What Has Happened To America’s Bond?

We sit and watch today as a band of angry Americans tussle with authorities in American cities all across our great nation.

Occupy Wall Street and its offshoots have co-dominated headlines this week along with the Penn State mess. I have written a few times about this topic this week, but as I brainstormed today for this piece, I really just became sad.

Throughout my 28 years on this planet, there have been times where I have questioned why certain things are happening and what explanations are for current events. We have seen recessions, wars, and tragedy on our soil. And while our country is at its apex in development such as technology, there is never a time I can remember where things have been set so far back.

We were always taught about dreaming big, treating people with respect, and working hard to get to where we wanted to in life.

September 11, 2001 was the most devastating day in the history of our country. It was a day where our enemies thought we could not bounce back from. Truth is, we showed resolve and a bond to fight back against these evils.

While 9/11 was a horrible horrible event, the only silver lining that came out of that day was a bond and unity for our country unseen in some times. You can recall seeing American flags flying outside of the vast majorities of homes, and bumper stickers gracing the backs of cars. We were united.

Look up at your television right now, and you’ll see chaos in New York City, and others all around the USA. Tensions have come to a head between police and “occupiers” looking for answers and changes for the way things are.

No matter what side you are on with this debate, it is just a sad commentary on where this country stands. When I scan through the news everyday (which I do quite a bit), I see nothing but division.

It all starts from the top. What is happening in politics is an absolute disgrace in my book. I accept that there are different political parties with differing political opinions, but at this point, the sides seem like they are rooting for failure from the opposite side, even if citizens’ quality of life is the collateral.

Again, I can remember political debate and arguments, but never a time like we live in today.

These issues are no easy fix, and every side has their rightful arguments, but nothing will get resolved until the combativeness relents a bit.

Whether we agree on things or not, America always possessed a certain pride that has always been the backbone. It popped back up briefly after the killing of Osama Bin Laden, but that got buried in political crossfire. This pride is the reason the national anthem is still sang before every major event.

If we keep rooting for failure from the opposition, this great country will never regain the bond it was once built on.