Are we up to the challenge?

[onewhippedpuppy]

I voted yes, but personally I think we need something staggering to set events in motion. Repeatedly over the course of our history America has been caught sitting on it's hands, and been punched in the face. But much like poking a sleeping bear, it's only served to piss us off, to collectively energize the nation to work towards a common goal. Yes, I think we are more lazy and complacent than ever before. But I think there's still that spirit, hidden as it may be. 9/11 was absolutely tragic, but it did serve to unite the country and show that deep down we're all Americans. We have that potential.

Honestly, I think we would have benefited from an economic downturn. Had it been rough enough, it might have encouraged Americans to change their ways. Unfortunately I think the bailout served to postpone the inevitable, and thus nothing will change. We are good at learning from our mistakes, cushioning the blow ultimately does more harm than good.