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?
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.
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.
“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.
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!:)
All this political talk is making my head hurt. I need some pics of 17-year-old abs, STAT!
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.....wanted=all
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 :)
Stephanie—oh really? Too bad GWB took more vacays than other president!!!
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.
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
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
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.
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 :):):)
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.
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!
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.
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.
For all the Obama haters that think he’s done nothing….some food for thought: http://www.sefermpost.com/sefe.....eport.html
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.
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.