the way you practice them.
A child's best moral compass should be his parents. Unfortunately, many very "nice" people who think they are good parents because they oversee everything for their chldren, plan their activities, tie their shoes, buy them everything for which they ask, can't see how they are robbing their children of the ability to take responsibility for themselves.
So, who is our country's moral compass? If parents would step up to the plate and meet the challenges and make the tough decisions in raising their children, THEY would be our moral compasses. Until they realize that parenting is not about making every minute of your child's life free of tears and unhappiness, we'll continue to be an unempathetic, narcissistic nation.
He's my problems; Obama has not even gotten his seat warm yet as president. Still people and republicans think Once Obama stepped in to the White House all the problems that he came in to would be fix as his first toe hit the marble floor. You have to give the man some time. Another issuse I have are the Tea Parties, I believe in the right to free speech, but not the right for public racism. Another problem I am having is with the Senator yelling "YOU LIE" toward Obama. There is a public apology needed. Here is an example; you know the awards show where Kanya said Byoncie deserved the award instead of Tayler Swift. Everyone was pissed first he disrespected someone receiving an award in public live. If any repercussions come from that to Kanya, the same standards should be held for that Senator. More so because he was addressing the President, I would have like that senator to say that to Bush, LOL I bet an apology would not be all they would be asking for. While watching TV I hear all these republicans speak about how no one wants to follow the current president and or houses, the fact is People wanted the change. There’s a reason why the house is full of democrats and we have a democrat president. Think about it, before Obama how much of the youth of our country voted, how many minorities? Older people are concerned, before they were majority of the votes, picking leaders that work toward the direction they wanted. I believe we need to take all current politicians, out and emplace younger ones, more in tuned with what our generation’s thoughts and views. Honestly I agrees with universal heal care. Although I think in the beginning there would be some extra taxes, if done right we can save money and lives. I believe can should not be helping any country until ours is fixed.
Americans WANT to work. Pres. Obama is going to spend billions of dollars anyway – he should take all this Health Care monies and offer it to the Manufacturing Companies to bring their companies back to the US. We paid them to leave.....Let's pay them to come back.
Even if he gave 1 billion dollars to 940 companies with 1000 employees each – we would create 900,000 thousand jobs.....I don't think any one company would need that much – but just imagine! Pres. Obama would be a hero!
This would be a "fix" for a lot of things. JOBS, Ecomony,Housing (people with jobs could again afford a home) the Local and State Governments – they would again be getting State and Local Taxes from working people and homeowners....They help with Health Care costs for employees.....The smaller business would again be back in business – providing services & goods to the bigger business'. Then when the dust settles – let's see how many people still need Health Care! The premimums have gone up – because- the number people paying for health care have gone down-big business have left us in their dust! If they once again employeed a significant amount of employees – wouldn't we all be better off?
The political system drives the divide. They need it to get elected on both sides. They lie, they don't pay taxes, cheat on their spouses, allow themselves pay raises in difficult times, and the health care changes will not affect them. The divide will stay as long as the politicians exclude themselves from the legislation they pass because they think they know better.
Our moral authority better be God. The state of this country is a direct result of our politicians and leaders living self will run riot. We need God more than ever and the left wants to take His name off our money, out of the Pledge of Allegiance and out of our schools. And we wonder what the problem is? Greed and no reliance on God. We're going to mell in a manbasket and quick.
Who's "Mad As Hell" now?
Where are all of the Tea Party demonstrators and their followers who were publicly demanding media coverage of their anti-Obama, anti-government protest marches, signs and shouts?
Suddenly, since the SE USA has been ravaged by flooding, seems like a helping hand from the Federal government, to provide basic necessities like housing, food and medical aid, isn't such a repulsive idea (any more).
I'm sure we'll soon be seeing images victims waiting in lines at FEMA centers, desparately seeking help in rebuilding their shattered lives.
For some reason, I don't think Tea Party aggitators will be there, marching, shouting and carrying signs, and demanding that the federal government stop meddling in the privatle lives of Americans.
Can everyone say, "hypocritical liars"?
This has ALWAYS been about racism and intense hatred of a black man elected President.
I'M Mad as Hell that a band of 'screwballs' is trying to hijack my counrty.
PS. I live in Pittsburgh.
The Official G20 starts tomorrow and no one is able to purchase weapons within the city limits – until the the G20 is over.
(One can purchase a weapon, but, the initial background check will delay the person from walking out the store with a weapon)
But, peaceful person like myself, could not purchase a home defense weapon yesterday.
I live uncomfortably close to the downtown convention center where the protests will concentrate.
I hear military helipcopters overhead...police force has been quadrupled, etc.
But, I wonder, would I really be up to shooting any home invaders?
I really don't want to.
So, I will have a bag packed – ready to exit to another town – at the first sign things will get out hand.
The gun issue, therefore...has 2 sides.
I don't want to HAVE to buy one to protect myself. Yet, violent people will have them.
My beleif is that In general people do have a moral compass......
Anger is spilling over because the average American is getting socked on all sides especially their wallet.
For our society to be more healthy again it needs to re-establish decency and integrity in every area of our lives, individuals and businesses. Its okay to disagree but not to dissemble.
The majority of Americans are too into themselves. When we focus on others we get out of our self-centeredness and realize that others have needs as well. We live better than the rest of the world, no doubt, but we do not care for each other like the rest of the world does.
If we sent unarmed teams of civilians to Afghanistan to help rebuild the infastructure, we might be able to affect change there. I have been there on such a trip. Afghans are very hospitable and welcome our help there. AMERICA GET UP OFF THE COUCH AND HELP SOMEONE ELSE.
I wanted to comment yesterday after Costello's report but was too busy. As she interviewed the pro gun advocate, she kept injecting this whiny nasal "realllllllly" like a 12 year old child that was being told she had to make her bed. Maybe the divide in this country will start to fill when national news outlets and their reporters stop injecting their personal bias into every single story or interview. Talk about Narcissism, Carol, what is the Doctor's diagnosis to fix you? Hire an unbiased person.
I glad that the piece on gun control ending with a 'brief" disclaimer – that THERE ARE NO GUN CONTROL LAWS PENDING in this country!
I think that should have been the TITLE!
I live just blocks from where 2 policemen were killed this past summer.
The killer was a young man who became paranoid about obama coming to take his guns away!
He was influenced by all the conspiracy sites on the internet, it came out.
I am afraid that common sense has died. We had the funeral a couple of years ago. People have lost their ability to use common sense and this causes them to stop thinking rationally. People need to think about the effect on their friends, neighbors, and even those they do not know. I have friends all around the country and find that depending on where they are effects how they see what is happening. Some of my friends are dems., some republicans, and others are in the middle. I beleive that those inless hard hit areas do not see the problems the same as those of us in harder hit areas, like here in Fort Myers, Florida. Here in Ft. Myers we have seen so many people loosing jobs, stores large and small, public and independent closing.
The fix: people need to stop and listen before speaking. I find that CNN gives me the ability to hear both side fairly. I like that I can hear from both sides on any issue.
I hope this helps! May we all get along!
The biggest problem is even in this article, the title in front of every politicians name, Dem. or Rep.! This divides our country into two parties that fight like children.
The solution is to get rid of both parties and have everyone be an individual. Only then will we stop fighting and vote/debate the issues not the parties.
CNN can help, stop labeling politicians party when they are on your network.
When has the entire nation ever blindly followed a President. Right, never. Why is Costello, Roberts and CNN on this constant campaign to question why we don't all blindly move to the left and worship thy Lord Obama. As for Costello's claim that no gun law changes are being considered, you haven't been listening to Obama or the left wing power structure have you, we've heard it loud and clear. Just because no bills are in congress right now doesn't mean there will not be. Promises were made during the campaign. After healthcare is sufficiently wrecked the agenda will march on to the left, until the next election puts a stop to it.
the moral authority for us is not a person, but the One who created us and gave us his Way, Truth and Life in Jesus Christ. Man has always been "like sheep without a shepherd" apart from the Good Shepherd. Until we recognize that we are meant to be in a loving relationshp with God, we will be unable to love one another.
Regarding Obama Health Care plan issue...why don't Americans look up to their alias (Canada & UK) and you will see that a national health care plan can work well as in our country for decades! This might relieve some stress in your country. As a famous American once said...”you have nothing to fear but fear itself!” Good Luck Yankee friends! Orazio
Decisions by government are still the root cause of most of our issues. Government is too large, still growing, largely unaccountable, still demonizing, crying crisis, and all to willing to solve it with expansion, taxes, and control of our lives.
Moral authority does not come from outside ourselves, not in any one person and not in any one religious belief.
The very last thing we need is another sect or religion or moral majority setting themselves as "THE" moral authority.
We all know in our hearts that some of us live very well, while others in humanity barely live at all.
Our moral authority should be, "Do unto others, as you would have done to you."
Are American’s narcissistic? Of course they are. But so is most of humanity. This is not to say that it is acceptable to be narcissistic, but that is the nature of the world. Don’t believe me? Just read some news media from other parts of the world. Even me writing this is just another attempt to validate my ego.
As for the moral authority, why do we need a national/universal/spiritual moral authority? My understanding was that each one of us is a moral compass for our path in life. I am my own moral authority and the same goes for my fellow human being. So long as we continue to put people on pedestals of flawlessness we will continue to be disappointed, disillusioned, anxious and depressed. Politicians, religious leaders, financial leaders, doctors are all people, with failures, flaws and greatness as well. They do not disappoint us, we disappoint our selves with unrealistic expectations.
The moral authority in the country should be God. This country has turned its back on God and as a result, our society has lost its morality. Anything goes! It is a society all about me. It is time to start thinking about others instead of ourselves.
America needs a Good Dose of Prozac so we can stop thinking about ourselves and help one another! Why do you think people are Depressed and Anxious with there selves? Because when you think to much about yourself you make up flaws and then you become Depressed! If Americans want a better life, we are going to need Hard Drugs that will relieve themselves and focus on other issues... Also, Marijuana would be a good start! Legalizing it will give people the Confidence in our Government again, because most Americans know that it's outrageous that it is illegal and will show that the Government can do at least one thing right!!! Prohibition didn't work for Alcohol and it Will Not Work with Marijuana!
CNN constantly shows people with guns, (mostly repeats of the same dude), giving them credability. Why do you concentrate on the nut cases. If you are looking for someone who can help you set US moral standards I sugges to look at Elizabeth Smart's father.
What I see wrong is who we see Rush, Sean, Ed, Keith, and all the non news shows as talking news. They are not. They are just talk shows with an over the edge opinion. (Jerry Springer type) They are all looking for followers. And the more extreme they are, the more extreme followers they can get. These shows need to be called just what they are. They are entertainment shows and nothing more. If we take them serious we get pumped up and mad for stupid and wrong reasons. Shut them off or take them with a grain of salt and watch the sun come up again over America. Rate them all as a one hour comedy show.
Thank you
Dean Foell
Fargo, ND
I would like to add that I sincerely believe the hate mongers, and we all know who they are, contribute greatly to the divide in this country.
Interestingly enough both religion and government have the same objective on earth—to regulate human behavior. Together their regulations create civilization. The lack of civility we see today is a direct result of the lack of religious principles in practice amongst the most egregiously uncouth. “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is a tenet of all the great world religions. Disrespect for the life and work of another human being is a moral issue. Those who attribute to the fundamentalist manifestations of religion the causes of the world’s problems are like people who blame their mother for every thing that’s wrong with them emotionally and psychologically and give her no credit for the positive aspects of their human nature that they possess. They usually believe that their positive traits were created by them alone, which is just another manifestation of their basic narcissism. The truth only comes as a whole package. You can’t dodge it forever. The same is true of blaming government for all thats wrong and none of what is good about our way of life.
Religious morality is not a bad thing. It comes with secondary benefits. It keeps us civil. Without it we revert to the jungle.
Americans are angry because they believe that many of the things that made us the richest, most wonderful country in the world are being changed to turn us into a stagnant, big-brother knows best, third-rate country. We feel we are not being told the truth, that congress and the President are giving us campaign rhetoric instead of the truth and facts. We feel this administration has an agenda that is wrong-wrong-wrong for America.
Here's the problem in this country nowadays. we are no longer 1 country. we have the Republican Country, Democrat Country, Illegal Alien Country, Independant country, Black & White countries and finally the Pollitical country(which is the worst). whatever happened to everyone being one country and banding together for ALL of our good. Illegals need to go home for 1. Republicans are all about me, me,me and dont give anything up unless i get osmething out of it. Democrats are like i dont care what youmade, give it to everyone else so we are all financially equal.Blacks want to be treated equally but in reality they dont, they want more rights than whites. they want to be treated equally on every aspect where they lag behind,. but want all any extras given to blacks and blacks only without white people being able to enjoy the benefits and dont take responsibility for their own predicaments. Whites are tired of this sort of thing happenening so they are shutting down to help ANY other races get anything else period. Independants are the closest to what America is all about but cant any cooperation from ANY of the other factions,. The political country is so far out in space and out of touch with its people they are aliens themselves and noit to mention the most selfish of all of them. Whats goignb on here? we need to all sit back, stop being selfish, quit labeling people and GET OVER IT! We are ALL AMericans (except ILLEGALS) and we should be acting that way.
Are American's narcissistic? Of course they are. But so is most of humanity. This is not to say that it is acceptable to be narcissistic, but that is the nature of the world. Don't believe me? Just read some news media from other parts of the world. Even me writing this is just another attempt to validate my ego.
As for the moral authority, why do we need a national/universal/spiritual moral authority? My understanding was that each one of us is a moral compass for our path in life. I am my own moral authority and the same goes for my fellow human being. So long as we continue to put people on pedestals of flawlessness we will continue to be disappointed, disillusioned, anxious and depressed.
Who do I think represents moral authority in the United States? I think each individual must develop their own moral compass based on education, experience and history. I don't expect my politicians to represent a moral example beyond that of any other citizen; I DO expect them to do what we elected them to do: in the case of President Obama, 54% of us voted for him in part on the basis of his pledge to reform health care, INCLUDING a government component. Despite the recent acrimony and myriad polling claim, It seems to me the most important poll is the election itself which said, emphatically, we want equity and quality in health care delivery; creating that would be a profoundly positive moral act.
Carol asked "Who is America's moral compass"? Definitely look beyond politicians. I think that Bill Cosby is a great example of a moral compass. He always talks about people taking responsibility for themselves, and of the value of education. Two very important messages!
On the question asked, "who is your 'moral authority'...I am. That is the core of what makes the United States the great country it is. If I were not able to believe, and more importantly, voice what I believe, it wouldbe a sad and dreary world.
It seems that our country's moral authority lies with whoever has the most cash. Our nation seems to be easily swayed by who or whatever shakes the most money in our faces. Instead of standing up for what we believe in or what we know is right, we are so willing to stay quite as long as we are getting paid. When will our nation wake up and realize that we aren't the center of the world and that cash is not king.
I think Billy Graham is the moral authority in this country, another whom we just lost was Walter Cronkite. Neither of them used religion for political purposes either.
At this point I feel the great divide is caused by a President that is putting the cart before the horse-Again-Illegal Immigrants will play a key roll-I have a feeling that if this was addressed first-having a guarentee that ILEGALS would NOT Become AMERICANS,BOARDERS MAINTAINED, AND ILLEGALS THAT CROSS THE BOARDERS AND GIVE BIRTH SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AMERCIANS-That healthcare-which is needed-would not have caused such a debate-has anyone considered what the addtional illegals will cost-how can I trust a government that has mortgage my childrens' childrens future, and about to take their education by giving it to the less fortunate-Morals are not present-it seems as if there are underlying deals being made at the cost of the AMERICAN people. America is NOT the caretakers of the world-It should be the Leader of Nations and I personally have not seen this.
There is currently no moral leader or standout in the United States!!! The President should be the moral leader but when he speaks now it is in doubletalk, in one part of his speech he will say one thing and before the speech is over he will have contradicted himself.
There is not, nor should there be a single "moral authority" in our nation. It is everyone's responsibility to be their own moral authority. We all know right from wrong, and it is up to us to do the right thing.
Who is the moral authority in this country? I am my own moral authority and if others would take responsability for themselves and their families and be honest and ethical when dealing with others; there would be a solid foundation to build from. Individual greed has desimated our country.
Gee, mad as hell?
The same people who yell and scream about their rights, their constitution, their rights to carry automatic weapons on our streets, their rights to speak the hate in their hearts for people who look different then they do, the hate in their hearts for the people who think differently then they do, the hate in their hearts for the people who believe differently then they do - Are in reality the same people who stop us from making our own decissions on our private lives under the disguise of family values, while also denying us our own constitutional right to live as free Americans united under one flag! ! !
Don't overlook the theological component to this divide. A good number of people within fundamentalist Christianity support things such as dominion theology or reconstructionism, which desires to bring the United States back to its supposed roots as a Christian nation. The rhetoric from these people is them-versus-us. The government and its leader, Mr. Obama, have become anti-Christian. American Christians are being persecuted by liberals. If we don't fight, we're going to lose our Christian identity as a nation. Obama is a closet Muslim who hates Christians.
Check out a book called "Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence" by journalist Mark Juergensmeyer for a great discussion of the psychology and theology of fundamentalist groups. It's my fear that American fundamentalist Christianity (with its staunch nationalistic component) is growing more and more like violent groups. I'd love to discuss this issue with you, Ms. Costello, if you have any questions. Shoot me an e-mail.
"Gone-mad-in-America" is the best title for what is actually happening in America.
Main stream media, as well as Internet news media, have made this easily possible by giving these bottom-feeding individuals a platform to spew their insanity.
I do not like a lot of decisions that are made and have been made concerning America; however, I will voice my discontent in a civilized manner, as I am not driven by racism and I am not revved up by delusional television and radio personalities. I think for myself and make my own decisions.
CNN should stop giving platforms to therse bottom-feeders in an effort to gain ratings.
Why do we need a Moral Authority to find empathy? Empathy is a fundamental human emotion, everyone needs to find it within themselves.
The moral authorities in this country are our pastors.
Conservatives, independents and some democrats are fed up with a democrat party which has hijacked by those with a 1960's radical mentality put in their positions by President Obama, (three examples are Van Jones, Mark Llloyd, Cass Sunstein) and are voicing their concerns. Apparently, now CNN thinks protest is inappropriate when liberal protest has been considered appropriate and chic for decades. Give me a break.
I am tired of all this argument. Who did all these desenters vote for? As I recall, Barack Obama won the election, both electoral and popular votes. He came into office with two wars that Bush started, a financial disaster already in progress and a huge deficit. He has been in office nine months. It seems all these people want him to do something, just not what he is doing.
The only way to fix Washington and bring Americans together, is to stop campaign contributions by any and all companies, to elected officials. It's bribery. And when an official has to raise millions and millions of dollars to compete in a campaign, they're forced to accept this money which then ties their hands. And if we ever expect our elected officials to do the right thing, we have to stop allowing corporate interests to cloud their judgement.
A private flaw is a failure of the public interest? Excuse me?
Or do you mean that a private failure allows CNN to run lurid stories to attract viewers? or that it allows opponents to attack?
How many competent people have elected to avoid politics rather than subject themselves to that?
Carol:
I am really glad that you are discussing this very important and relevant topic. Nobody can ask highly polarizing ideologues like Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter on the extreme right or Keith Olbermann and Ed Schultz on the extreme left to behave nicely. Being realistic, they will never voluntarily agree to do it because strong partisanship is what keeps them in business!
There will also never be civility in Washington as long as Rush Limbaugh is so powerful and when so many elected Republicans fear him and keep on apologizing to him. That is the silent elephant in the room about why Obama is having such a hard time getting any Republican votes!
The best possible chance of success in restoring civility to the national dialogue is trying to convince President Obama and Congress to do everything that they can within their power to try and reinstate some version of The Fairness Doctrine. This is the one and only thing that Rush Limbaugh and his wing of the Republican Party truly fears!
Reinstating some version of The Fairness Doctrine will help to lessen the strong influence that Rush Limbaugh has right now and it will also help to make sure that no far left wing ideologue ever becomes too powerful in the future where they can hold elected Democrats hostage to their will like how Limbaugh is doing to so many elected Republicans right now!
Mitch Dworkin
The Great Divide! You know what is sad, really sad? In about 50 years, those on Wall Street, along with politicians will be able to clasp their dollars in their greedy little hands and wish they would have put their money into saving Mother Earth. As they struggle to take a breath (pollution), as they kill another for a cup of water (what will become our most precious commodity), as they trample one another in the streets (over-population), they will look to God to save them, when they could have saved themselves and the rest of the world. For the only species given a brain to think with, the human species is the stupidest of all species in the world. Oh, Mother Earth will cleanse itself AFTER WE ARE GONE, and will start all over again. We can only hope that the next human species through evolution will actually USE THEIR BRAINS!!!
Everyone may be hurting but there is no reason for people to be so disrespectful. All those pathetic signs and people at the tea party march is a good example of how low some people will go. The voters value summit was another example and look how many members of congress was at this witch hunt. Lord Have Mercy on Us.
I doubt very seriously that the division will ever be bridged, the level of distrust between the parties has been fed so much hateful rhetoric that the polarization of people now borders on outright violent confrontation. Even if , God forbid, another tragedy of the scale of 9/11 were to happen we would skip the whole "United We Stand" thing and immediately go to the blame game. The amount of hatred whipped up by right wing nut jobs every day towards this administration would ignite into outright violence and possibly push this nation to the brink of civil war. I sometimes think that is really what they want, then they wouldn't have to deal with those pesky things called elections and could "Take Their America Back". A good example is the fellows comment comparing his version of America to a football team, that is all well and good, but........ what about the player that gets hurt, the ones not quite strong enough to contribute to victory any more?, the ones who may not have been strong enough to make the first string??? In his version of America those people who don't actively contribute to team victory don't deserve even a small portion of the victory, so , the hungry, starve...... the injured are not healed....... the weak are left behind to die....... all very primitive, hunter gatherer like. I think in this fellows clan he begrudge even the 1 days food and water left with the old and infirm as the clan leaves them behind to die.
Hi Carol,
Your comments on gun control this a.m. have me concerned. Is your media trying to bring the gun control issue alive again? Please let sleeping dogs "lie" or is that lay. You have to remember your history. In 1776 the shot heard round the world and the reason behind it was totally about gun control. King Edwards troops were not coming to tax the people that day, they were coming to disarm them. Our Constition and Bill of Rights give the people the right to "keep and bear arms" to protect themselves and this country from enemies "foreign and DOMESTIC" who endanger the rights set forth in these documents. As far as the comment the lady made about an AK47 in every home, well you have to be armed as well or better than your enemy if you plan to win this battle. Controlling guns would be as effective as controlling drugs in this country and would only empower the criminals. Every city and state that has enacted a right to carry law has seen a dramatic drop in violent crime so maybe it is time for you and your cronies to support gun ownership rights. With president obama taking a stance against the military leaders in this country it raises very serious concerns about how they will react to this. A coupe, I would hope not, but there are still many who think our own government and military were involved in the Kennedy assasination so "movie script" realities are possible.
Carol,
You are correct that we need empathy, but that is not the message coming out of the media. Media is giving attention to "lound mouth Schunks" starting from the guy in McCain's town hall meeting saying we are mad, to all the way to the disruptive town hall meetings on the health care debates.
It seems like some Republicans have lost civility over their defeat to President Obama, and they are refusing to accept him as their leader. I am not Democrat, but I am extremely disappointed with the current leadership and loud mouth schnuks in the party who think outrage will solve their problems.
Gun Control, people with guns are the one who think outrage is going to solve the crime issue. I answer would be fine you can have guns, but if you shoot some one you should be put in jail as murderer.
Health care, not Obama, not republican are willing to admit that there is cost associated with the kind of health care we expect. Humans are not cars (as Obama put it in one of his speeches), and doctors are not mechanics. Unless as Americans, we are willing to admit that all livings things are designed to die one day by nature, we will spend more than the rest of the world combined. My solutions is basic health care should be free, and people who can afford to pay for the expensive treatments fine let them spend their money. There are imperfections in nature to ensure survival of the toughest.
Unless we recognize the we are all mortals, we would expect to get the best helath care and have someone else pay for it. I understand it is a cuel view, but we have to realize that nature is cruel, not humane. You tell me the reason when a 92 year old persons family asks to do all the medical procedures to "save life". Who is to pay for it, me, certainly not. Family should be asked to pay for it.
We want priivate health care, then dictate the private companies whose motive is to make profit what they can and cannot do? We force hospitals to take the people in emergency care and have the doctors nurses and staff to "fix them" without paying a dime for it?
As said, like the most of the world basic health care should be free to all. Above and over, if a person can afford it, fine, otherwise, may be they should have worked towards the level where they could afford it.. We cannot afford to pay for vacination for kids, but spend billions of dollars of wars. I guess there is no difference in philosophies as both kill humans, just one cost more than the other.
Actually, while I am sure it is just coincidence, I am mad as hell that a few days after sending a message to Ali Velshi suggesting he interview the "Mad as Hell Doctors", CNN chooses to use the doctor's Mad As Hell slogan for one of their news campaigns, while still not interviewing the Mad As Hell doctors. The good doctors represent so many of us who are tired of what is going on on Capitol Hill with all of the wrangling over health care, and our representatives who are looking out for the Insurance industries interests only. I am a four year breast cancer survivor and I feel that my life depends on true health care reform, not the current watered down version. In July, I was part of a group from Kentucky that delivered a petition supporting HR676 with 7000 signatures on it to Mitch McConnell's office. I notice that there has been nothing about that in the media either.
A country divided? The USA has always been a country divided; race, most likely, will never be wiped out in the U.S. Gun Control? Those who favor owning guns have a violent nature even though they are not willing to admit to it. Mostly men, of course! Testosterones. And as for the sport of hunting, or for food? Nonsense! We do not need to hunt for food. The human species was never intended to eat meat in the first place. Because we do, this is the reason so many of us get cancer. Capitalism? Economically, capitalism divides America-the very rich, the middle class unable to get ahead, the very poor. Me, Me, Me is the attitude today and the unwillingness to share. The racism, violence and greed will only get worse, particularly in the U.S. It is difficult to change these mindsets.
We need people with more of a moral compass leading us in Washington. I believe socialism would be our demise. -Why try anymore? I think so many things. I think people should be drug tested to get food stamps. I think their should be a limit on how long you can get government services, but I also think their should be job assitance and other services available to help them for a certain amount of time. I think fixing healthcare should be fixed/discussed by a formed committee of: doctors, hospital ceo's, pharmacists, nurses, patients, insurance ceos, insurance employees, walmart ceo/board & mcD ceo/board. NOT Washington. Why did I add Walmart & McD's to this committee? because they ARE well oiled, successful machines. I think we should let companies fail when they get in trouble. If I owned a subway restaurant that started tanking...there would be no bailout for me. I truly could not believe the government ran to save those companies. What does that say about failing in life? There is so much that needs work...I don't have all day. New, morally guided representatives in Washington is start.
I think the lack "putting yourself in other people's shoes & walking around in them" is hurting this country..As an Obama supporter I am saddened by the hostility on the right & the hypocrisy: They are worried about the Debt but they don't mind spending money on war to kill people including US soldiers......The gun thing is terrifying.....when do you ever see a criminal being shot by an ordinary citizen with a licensed weapon? Never! That's an NRA myth....more often it's a teenager taking an assault rifle to class & an awful tragedy which ensues......One last point which I don't see brought up: Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity & Karl Rove are ALL college drop outs!! My point is that themost vocal & listened-too leaders of the"tea bagers" are uneducated men in contrast to out president.
Gun control in this country will not succeed because it is a free nation and if we control the guns to ordinary citizens, only criminals have opportunity to get guns and control the innocent people. In my country Burma, the military regime does not allow the citizens to bear arms soldiers have guns and they are now controlling the country since 1962. Only dictatorial regimes can control guns in their countries so the crime committed by citizens dropped but the crimes committed by the government increased unaccounted.
Htun Aung Gyaw
I am thrilled you mention empathy as a bridge to the divide! I practice Nonviolent Communication http://www.cnvc.org/ and that is what we are all about. International Day for Empathic Action is October 2nd. http://worldempathy.org/
I will be taking "Peace Paths" to a local festival, it is based on an NVC inspired Empathy Labyrinth http://www.theempathylabyrinth.com/
President Obama said "We have the opportunity to make a habit of empathy, to recognize ourselves in each other, to commit ourselves to resisting injustice and intolerance and indifference, in whatever forms they may take, whether confronting those who tell lies about history, or doing everything we can to prevent and end atrocities like those that took place in Rwanda, those taking place in Darfur. That is my commitment as president.I hope that is yours as well."
I urge you to contact the organizers of these groups and support them in sharing these ideas ~ they work. Blessings, Donna Nichter
So long as our politicians are bought and paid for by lobbyists and others with special interests, there is no way on earth that we the people can trust them. Look at the multi millions for example, that have been given to those in charge of shaping the health care bills. How can any of us begin to believe that our so called "representatives" are serving us? We can't. They don't. They serve the almighty dollar and their own self interests. Cynical? Yes, but unfortunately the way it is.
As an American born and bread it discust me to see our country so divided. It disturbs me even more to see our political leaders the root cause of it.
If there are concerns over bills or laws, they need to work together to correct it, that is what we as citizens elected them to do. Instead they have used this for political gains.
When we have turned issues into volitile events, threats from religious leaders and others on our President, and divisions among our people, we accomplish nothing but dividing our country at a time it should be uniting.
Enclosing it is the Republicans who had the chance in 2008 to elect their leaders, I for one voted the repyblican ticket, yet they failed to do so, and now angry over the outcome, are turning every issue into a divisive measure.
Grow up, do the job you were elected to do, work with one another, and stop screaming fire in a burning building. You are setting this country on a path of distruction, and by the time you realize it it will be too late.
Increasingly it seems nothing positive is going on in America anymore, what is wrong with us? why are we so bitter that we are loosing every sense of constructive criticism?, off course this administration has its flaws like any others in the past....giving it different sorts of "devilish" labels because you disagree with some policies is beneath reasoning. What we are actually forgetting is that the rest of the world is watching us loosing our civility and dancing naked in the public places.
We can't come together when people say "capitalism" is the problem! Capitalism is what made this Country great; Capitalism is what gives people their jobs; Capitalism is what gave the USA such a high standard of living. So if people on the side against Capitalism and for socialism, marxism, and communism want to change America then we will never come together. The mere fact that you just breezed over her unbelievable statement means that we have come to the point so many of us have feared - the destruction of America by the far left. Obama, Pelosi, Redi and Barney Frank is what's wrong with America - change I do NOT believe in.
The only fix I can see is eliminating the party system altogether and have at large primary and general elections. It's ashame our government has deteriorated to the point it has. Our elected representatives are unable to think for themselves and work for what is best for the country rather than their party. This has to change.
The solution to the fix is simple but the implamentation is seemingly impossible. The solution is term limits for Congressmen and Senators and a requirement that they must come from all walks of life. We must stop the strangle hold of wealthy people and lawyers from ruling our country. Good luck trying to get this accomplished.
the entire world warned you of the ongoing waste and attitude, you just did not listen, too many guns, too much bigotry, love has been replaced by $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4, PITY!!!!
I think we all need to just step back and instead of blaming everybody else for this recession, we need to realize that we're the ones at fault. We want the best of the best but we don't want to pay that much for it. So we buy things with credit and money we don't have. We buy things we can't afford and then when all heads south we take out loans and loans. I'm not saying we shouldn't still take a look at some issues that have been brought up but lets face it people if your in a tight situation that's your own fault!
The problem with heatlth care reform is it is to big to get everyone to agree on all parts of it. We should break it down and pass what can be agreed on and then revisit the topic in 6 months to make more changes as needed.
The fate of the nation is in the citizens. Let's face it we vote our president in, we vote the representives in. To change the nation wee must vote for better ppl. The nation fate is in ur votes
CNN and other cable news outlets are a big part of the blame for this divide. Since they don't have 24 hours of news to report, they start trying to make news. This mornings topic was democrats and new gun laws. Last I checked there wasn't any gun legislation on the floor of the house or senate. Yet CNN thinks it interesting to stir in the stink, if you will, and try to create controversy. Please be responsible stewards of the "information" you disperse. Perhaps you need to make yourselves some bracelets: WWWCD – What would Walter Cronkite do.
I think bridging the gap is easy as pie. Why don't we just accept each other? I'm a Cannabis consuming atheist. I don't want America to become that, though. I just want to practice what I believe without interfering with others. In the same manner, others need to stop trying to change things they disagree with, and focus on changing things that make a difference.
Get rid of all the politicians and start over they just don't get it
The biggest problem this country faces is that news organizations like yours gives voice to these extremist views, making them think they have more importance than they have. And, your reporter, Carol Costello, is so snarky at times that she negates any objective reporting on this issue.