My American Dream

When reflecting on the state of American society in the 21st century, the need for improvement and progress is still of vital importance to the growth and future of the nation. The growing influence of religion on social reform is eivdence of America's regression into outdated, discriminatory and invasive policy. Several nations in Western Society have adopted reforms that expand and include people of all races, income, and orientation. In the United States, elections have been decided based on candidates level of religiousity and stance on issues such as gay marriage and abortion. The debate on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy proves that America needs leaders that are willing to transcend the boundaries placed on social progress by religious zealots.

Before the election of Ronald Reagan to the Presidency, Americans did not place such a strong emphasis on a candidates religious intensity but rather on issues of importance such as the economy, education, health care, foreign policy, and defense. The growing influence the Evangelical movement has had on the American public is astounding. Many deserving citizens are denied their right to marry, euthanasia, and right to choose because of fossil policy that have poisoned the progressive movement in both the Republican and Democratic party.

Abortion is a deciding issue in many elections in the United States. My belief is that women have a right to choose but the right cannot be abused or taken out of context. The problem with abortion is the its use as a means of contraceptive. However, despite its problems, women deserve their right to decide in cases of rape, incest, or mental and physical health of the mother. Abortions should be limited to first term because such a restriction still protects a women's right to choose while compromising with Conservatives on the window of opportunity for a woman to make her decision.

Euthanasia is a issue that most politicians refuse to touch simply on the basis of avoiding controversy. The lack of debate on the issue is affecting the rights of many Americans to decide their own right to choose their terms of death. If an individual is stricken with a terminal illness and in noticeable pain and suffering from their ailments then they should reserve the right to decide their own fate. I champion the cause of Dr. Jack Kevorkian because to a certain extent, he provided a service to those individuals. The argument against euthanasia is centered on opponent's belief that doctors would be playing God in such scenarios. However, a counter argument can be made on the basis that keeping an individual on life support with feeding tubes shoved down their throats, such as the Terry Shiavo example in Florida is also playing the role of God. Shiavo's husband was demonized for wanting to honor his wife's wishes. Her family led the campaign to keep her on life support and even had former Florida governor, Jeb Bush intervene in a decision to keep her alive. Religious leaders lobbied for her family's cause while defiantly ignoring her own wishes.

The issue of gay marriage is another crucial election issue that proves the hypocrisy of the Democratic party for failing to change the status quo for members of their own constituencies. Deciding on a person's right to get married and enjoy the same tax and personal benefits of such a institution should not be left up to religious leaders. The best part of the debate is that some prominent opponents of gay marriage are in actuality, closeted homosexual themselves. Figures such as George Reekers, and Senator Larry Craig are classic examples of the lack of credibility to its opponents arguments. Religious beliefs should not decide social policy and progress cannot be hindered by those who strongly desire to keep America in the dark ages.

The United States is lucky to possess one of if not the best military in the world. All branches such as the: Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army are staffed by dedicated, patriotic individuals that felt the call of duty. Yet despite the sacrifices of those brave men and women, many are still discriminated against regardless of their sacrifices. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is another outdated policy that destroys the careers of service men and women throughout its branches. Nations such as France, Israel, Britain, Germany, and Canada, all close American allies do not possess such discriminatory policies. The level of intensity that its opponents fight with make me question their level of compassion and degree of humanity.

Crucial issues such as economic reform, health care reform and education have all felt the sting of religious influence on policy making. When clergymen begin to dictate how policy should be made brings a valid concern to my attention. People such as John Hagee, Texas Evangelical, and Pat Robertson, former presidential candidate, one has to question the direction of our country. Evangelicals have tied themselves with the Tea Party movement and somehow, someway, Fiscal Conservatism and other areas of Social reform are being fought on the basis of Christian principles. The arguments create a picture of our Founding Fathers as highly devoted men of religious value that believed in the intertwinment of religion and politics. The debate over Separation of Church and State and how it should be interpreted is fucking astounding. Socialists are labeled as workers of the devil and their policies are labeled as contradictory to the principles taught by Jesus. If one were to closely look at the teachings of Jesus, the argument can be made to prove otherwise. In the verse; Lk. 14:12-14: Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous", one can argue that Jesus is supporting Social Justice.

Americans need to hold themselves accountable for taking responsibility of their own. The downtrodden, the addicted, the disabled, lower class, uneducated, and even our criminals are people that need help not neglect. Raising taxes to a standard that provides the necessary revenue for even more progressive social services is pertinent to the long term success of this great nation. Health Care is something that should not be privatized because it is a human service. Private health insurance should not exist. The energy sector should not be controlled by monopolizing, lobbying corporations because it is the reason for our lack of energy reform and push for alternative sources. Financial reform would have helped minimize the damage caused by the greed in the Financial and Investment sectors. People had their lives toyed with by wealthy, irresponsible executives that tanked the savings of those they worked for. Education should be paid for by our tax dollars and individuals who work and study hard should be able to reap the benefits without bankrupting themselves or putting themselves in terrible situations to make their dreams possible. Obviously, basic fees, and costs of books can be assumed by the students but the current state is a disaster. Americans need to look at the economic progress in China which has grown as a power and is developing its own middle class despite its "Communist" government. Americans should have the right to make investments and start businesses while basically enjoying the same extent of freedoms that they possessed.

The argument is that progress does essentially require a more left leaning set of reforms and progressives willing to champion these causes to improve America's chances of maintaining its prosperity in a ever changing, Global economy. Adopting reforms in the model of our European, Canadian, Israeli, and South American allies can only help more of those that are in need. Corporate greed and agenda should not have a stronger influence on policymaking in Washington, than the needs of the American people. The lobbysist stregnth and numbers are sickening and hopefully reform can correct the problem. Energy companies impact and hinder Energy Reform, Pharmaceutical Companies and Health Insurance providers dictate Health Care reform. Investment and Financial giants affect the ability to regulate them and correct the loopholes in current regulations. One Day, my hope is that my beloved country maintains its identity while looking to improve on these areas that tarnish its image.