America Is Falling

Well, I know I’ll take a lot of flak for this (by those who don’t ignore me outright), but I feel so compelled to talk about this that I can’t avoid playing the unfavorable role. Do pardon the Chicken Little feel. Remember though, just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t watching me. ;)

I’m reading a book called “The World Is Flat: A Brief History Of The 21st Century”, and it’s utterly terrifying.

While I can see why the author named it so, a more suited title would be along the lines of, “America’s Screwed: Here’s Why”. Again, it’s obvious that he couldn’t name his book that — hence the less “in your face” approach.

First and foremost, everyone reading this must read this book. Go buy it in the bookstore, order it online, buy the audiobook from the iTunes Music Store, whatever. Just get it. It’s absolutely crucial that our little group of influence — and ideally the entire blogsphere — starts waking up to the certain facts regarding the state of our country.

Anyway, without going into too much detail, America is falling.

I’ve been saying this for years now, but I haven’t had any solid information with which to bring form to my thoughts. I’ve always sort of been bent on internal social issues that are poised to tear at our cohesion, but the problem is in fact much more serious than that.

In short, America is quickly becoming a country full of mouthbreathing imbeciles. Our education system has completely failed and nobody is paying attention. Of particular interest is our science and engineering talent pool; we are simply not producing any significant number of quality graduates in these fields. More importantly, our competitors are.

China and India are becoming the tech leaders in the world and it’s all happening right under our noses. It’s all about culture, really. In our country it’s not “cool” to be smart. In those countries it’s the way to be cool. In China, for example, Bill Gates gets swarmed everywhere he goes; he’s a legend. People want to see him; people want to hear him speak. He’s their Brittney Spears.

In America, Brittney Spears is our Brittney Spears. We’re pathetic.

Anyway, the problems revolve around PC, standards, education, and the lack of vision on the part of our leaders. We aren’t thinking as if we’re in a competition with the rest of the world. Our politicians are fighting for their next terms, not for the long-term health of our country. China is doing the opposite, as is India.

How To Fix It

So anyway, I have a solution. It’s one that will never happen, but I like to offer solutions when I bitch like this. Here’s the gist of it:

1. Rebuild education in this country. Set new national standards that are at or above China and India. Double teacher pay. Start a new tax just to pay for this; I’ll be the first to offer part of my check for it; it’s worth it.

2. Start a national campaign of competition with the world. Make it a priority to become smarter and more academic for children. Take the focus away from athletics and entertainment. The focus needs to be science and creativity.

3. Destroy PC. Nothing is more damaging than telling people “he’s not stupid — he just thinks in a different way.” Bullshit. Being stupid due to a lack of initiative and focus should be shunned and ridiculed. Celebrate the intelligent; don’t reward the stupid. Only once we are able to cross this line will we be prepared to move forward. This doesn’t mean regress into a time of intolerance, it just means shed the stupidity.

Anyway, I’m too flustered to continue. Email me or leave a comment if you have any thoughts…