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Mark_Thompson's Blog

by Mark_Thompson from los angeles

Last Post 6 days, 4 hours Ago


Is this great nation sagging toward the third world...????

Have you noticed? Slowly we are losing laps to the other industrial nations of the world.

The U.S is being battered by a world economy that cannot value our dollar like it used to (in fact many economists suggest t it's only a matter of time before the dollar will lose to the Euro as the standard trade currency worldwide) and even the quality of life in this nation is beginning to suffer.

Our roads, bridges and communications infrastructures have deteriorated to the point that lives are dramatically effected, even ended, by our inability to maintain these basic elements of life.

As great as our technologies may seem, across the Atlantic through Europe and in Asia as well there are examples of REAL technological advantages.

Many of these problems are not so much of our own making in the sense that they are the result of aging institutions and ways of thinking that create their own batch of problems. But it is our responsibility to maintain and improve this place we live.

It would be nice if we could give ourselves a cold slap in the face and begin to address the actual problems of this nation instead of blindly defaulting to sloganism or getting distracted by how personable or angelic our politicians are or are not.

The problem is that we ARE the coolest place in the world in many ways. We WERE the prettiest girl at the dance for a long time. The other kids on the international playground want to be like us in terms of a lot of cultural elements. I think we feel that. But everything else is lagging behind and even that envied culture/image that we export will evaporate if things don't change.

We ARE a great country that was once among the greatest countries but now we have to hustle and regain a lot of ground just to secure a decent future don't you think?

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Member Comments Total Comments: 19
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samo714 read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2008 | 7:22 AM

oh man, i new about this years ago. it was just a matter of time that europe was going to regain their top spot. our decedent style would be the end out country, and it seems as though it won't be long until that happens.

mystere read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2008 | 9:41 AM

Mark and Samo714, you guys are on top of this! Now I don't hide that fact that I am one who believes in God, and there are things that I read about in the final book of the Bible (Revelations) that I am seeing coming true these days. A global economy is in the works as of right now, and that Euro is part of the scheme of things. The Amero is coming too, and we will fight it with intense fights to come. There's more to come, including more trouble in the Middle East, with Israel becoming the scapegoat. One of several likely things will happen: The United States will be in such shambles that we will blame Israel for all troubles; the United States will be in such shambles to the point it can't come to the aide of Israel, or the United States will be blackmailed by some other country to the point it can't help Israel out. The problem isn't going to go away for at least 17 years. Wait until Israel celebrates being a nation for 70 years (2018). That's when our troubles are really going to either end, or get worse.

sebar read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2008 | 1:35 PM

Actually Mark, you need to tune in Dr. Michael Savage. I suggest you goto youtube and do a search for the Daily Savage, and listen to this guy. He has been almost 100% correct in the 8 and 3/4 years I have listened to him, often predicting exactly what was going to happen a year or more ahead of time. He also offers solutions as well. I am just stunned that Mr. Murdoch doesn't try and get this guy a show on FOX. I believe it would be a major show ratings and would benefit both men, but hey, my opinion doesn't count so for what it is worth, tune this guy in. Listen for 1 week and you will be hooked on his show. He calls it as it is, at least until the new government decides to kill free speech which is coming, probably with the next president of the USA.

voodoodog read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2008 | 3:25 PM

The country needs a shot of Botox.

statueman read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2008 | 4:34 PM

Sebar you sure? I think you told me about that once. Savage is 100%? Come on....
_____________________________
Many of these problems are not so much of our own making in the sense that they are the result of aging institutions and ways of thinking that create their own batch of problems. But it is our responsibility to maintain and improve this place we live.
____________________________

Mark,
I think that has alot to do with it. For all the warnings about maintaining the status quo we haven't done anthing more than 'focus on the family' and lost focus on the rest of the neighborhood. Rather it takds a whole village or not the whole village plays a part.

I think a focus on something more than being smarter than a fifth grader would be one way. Get off the conservative and liberal new 'shows' would be another... actively seeking out better news programming and getting media to play a huge part in our educational system making academics a popular sport.

statueman read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2008 | 4:41 PM

As far as infra structure is concerned I think that too much civil engineering has been victim of the automobile. We have too many cars and not enough public transportation. Our streets aren't safe for wide spread healthy transportation like the good ole bicycle.

As far as communications infrastructure you'll have to elaborate... I would think ours is the best in the world still. Unless of course your talking about interpersonal in which case I would totally agree and reference old Far Sides joke about the "dysfuntional family robinson" where each family member is marooned on their own personal island.

craftyguy read my blog
Apr 3, 2008 | 8:17 PM

the nation as a whole may not be going third world but L.A. sure is ..this city has become a total cesspool gangs run the streets and other then the film industry and the county jail there isn't one industry left worth a damn..teachers cant even get a job unless they are bi lingual..why the hell do i have to press 1 for English?freeways in disrepair ??/simple we stop at those lights to get on everyday how about a toll 25 cents to get on that would generate enough money to fix the roads in the entire state 3 times you would actually be able to abolish state taxes those who didn't want to pay would free up the roads for the rest of us and lessen traffic....

sebar read my blog view my photos
Apr 3, 2008 | 9:10 PM

Well Statueman, yes I believe that in the last 8 3/4 years I have heard Savage, he has been right on many of the issues. Very few has he been wrong on, and when he was, he wasn't too far off the Mark, so-to-speak.

As for L.A. Craftyguy, the problem is that they will squander the toll money on other stuff like fat unions of government workers. Isn't a union of government employees paid off of tax dollars and then the union endorses a candidate that pays the union of government employees back with fat raises, isn't that illegal? I guess it isn't. Press 1 and throw them out of office.

occhicana view my photos
Apr 4, 2008 | 12:53 PM

I've always admired your thoughts and comments, but this one goes a little deeper than usual. I was suprised to read how much thought went into your blog. I personally believe that people are just struggling to survive day to day, but when they finally "make it to the top", they forget to look back & help the rest of the world so other people can climb that mountain. People just dont care about eachother like we should and I think it is getting worse everyday.

sebar read my blog view my photos
Apr 4, 2008 | 5:14 PM

It no longer is just simply struggling...I mean it is S-T-R-U-G-G-L-I-N-G!

American Author, Poet, Songwriter and Filmwriter
"Mark Paul" Sebar
The Power To Write The Best!

Mark_Thompson read my blog view my photos
Apr 4, 2008 | 6:35 PM

It IS a struggle for all but the smallest percentage of us but the truth is that those of us who can reach out and make a difference, even in a small way, will have it come back to us in multiples.

We need to help each other and make a difference in our communities, schools and neighborhoods because government will let us down.

The feds are there to protect "the system" and politicians don't have the guts to recommend rapid transit systems and tax and bond measures to address infrastructure and education challenges.

It really does fall to us to make it happen and then apply pressure to "elected officials" to make substantive changes for the future.

Yes, it's a big task and we have big problems, but little by little it gets done. After all, there are a lot of us.

lohaynna1421lola read my blog view my photos
Apr 6, 2008 | 4:08 PM

They need a litlle help.... a lot of BOTOX

lohaynna1421lola read my blog view my photos
Apr 6, 2008 | 4:32 PM

Ahhh, We are the U.S.

Obs. U.S. = us

Take easy Mark, the life is a grand book.
how say in Brazil " The book is on the table" rsrs
only read and learn.
OK ? AMEXICA dont will happen.! :)

Lola =D

Jay_Kumar read my blog
Apr 6, 2008 | 8:24 PM

"The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the Spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that Spectrum." - Noam Chomsky

"...In Bush, millions of discontented and empty Americans-those who could never make the team or grade and who live vicariously through myth, cinema, sports and the military, and, not coincidently, cheer the loudest for conflict-have their day. They are the ruthless and conniving neo-conservatives and Chicken Hawks. They are the pitiful people who rename French Fries to Freedom Fires. They are the Janus-faced millions who pledge allegiance to mythical gods and Israel ahead of the here-and-now problems besetting the United States of America. They are the lazy Americans who refuse to take the time to dig for the facts through tools like the Internet. They are the silent and cowardly racists who long to be vocal about their hatred of minorities and immigrants.

Like a wrecking ball through a building, these people, cheered on by Bush have destroyed government programs designed to improve the quality of American life and decrease the suffering of the poor and unemployed. They have charred the reputation of all Americans by engaging in war for the flimsiest of rationales and they have squandered any good will that the USA could muster internationally by undercutting every treaty and international governing body. The USA ranks last among industrialized nations in the provision of non-military foreign assistance to developing nations as a percentage of Gross National Product. Then again, if the USA can't

Jay_Kumar read my blog
Apr 6, 2008 | 8:24 PM

Then again, if the USA can't take care of itself, what is the world to expect?

http://www.counterpunch.org/stanton09032003.html

sebar read my blog view my photos
Apr 6, 2008 | 11:46 PM

Well This Ain't Your Land, that is because Tony gets a Spitshine For A Nickel or uses the best scalp polish in the business. I know for a fact that chicks dig balding dudes whose scalps shine like that and I can guarantee ya that nothing can beat a good old fashioned Spitshine For A Nickel, not even a Johnson Wax shine and buffing.

Tony, the policitian's are out of touch, they have sold out this country, constitution and people. Here is another Thomas Jefferson quote for ya...cheers!

"Every generation needs a new revolution." - Quoted By Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States and architect of the United States Constitution.

American Author, Poet, Songwriter and Filmwriter
"Mark Paul" Sebar
The Power To Write The Best!

o0lux0o read my blog view my photos
Apr 7, 2008 | 12:46 PM

Your right Mark. Its going to be hard to make things right again, but it's possible. Politicians are out for them selves and in turn, out for their parties. They will never do anything that will jeopardize their hold on power and influence over the American people. If you want the people to be able to change thing directly and turn this country around I really suggest you check out this website, ni4d.us

To quote a quote on that website:

“The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.”

- George Washington

lohaynna1421lola read my blog view my photos
Apr 8, 2008 | 6:59 PM

:o Its possible

mystere read my blog view my photos
Apr 9, 2008 | 1:51 AM

Well Mark,

We have this November to start turning things around. After all, it's a new administration!

By the way...great moves on the news!

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Mark_Thompson

On the nightly FOX 11 10pm News with occasional appearances on Channel 13 and even Good Day L.A. I am brimming with thoughts that will both entertain and bore you all in the same instant. I look forward to getting your thoughts too. Please watch for the new show HOLE IN THE WALL Thursdays @ 8p

Member Since: 7/4/2006