When will people realize that the self pleasing mindset of most Americans is ruining our country?

Question

When will people realize that the self pleasing mindset of most Americans is ruining our country?

Answer 1

Never, because Americans are too stupid.  I think everyone should sit down and read "1984", and then think about how it's like today.

Answer 2

when it suits them.

that's part of the whole self pleasing mindset.  people don't want to recognize ugly truths.

Answer 3

Well, I halfway agree.  But I know people were saying the same thing in the early 19th century, and probably for aeons before, so maybe there's hope!

It's not just an individual thing, by the way.  Billions of dollars are spent trying to get us to think that way --- and the advertising works!  Even if we think it doesn't, it does.  

Answer 4

Oh, I thought it was the economy.  

Answer 5

when our country is in ruins.

thats the only time that people will stop being dumb and realize.

Answer 6

I estimate that they will realize this right about the time that it's too late to do anything

Answer 7

Within the current cultural paradigm of law "of the people, and by the people and for the people", the eventual conclusion is that historic legal concepts will be inexorably replaced by that which makes us happy and doesn't call us to be responsible for anything.

Within that same paradigm, it IS okay to make the government responsible for the happiness of everyone, and to force everyone to pay taxes for the welfare of others.

The Church (Christianity in general) is very much at fault here, for if we made it our duty to serve the needs of our neighbors in every neighborhood where there is a church in the USA, then we could put the government out of the welfare business. It would also be cool if this was done by all religious organizations, regardless of creed.

There is a VERY good book and video series on this subject:

"How Should We Then Live?" by Francis Schaeffer

The thesis of his teaching is that the American Democratic Republican form of government is essentially flawed, because it has turned our cultural and legal paradigms from "REX LEX" to "LEX REX".

"REX LEX" means "The King is Law", which is an ancient Judeo-Christian concept, for God is seen to be "King", and all law is seen to be instituted by God. Even under human Kings and Queens, most western monarchies pledged ultimate obedience to God and God's laws. They didn't always follow through, but that concept was contained in virtually all coronation ceremonies.

Because The People are seen to be the ultimate source of law in this country, we have in effect changed our world view to "LEX REX", meaning, the Law is King. Since we see the law as coming from us and not from God, we will have ups and downs in our system, but it is inevitable that we will destroy ourselves eventually when we are our own authority for too long.

By the way, Schaeffer was a Calvinist, so some of what he writes may not be totally in line with your beliefs. However, the essential core arguments he makes are in harmony with all Christian traditions.

Answer 8

When the Chinese take over.