Comments on: America: Lost Child of the Enlightenment

By: Nima

Nima — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:14:32 +0000

Amusing Ourselves to Death
Democracy in America
Revolt of the Masses

3 recommended texts to provide further context for this piece…

Just an idea.

By: Ajay

Ajay — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:50:27 +0000

From Days of Washington to Adam to Jefferson; from Whiskey war to the evolution of constitution to Civil War, America evolved as a place where law of land was paramount; where the land of opportunity gave equal freedom to everyone; where liberty was equated with dignity of labor; What has happened off late to this amazing country?

Why a democratically elected government of third world countries are challenged by this Great Power, if those countries don’t agree to the view of this Great Nation. Can America count number of countries supporting, barring a few exception like: NATO members nations and a few Gulf authoratatian countries.

Did anyone ever think that American and its allies marched into Iraq when the oil filed of Kuwait was taken over by Saddam, then why did it paid only lip service when Russia lapped crimean peninsula?. Why double standard?

However, still I believe a few things would definitely let America to sail through any crisis: Innovation, Exploration, Education and Independence of Local government. Innovation in Pharmacology, metallurgy, chemical engineering, agriculture will make it stand unique in this world even though other countries will surely compete in the field of: Automobile, Aeronautical, Space programs, Machine and tools etc.

A wonderful article by Atul Singh is an eye opener for everyone to ponder and be given a deep thought.

By: Bipin

Bipin — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 11:17:05 +0000

Insight shared is good. American living room should have a conversation about how to build a family, community and grow kids who understand the value of hard work, and giving. Family need to engage in conversation as to how to build a political system that serves American and not just big corporations. Bigger question in my mind is that, does democracy in the current form really work? If yes, then where is it working. It certainly not working in UK, India, and other countries. Democracy in the current form has become a channel to serve big business. Money by corporation and individuals is used to control media and win the elections. As much as I like Modi, he is a representative of big business. Congress was no better, they were worse then Mafia.

Education is the best investment that Government should do? What is education and what is the purpose of education. Real education happens at home, community, at school through interactions.

Thank you for sharing your insight

Bipin

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:44:02 +0000

I entirely agree with the sentiment of this piece. We do need an intellectual awakening of sorts, and the type of anti-intellectual furor that is evident in some political and social settings is quite frightening.

I would just like to challenge one point: “Today, the best and brightest of America are notoriously insular, distracted all too easily by social media, and have skills but often lack an education.”

While this may be true of my generation in general, I have found (and this may just speak to my own interests and therefore the type of people I have as friends) that many young, educated people are aware of the world and are questioning the current foundations of our government, and perhaps more importantly of our society, much like the founding fathers. Many of these people employ social media as education tools that create awareness and allow for the spread of information that is not in the mainstream news media, such as Fox and CNN. I have found some of the most scathing and enlightening critiques of our society through social media,which have challenged my own opinions and beliefs and have pushed me to be civically engaged, so perhaps it is not simply a distraction (although, I agree that it most definitely can be and is for most). What is perceived by some as insular can be quite the opposite; however, I believe that we have to push beyond merely creating awareness through social media and engage in human-to-human interactions, fueling social movements and honest and informed debate.

By: Siyuan

Siyuan — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 23:19:29 +0000

The ideas at work in America are those of neoliberalism which are opposed to a redistribution of wealth. That’s why the public education and health care system are worsening and the gap between rich and poor is growing. I think the author could be more clear on that point WHICH ideas should be appreciated and contribute to a more equal society in which human live flourishes.

I think a rethinking of values would also imply a change of the whole system- how can we establish a more equal society in which everyone and not only the powerful elite (mainly existent in the political and economic sphere) have a voice? In what kind of society do we want to live?