25 Years: A Reflection
It’s quite the challenge to articulate just how grand the failures were in the years following World War II. Sure, they didn’t heed Patton’s warnings about Moscow, but deep down, they knew he was onto something. Back then, we had a unique opportunity to dismantle communism. American dominance was, without a doubt, unchallengeable.
Instead of shaping the world, we infused it with an optimism, along with a tinge of cynicism, that it perhaps didn’t deserve.
Now, I’m not here to dissect the flaws of those specific decades—think trade issues, foreign conflicts, failed coups, and the infamous decision to share advanced tech with China that, well, made their missile capabilities more accurate. It’s striking that we invented so much yet seem to produce so little these days.
In many ways, it feels like today’s governmental elite are surveying their progress. Sure, there have been some achievements, but they’ve been punctuated by mediocrity. It’s almost poetic that this first quarter-century ended in electoral chaos. Just when it felt like we might have lost faith, come to find out Georgia miscounted 315,000 votes in the 2020 election. Remember the hanging chads of 2000? Even that didn’t stretch all the way to mid-December.
Now it’s been 25 years, and while acquiring a gun requires a face-to-face ID check, validating electoral outcomes has become increasingly problematic.
In the wake of 9/11, we faced the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. Instead of tracking down those responsible, we opted for two extensive land invasions that, honestly, seemed unnecessary and have had far-reaching consequences that we’re still grappling with twenty years later.
The nation prepared to welcome in millions of newcomers, many of whom, it seemed unlikely, could integrate smoothly into society. Over time, we’ve noticed a significant shift where many urban areas went from being predominantly American to being filled with first- and second-generation immigrants. This isn’t just true for Mexico but extends to Guatemala, El Salvador, Somalia, and beyond. Now, we find ourselves in a situation where narco-terrorists and various extremists are mingling at suburban convenience stores.
After facing two bankruptcies in suburban America and dealing with a persistent foreign workforce along with escalating violence, we’ve resorted to investing heavily in American universities—a move that, ironically, has led to over 40 million people drowning in student debt. The so-called “highly educated” aren’t always reflecting intelligence. Sure, many end up working in coffee shops or returning to academia, while some somehow ascend to high-ranking positions, feeling entitled and misguided in their sense of justice around some of the most damaging ideologies out there.
Republicans, who found themselves caught up in poor trade agreements and questionable foreign endeavors, now seem to be waking up to a reality where Democrats hold sway over most major institutions, creating a landscape populated by two marginalized groups: foreigners from challenging backgrounds and those with irrelevant degrees.
But hey, at least recreational marijuana is legal, and discussions around gender transition for kids are happening!
In summary, the wars initiated during the Bush administration and the intensified surveillance and control that evolved through the Obama years have led to a landscape filled with political complexity. We saw candidates like Hillary Clinton falter, the rise of Trump, and now a struggling Biden, leading to a flood of newcomers into the country. And, here we are with Trump II on the horizon.
Some may claim their actions were justified, but it’s important to ask who really benefits. It’s concerning to see a group of elites accumulating wealth and authority while contributing little new to society.
Technologically, one might argue that America stands out as a beacon of progress. There’s a claim that our technological superiority is a byproduct of past triumphs, but then again, we have to question the societal impact. We’re surrounded by millions of newcomers and a workforce that seems less competent while also grappling with rampant digital consumption.
With each passing day, I find myself pondering whether the Unabomber had a point.
Yet amidst this turmoil, there are glimmers of hope. Schools seem to be reconsidering policies around allowing cell phones in classrooms (it’s about time, really!). There’s even talk about a bill aimed at removing non-citizens from census counts, which could diminish the incentive for mass immigration.
People appear to be waking up to the status quo. The student loan crisis might necessitate a reevaluation of funding practices. I’m not entirely happy with President Trump’s initial approach, but I hear he’s geared up to be more assertive in his second year. Maybe he’ll ramp up his game.
He could potentially tackle issues like standards in education and the rising student debt problem. It comes down to taking action—imposing work and voting verification measures, defunding questionable educational practices, and addressing immigration laws for those who break the rules. These changes may be rigorous, yet they can’t be reversed easily, so it’s important to act swiftly.
Does he have the determination needed? Did his successors have that same fire?
Probably.
The first of January is a significant moment on the calendar—may the next few weeks be meaningful.
