[upsscott]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

There is no such beast as an "American Culture".

There was, in the mean, a set of societal norms and a Constitution that helped, in many ways, define what America as a society meant.

We have never been homogeneous in race or outlook but there was, with exceptions, an expectation of certain behaviors and perspectives: Belief in education, religious tolerance, respect for others, freedom of speech, etc. as discussed in the BoR and the Constitution; the ten commandments without the cross so to speak.

Every successful, free, society operates this way.

Has the US made blunders, often spectacular mistakes? Of course. Show me Utopia and I'll show you a cartoon. But we have, addressed those ills as well as human nature allows.

All societies have an arch, from establishment to ruins that are a tourist destination...whether or not we can arrest the downward trend is in question.

Solutions, causes?

Plenty. I could list 50 off the top of my head.

Start with a complete revamp of our educational system and end two party rule.

I very much agree with your post.