Notes on America

As a Canadian and a Quebecker, there's a vested investment in our neighbors (and currently my hosts) to the south prospering. With 77% of exports and and 52% of our imports (in dollar value, CIA World Factbook) going to and from the US and close political relationship we can't afford a sick country to the south - politically, socially or economically.

The US is a society that achieved greatness under pressure and gave an achievable "American dream" to many around the world, constructing a society made up of every ethnic groups allied in the search of happiness in an atmosphere where an equitable chance was afforded to most. A society that set an example (not by force, but by success) to many all around the world. And the USA is still home to greatness: world's best universities, Silicon Valley home of the top technological companies and a list of Nobel laureates that far exceeds, at 320, any other country.

But increasingly (not that the sentiment is new) the greater dream now seems soiled, dirty, unattainable. Surely the economic, cultural and increasingly military empire will last for a while longer but with the economy veering off track it seems that the dream can turn into a nightmare.

Lack of confidence from the population in government entities justified by ineffective governments and transformation from democracy to corporatocracy. An unworkable corporatocracy because of widespread (and again justified) increasing distrust of corporations.

An economy increasingly centered around the military industrial-complex which can only produce hammers in a world where every problem then looks like a nail. The continued slide towards imperialism accompanied by the inevitable widespread violation of the values and human rights.

Lost of real, true "friends" in the world adds to the uncertainty about and worry about the US future global competitiveness (culturally and economically).

In the meantime, reactionary and self-centered citizens are engaged in bitter social debates in all parts of the political compass. This is poorly represented and contained by two parties leading to unbalanced politics without nuance pulled between two extremes and no possible negotiation. This naturally leads to increasing screeching calls to violence towards those of opposing views with only empty nationalism and empty slogans trying to hold the citizenry together.

How do you get the dream back on track so that the nightmare doesn't infect others?