How I destroyed America

Typically I believe in keeping blogs light-hearted, but I was challenged by something on talk radio on Friday. The topic was "What Am I Proud of?", probably referring partially to a recent comment by the wife of a presidential candidate who stated that she hasn't been proud of America, until now. In keeping with that train of thought, I was intrigued by how the talk-show host stated the institutions of America that we took great pride in during the 60's and 70's, that have now been undermined and compromised today. Americans have a fascination with conspiracy theories and a tendency to believe everything they see or hear in the media today (they couldn't say it in mass media if it wasn't true... right?). We refuse to stand behind anything, because everything has been tainted by one or more people/situations that have gone wrong. Think about just a few things that were important back then, that have been marginalized today:

Are you proud of...

Corporate America: No, big business is about the rich getting richer and me getting poorer.

Public Schools: No, teachers are sleeping with students and the quality of education is abismal.

The Oil Companies: No. They polute our environment, and they hold the key to saving the environment through new types of fuel, but they'll never do anything about it, because they are too busy making money hand-over-fist.

The Military: No, they kill innocent women and children and destroy families.

The Government: No, they lie to us and do everything for personal gain.

Religion: No, priests are molesting children and televangelists use the money they collect to buy things like boats and houses.

WHY ARE THE EXCEPTIONS BECOMING THE RULE?

I am proud of America. If I ever instilled doubt about any of the aforementioned establishments in America, than I am sorry. This topic was a real "wake-up call" for me, so that I would stop acting like the local newscasters (who are doom-and-gloom conspiracy theorists) and more like a proud citizen of the best nation in the world!