The media are covering a story this week about the prediction that 42% of Americans will be obese by 2030. Currently the nation is at 30%. Another report recently mentioned is that Americans spend an average of $27,021 on their wedding in 2011. I think we need to tone it down a bit as a nation. But I can honestly say in my little corner of the world, NOBODY spends that much on a wedding. That is the cost of a car, a down payment on a house, or a nice savings account. As far as the obesity goes, I do try the balanced meals and exercise thing. I do buy a little bit of organics, but usually I can't afford them. I grow some of my own fruits and veggies.
It is a well known fact that the United States has a consumer spending economy. Your business may indeed have sprouted because of this. I am sure there are countries who depend upon the buying spree of Americans for their own fiscal security. I am glad to see we citizens are doing our part to keep the global economy going.
If citizens really thought about the panoramic view, it would have to include the federal government spending spree as well. This has gone on for quite some time. I think those at the top would just as well not have citizens think about it. And since several political parties have had high level responsibilities, they all don't want us to know and would rather keep the spending/debt numbers to themselves. Currently our government is $16,000,000,000,000 in the hole (in the red).
Sadly, there is another way to look at "American extreme". Because we are the good guys: a country who believes in helping those less fortunate(and yes, I believe it is because most of us were raised with Judeo-Christian values) and therefore donate our time and money. We help those in trouble around the world say after a natural disaster, a submarine goes down, or mining accident. And this happens whether they are a "friendly" nation or not. The people in danger are worth saving.
The sad part comes into play because many think Americans are also barbaric. According to other countries, we are gluttonous, course, and egotistical. We are possibly intelligent and inventive, but without refinement or humility. Many of the countries who saw the worst of the devastation of WWII turned pacifist. But they need someone to protect their global interests and that is where USA comes in--because that is our nature to do so. They needed us and we could not stand by and see a friend get hurt.
But pacifism cannot succeed unless it is set up correctly. Look at Europe today with countries in default and yet their citizens still wanting all the benefits. You cannot get something for nothing. Everyone must pitch in. Basic tenets of trust, accepting any skill as equal to others, and the bigger picture is more important than a single disagreement, must be agreed to by the community. Most of the time people are used to, and look for, leaders. Once leadership is established, sooner or later power takes over and leads to the destruction of pacifism. Look at who they just elected. It will be interesting to see if pacifism can endure, if they will still expect the United States to protect them, or if it is a precursor to something else.
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