Yeah my main concern is the outsourcing of labor and partial damaging it has done to the middle/lower class here. The layoffs are never good and just a way of the CEOs and stockholders assuring that they take less of a hit financially. They would gladly sacrifice the jobs of some of their workers just to be more profitable and benefit themselves. This unfortunatey is a trend happening in other countries, evidenced by the Canadian printing businessman I talked to in Munich rants over layoffs and job outsourcing his countries companies are doing as well. Another Canadian I was talking to at the beaches here was more optimistic about the more powerful nations outsourcing jobs. Probably because he doesn't care at all about what doesn't effect him directly.
The high crime is sadly something that will not be helped if we continue to see the war on drugs the way we do currently. The massive amount of illegally obtained handguns used in about 96% of gun crimes in the US is troubling to say the least when there are so many legally obtained guns already in circulation. Using a registered handgun to commit a crime is for only the biggest criminal retards here lol. Drugs are a big problem here, most of our crime is drug related (robberies and murders can be linked to gangs that sell drugs for example). Getting more and more reminiscent of the prohibition days and the gangs that were so infamous back then.
The health I can't control sadly, I can only control my own. The greedy medication companies sicken me selling their pills for fractions less in neighboring countries like Canada, when they are US based themselves. They know US citizens will pay those outrageous prices. Yes my health care is expensive, yet my taxes are lower in comparison to what I would have to pay for socialized healthcare. A different health care system in the US or some sort of reform to the privatized one we currently have is more than necessary. Social Security is also a big factor looming on the horizon. One that mathematically could destroy our nation actually if they don't do something drastic about it soon. Bush so far is taking about reforming it, but it will most likely be done by the next president.
Corruption in government contracts aren't limited to defense spending, there are speculations over highway building and several other things as well. Lobbyists piss me off, same with special interest groups. So much reform is needed. I like Thomas Jefferson's initial idea of a complete revolution every so often. Well not a violent one hopefully, but our current government could be more ideal. Same could be said for a good deal of other nations unfortunately.
I agree that where I live (North Florida) has more than its fair share of problems, but it has its good things as well. The only main thing it is to me is home right now. I could hate it more that much is for sure. Seemingly I always have some hatred to spare.
My grandfather who was a WW2 vet thinks the US is probably fucked in the long run as he doesn't see things getting better. I agree with him that drastic changes in philosophy will be needed to stay afloat.
Yes it is amazing Cal that the country still clings together and manages to work. There are some right things being done obviously. It can't all be wrong haha.
