‘Time’ Magazine Dubs The 2000’s ‘The Decade From Hell’
It looks like we’ve all got another big reason to be thankful this year … it’s almost the end of the 00’s decade which, according to Time magazine, has been The Decade from Hell. The new issue of Time chronicles THE worst things that have happened in the last 10 years which, in sum, add up to probably the worst decade our country has ever experienced — and to be honest, I kinda have to agree with Time magazine on this one:
As the first decade of the 21st Century draws to a close, Time has taken a look back and concluded that it is the “worst decade ever”: Bookended by 9/11 at the start and a financial wipeout at the end, the first 10 years of this century will very likely go down as the most dispiriting and disillusioning decade Americans have lived through in the post-World War II era. We’re still weeks away from the end of ‘09, but it’s not too early to pass judgment. Call it the Decade from Hell, or the Reckoning, or the Decade of Broken Dreams, or the Lost Decade. Call it whatever you want — just give thanks that it is nearly over.
If you so desire, you can read the online version of Time’s coverstory HERE. The more I think about the events that occurred in the last 10 years, the more I have to agree that it really was the Decade from Hell … consider, the 00’s started with the stupid Y2K bug (which seemed to be a harbinger of doom) and immediately went into the stolen election of GWB (arguably our worst president ever presiding over, again arguably, the most EVIL administration that our nation ever suffered under) complete with “hanging chads” and all … then came 9/11 and the subsequent TWO wars (one in Afghanistan, one in Iraq). Natural disasters like the Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 made sure to mar the decade with far too much death and destruction. The end of the decade saw our economic collapse which, in turn, threatened (and still threatens) the collapse of our nation’s automobile industry in Detroit … it just seems like it’s been on hit after another. Yes, there have been some amazing things to happen to our country in the past 10 years but, really, they will be primarily overshadowed by all of the bad stuff. As a student of History, I can assure you that when this decade is studied in hindsight, it really will look like prolly the worst decade of our nation’s history … especially if you consider how varied all of these disasters were (from technological, to political, to natural disasters, wars, terrorism, economic, etc.), well, it’s hard to argue otherwise. I have hope that the next 10 years will be much more prosperous and happy … after all, they couldn’t be any worse … right?
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November 27th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Ok – WOW – I hadn’t thought about just how miserable this decade has been!! It really has been awful in just about every area mentioned. Here’s hoping that the next decade brings back prosperity, peace and no more natural and/or other types of attacks!!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Decade from hell for the americans? The trials & tragedies of the western nations, with all due respect to those who have experianced personal suffering & loss, pale in comparison to the decades (and perhaps centuries) of true peril and helplessness experianced by pretty much the rest of the entire world. Just a bit of perspective, as we enjoy our morning coffee and PITNB
November 27th, 2009 at 9:41 am
@Warren — well, yes, there has always and will always be misery in the world but the Time magazine article does focus on the US … it’s not meant to be a treatise on World History.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I agree with Warren here…America has got nothing on other countries…but since this is an american magazine than whatever…
One thing though….The Tsunami? I didn’t know that was an american tragedy…where exactly in America did this Tsunami take place in 2004?
November 27th, 2009 at 9:45 am
@Shekwanda Jones — “where exactly in America did this Tsunami take place in 2004″ In the hearts, minds and homes of the families who lost family members overseas.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Wow, why are people so quick to slam America. Just because we aren’t a third world country does not mean we have not suffered or gone through issues. GOD BLESS AMERICA <3 This article really made me realize just how bad it really was in the past 10 years. I totally forgot about Y2K haha.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Agreed — this decade sucked balls. But, I’d have to argue that the Civil War or Great Depression/WWI probably made for a worse decade overall…
November 27th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Oops, I mean WWII. (Although I guess the Great Depression and WWII were in two different decades…)
November 27th, 2009 at 10:02 am
@lauren — I thought about the Civil War decade as well but that was one war (granted, one war amongst ourselves) but the varied travesties of this past decade all add up to one shitty decade. In Historic terms, while the Civil War was truly horrible, having a President like Abraham Lincoln kinda makes up for the travesty of war (again, in hindsight). I doubt History will remember GWB as a shining anything. We won’t know how History will truly remember the 00’s but I still think Time makes one hell of an argument for the 00’s to be among (if not THE) worst decades.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I remember everyone holding their breath at midnight on January 1, 2000.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:17 am
The worst every I don’t so, it was bad yes but previous decades have been way worst. Hello slavery, the civil war, & ww 1 and 2,
November 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Interesting article. It did say that we’d remember this decade as the worst since WWII, so it’s not necessarily claiming it’s worse than the 1860s (we did have Lincoln, but, you know, he was assassinated) or the 1930s, or for that matter.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:06 am
@Shekwanda Jones- to add to trent’s eloquent answer, in the hearts of anyone who has the slightest shed of compassion for humanity
November 27th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Ok Trent you really do need to leave your political diatribes off the site. I just can’t take you seriously when like a twelve year old you refer to an administration as “evil” right after you’ve drooled over a 17 year olds abs. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but your knight in shining armor (yes, Obama) has failed to meet ANY of his promises for “change.” Unemployment is higher than it ever was with no end in sight, more troops are being sent to
Iraq as we speak, the heathcare debate is a JOKE (when SNL starts taking swipes at a liberal administration, you know you’re in trouble) and despite all of Obama’s promise for change and progressiveness he’s done nothin for (and could seemingly care less) about the gay marriage issue. I take back what I said earlier, everyone has a right to discuss politics (even if it’s a blog dedicated to fluff – not judging, I enjoy it, but it is what it is) but could you at least try to be INFORMED and FAIR when doing so?
November 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am
@Tom — Ok, thanks for telling me what I should do. You’ll forgive me if I refrain from doing so. We are all entitled to our opinions, whether they be about attractiveness or politics. I totally stand by my assertion of that administration’s evilness.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Although this was a pretty unlucky decade for the U.S., I’m going to have to disagree with your stance on GWB and his administration. He did the best he could with what he was handed over from good ol’ Clinton, and although mistakes were made along the way, I’d say he dealt with the tragedies and mishaps of this decade fairly well. We still have yet to hear Obama make a decision about making a decision on anything.
I may not agree with all that you say, but I do enjoy your blog. Especially now when times are a bit difficult, it’s nice to have something light & entertaining to read for a few minutes each day :)
November 27th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Stephanie—Clinton is a saint compared to GWB…and what do you think Obama is doing right now?? Cleaning up after GWB’s mess.
And Tom, this is Trent’s blog, so he is entitled to write about whatever he wants, whether it’s politics or hot guys. If you don’t like it, feel free to go read PerezHilton or something.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
@Whitney – Obama’s busy making appearances on Letterman and posing for magazines, my dear.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
please don’t say “after all, they couldn’t be any worse … right?” because that’s just asking for it :-P that’s like a kid in a scary movie saying “i’ll be right back!” you know that means he’s about to die!!!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
@ Tom – I think you expect big change too fast. Did you expect Obama could rectify GWB’s major errors over night? If so, you are probably the type of person who is frequently disappointed. Big change takes time. More troops are coming home from Iraq than the world has seen the few years too. One of my best friends is a Marine, and he’s only been deployed a few months, and yet, he’s coming back. I’m not saying that it’s the case for all of those who serve the military, but I’m saying that would never have happened 2+ years ago. The troops are making their withdrawal from Iraq, slowly but surely, and I think that’s a promise Obama intends to keep. The health care issue is only in debate because of some incredibly ignorant Republican, rich white men who can afford to go have any kind of surgery they need. And what can Obama do to force change to the gay marriage issue? Should he be passing laws that clearly a large portion of his people do not want passed? I am SUCH a supporter of equality rights for marriage, but even I know you can’t force people to accept something that their religion claims not to. Leave Trent alone. It’s his blog to say whatever the hell he feels like saying. If you can’t handle it, take your shit and get the hell out.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Ok Trent and co. The Bush administration was evil, you are right. For 8 years they kept us save under the harshest
of circumstances – whew, what a bunch of scumbags. If you honestly think that Al Gore could have been capable of doing the same YOU are dillusional. As for health care, you are deeply misguided. If Obamas plan goes in to effect NO ONE is going to have the
money to pay for ANYTHING. But then maybe you’ll be happy because there will be no more “wealthy white republicans” for you to bitch about (those being the same wealthy white republicans that create thousands of jobs). Take my shit elsewhere? I will, actually. Because unlike Trent and you all I can fully admit that Bush wasn’t the best President. He made a lot of mistakes but was also President during 8 of the most difficult years in our history (as your article just stated, Trent). Perhaps he was the cause
of some problems, but the brunt of it was calamities
no one
could have predicted (and if you think 9/11 wasn’t being
plotted during the Clinton admin, you best take “your shit” to a
library and read up). You all are STILL so enamoured with the fantasy
of Obama I fear you won’t wake up until
it’s too late. Yes YOU did!
November 27th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
@Tom — I’m not even going to get into a back and forth cuz I’m certain you believe what you believe and nothing I can say will change your mind … I see your position and I respect that it is yours. I do not agree but respect that you can express you pov calmly and without attacking anyone.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Thank you, I appreciate that. I’d prefer not to have a back and forth either as it’s a waste of time when two individuals are clearly one side or the other. My only beef is I think you’d NEVER criticize the Obama admin, and knowing that you’re a well read, well rounded individual comments like “so and so is evil” just come off as juvenile and mediocre attempts at political discourse. But, ’tis your site (and like I said, it’s one I generally enjoy) so you’ll do as you please.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I’d like to state my opinion on this matter, but I’m afraid I’d get lynched…. SO.. I’ll just sit back and read and be completely flabbergasted instead.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Sit back and watch? Why Pixies, your liberal is showing :)
November 27th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Tom – I voted for Obama and am very displeased with his administration’s work thus far, though perhaps for different reasons than you and others may have. I feel he should have heeded the advice of many expert economists and initiated a larger and broader stimulus package than the one that went through. Additionally, I think this health plan should be bigger and include a stronger public option. Ig the left was so enamored OF Obama as you so claim, why are so many columnists from the New York Times calling out Obama on his half-hearted programs? Furthermore, I don’t think it serves your argument to decry such polemics as “if Obamas plan goes in to effect(SP) NO ONE is going to have the money to pay for ANYTHING.” THAT is “juvenile and mediocre” political discourse. Toodles.
November 27th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Well, I don’t read Time (based in the UK) but I’d agree that considering we (most of the world) entered this decade/century/millenium full of hope and anticipation it has turned out to be challenging for many reasons from 9/11 to the various world wide natural disasters to the recent economic collapse. On a personal level this decade has had it’s dark moments too so I for one will not be too disheartened to see the back of the 00’s. May the next decade bring better things for us all.
November 27th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
“Sit back and watch? Why Pixies, your liberal is showing :)”
Was this supposed to be funny? And even if this was a joke, it’s quite telling how eager you are to enforce categorizations of “liberal” and “conservative.” I don’t align myself with either movement, because liberalism as it exists in the US is hardly distinguishable from the GOP. Clinton, Bush, and Obama differ more in nuance than by any great substantive measure.
November 27th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Luc, exactly where do you think all the cash will come from
for all of the changes you desire? Is there a tree somewhere that’s growing an endless supply of $$$ that
you’ve found? Taxes may start with the rich but guess what, they
surely don’t stop there. And even the rich
can only provide for so long before they’re either depleted of their wealth or lose the interest in continuing to work and provide jobs when they’re paid nothing in exchange. So tell me what about that is juvenile or mediocre? But I do appreciate your honesty about Obamas shortcomings. Believe me, you’re not alone.
Tootles teehee!:)
November 27th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
All this political talk is making my head hurt. I need some pics of 17-year-old abs, STAT!
November 27th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Tom – in the Netherlands, the rate of personal taxation is 52%. In the US, the rate is 35%, but it does not include social security, local, and real estate taxes. Do you know what the 52% Dutch tax does include?* All of the previously mentioned expenses, comprehensive health insurance, and 4 weeks paid vacation. If you were to look beyond the personal income tax and add up ALL the taxes one accrues in the US, it would be close to 52%.* Yet we are not getting any health insurance or paid vacation with that. Is it just me, or does it seem to you like we are getting less than what we pay for? Why should we settle for less? If the Netherlands and virtually every other industrialized nation can do it, why can’t the US? Not every system is perfect. Yes there may be waiting lists. Yes, it will cost the government a lot of money. But does that mean we should do nothing at all?
American is no longer of beacon of power, and that occurred long before Obama took office. We rank #29 in infant mortality, our healthcare system is #37, and we are #16 in terms of college graduation. And do you know which countries rank higher than us? On the whole, they are countries that have universal health coverage and higher education expenditures, and lower military expenditures than the US. So we can delude ourselves that we are superior than others, but we are not and have not been in a while. So we can keep on going down this path which has already yielded many negative consequences, or we can change. Unfortunately, I don’t think will come from Obama. I’m not trying to change your mind. That has already been set and will likely never change. However, I will not let scare tactics and false claims go unchallenged.
*source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/magazine/03european-t.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all
November 27th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Luc I’m glad that you can read and cut and paste from an unyielding liberal newspaper. If I had the time I might do the same with the conservative version, but what’s the point? The stimulus plan has
done nothing to create jobs my friend and im astounded you would even attemt comparing the US to the Netherlands (though if
you prefer it perhaps you’d consider relocating). More
appropriate would be looking at the UK where universal health care has failed and they’re doing all they can to backtrack. Or perhaps take the time
to read about all the Canadians who pay travel rates to be treated by American doctors who haven’t yet be disallusioned with a universal health care system. As for scare tactics: you
can argue that all day but if
you’ve convinced yourself your above post isn’t chock full of them then you may want to reread/recut and paste :)
November 27th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Stephanie—oh really? Too bad GWB took more vacays than other president!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Tom – where exactly are your sources? You make all of these exaggerated claims, and attempt to malign me for using a “liberal” source to present my arguments, yet you provide no thorough argument of your own, and nothing to support your dishonest claims. The facts I presented are true, regardless of the publication from which they were relayed. I was hoping to have an honest discussion, but it seems you do not have the patience, maturity, or intellect for that and would rather resort to ad hominem fallacies. I’m not really surprised, just sorry I wasted my time. I’m getting out of here after I leave medical school, enjoy your lack of health insurance.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Tom your facts may have been true but they have no relevance to this discussion. The Netherlands is a percentage of the size of the US, so
you are correct in your assertation that I’d rather not
engage in that type of an argument. As for finding sources to defend my argument: does it really matter? Turn on FOX you hear
one thing turn on CNN you hear the other. ‘Tis what it ’tis my
friend and only time will be the true source of who was right
and who wrong (though I have my educated guess
now). But I honestly commend you on coming to the self realization
that you don’t have the stamina for life in the
good ol’ US of A.
Best of luck in whatever tiny Utopia you’ve found and I
hope everything goes your way :) Happy Thanksgiving
November 27th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Wowsers, Did I inadvertantly go onto Huffington Post of something? Or a Glenn Beck forum (sorry I am not versed on my Conservative sites)
I’m not getting into a discussion with anyone, but all I gotta say is…. I’m with you Trent – on all fronts.
On this US Thanksgiving, you should all be thankkful that – unlike me – you do not come from the land that produced Nickelback. Just putting it out there…..
XO
November 27th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Tom – actually with the specialty I’ll be entering, I would be earning amongst the top 2% of Americans. The 80 hour-a week internship isn’t exactly a cake walk. However, I do enjoy some leisure with my work ;) So really, I’ll have my check and enjoy it too :)
ps – I don’t watch Fox or CNN. I don’t own a TV.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Luc, makes even more
sense now why you’d want to leave. You
elected a President who’s already
spent more than all previous combined and will tax that “top 2%” you
claim to be. Totally get it. Maybe
you can even buy a TV now! Though it’s a bit
of a pansy move: electing a novice as President and then bailing when he doesn’t live up to your unrealistic expectations. Not unexpected though from your like, I must say.
Enjoy spending that hard earned
leisure time footnoting posts on Pink Is The New Blog :). I envy
your life Luc :):):)
November 27th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Tom – you must be as brilliant as the prophet Sarah Palin, for you seem to know exactly who I am and precisely the reasons for which I make my life decisions. I’ve always wanted to live abroad, because unlike some bigots, I was raised in many countries and experienced many contrasting people and environments from which to develop my worldview. I can say from experience with that life in the US is inferior to life in some foreign countries…while others may say from ignorance that the US is superior. And it is true after all that ignorance makes the world go ’round.
November 27th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
That’s fine, Tom. And there are also those who have done their fair share of travelling and know this is the best Country in the world. To each is own, but honestly Tom it’s getting embarassing for you at this point. you’re all over the place (literally too, as it turns out) You’ve gone from quoting an article in lieu of having your own opinion to now, bragging about your income and making the assumption that those who may not have had the luxury of travel are “biggots.”(sigh) Its always the “progressive” ones that wind up being the most prejudiced at the end of the day. Speaking of the end of the day, I must go and quite frankly, for all your “travel” and “intellignce” you’re BORING me. Bon voyage Luc and good riddance!
November 27th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Trent, you’re a student of history and you call this the worst decade- ever? Puh-leeze. Where the heck did you go to school, Hamtramck? I know it’s vogue and hip to call Bush an evil monster but, get real. The point that someone made about the Civil War era being the worst is closer to reality. Further, I feel that the worst is yet to come…we spoiled Americans are in for a major dose of reality in the decades to come.
November 27th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Tom – it’s ever more clear that not only are you utterly incapable of forming a argument, but also that you cannot read. I don’t even have a income at present, as I said I am currently in school (what I discussed was a potential income). Secondly, I said I lived in many countries but never inferred that my circumstances were luxurious, as I lived in these countries as an immigrant in refugee camps. Thirdly, there is nothing wrong with quoting an article from a widely published publication (which the NYT is) and if you disagree, then you must not be very well educated. Your writings thus far have been riddled with misspelled utterly unsubstantiated polemics, and like a certain former President – your resolve seems to only harden and your delusions become more strong the more you’re proven wrong. The world can tell you you’re wrong (as has happened since the end of W) yet you will keep thinking you’re right. You’re delusional, and will continue living in this shared illusion with your friends, family, and others whom you choose to surround yourself with so long as they enable this illusion. Which is fine for me, because those who do not learn from lessons of the past are doomed to suffer from it. You’ve been proven wrong so many times, and will only continue to be so. Toodles.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
For all the Obama haters that think he’s done nothing….some food for thought: http://www.sefermpost.com/sefermpost/2009/11/90-things-president-obama-accomplished-the-media-didnt-report.html
November 27th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I don’t know if I would call this the decade from hell, I think every era has its share of good and bad.
Side note, this Tom guy is ridiculous. At least the other dude has something resembling valid points.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Thanks Elle — interesting link! Trent, I agree that while Lincoln’s presidency somewhat redeemed the Civil War era, GWB only pushed us farther into this decade’s deep pile o shit. Or helped cause much of the pile, rather.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:37 am
@Tom: “Take my shit elsewhere? I will, actually.”
And yet six hours after you posted that, you were still arguing with other people. You have your opinion, which is yours, such being the beauty of a free country. Now that you’ve shared it at great length, kindly follow your own advice.
@Trent: It’s interesting that Time came up with this take on a “miserable” decade that was. In retrospect, I wonder if we will remember the 00s in such a negative light, or will we be find a different time to be upset about? To our parents, I’m sure the Vietnam Era (and the late 60s with the assassinations of JFK, MLK, RFK; the Cold War) was equally as terrifying in many ways, with even less control than we might be perceived as having now. It’s possible for someone to opt out of military service, whereas for the Vietnam generation, the draft certainly was a fact of life. Could they anymore stop a nuclear warhead from being launched by an unfriendly power than we were able to thwart terrorism? The US had its economic and social fiascoes, and yet came out with considerable strength and some great advances in many areas. I would hope to think that the 10s will be better, especially for human rights (be it gays/lesbians, divorced parents, returning rights that the Patriot Act overturned, etc).
November 28th, 2009 at 2:27 am
whoa. whatever happened to freedom of speech and expressing one’s opinions without being attacked for it?
I may not be well informed enough since i am a non-us citizen but i respect trent for his opinion. if to him, it was the worst decade ever, hey why does that bother you so much? it’s just his opinion.
November 28th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Wow, I feel like I’ve just stepped into a forum on foxnews.com. Scary.
I completely agree with you, Trent.
Can you even picture how much better this decade would have been had GWB not cheated his way into Office? None of this ‘No Child Left Behind’ bullsh*t, no war in Iraq, no Dick Cheney behind the scenes puppeteering Bush’s every move.
Honestly, the number of people who honestly believe George W. Bush was a good president astounds me.
And the worst part? We have one of his f*ck buddies as our leader in Canada. I am hoping for a federal election SOON.
And @Tom: Could you be more ignorant? I actually don’t think it’s possible.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I have to say that I think the 1930s was the worst decade in our country’s history, followed by the 1960s, and THEN followed by 2000s.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Just thought we should acknowledge that this was Trent summarizing a TIME magazine article? Go complain to them!
Thank you Trent for all you do.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Trent, thanks for this post, and your responses to any detractors. Throughout history, and around the world, there have obviously been many devastating occurrences, many of them far more costly and painful than any one of the things that have happened in the past 10 years that have affected the US and its citizens. HOWEVER, that doesn’t make the events highlighted by Time less valid. And taken altogether, it’s a lot. So people, stop judging.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:09 am
It has been a crummy decade, but we’ve got a lot of good out of this decade, too. Like Dolly Parton says, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta learn to like the rain”. I love the bawling baby on the cover. Does that mean it was really that bad, or we just whine too much?
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:41 pm
“It can’t be any worse?” I wonder if the people who went into the 1930s to the 1940s thought that? Europe was already mired in WW2 but the US still wasn’t. Yes, this was a crummy decade and last year was a crummy year but I am afraid to ask if it can be any worse because I know it can be. WW3 anyone?