Random Thoughts

There are many things happening in the world today that strike me as either outright alarming, or very disturbing at the least. Whatever happened to the good ole days, 20 years ago when all one had to worry about were the Russians? I can’t believe I’m actually pining for the old days of living under the constant threat of total nuclear annihilation.

I’ll tell you what, though… there’s something to be said for only having to worry about one enemy. While scary as civil defense drills were, they provided a degree of predictability. Everyone in the country knew how it would end if it came to war: you either lived in a nuclear blast zone or you didn’t. You were either vaporized in the blink of an eye or were destined to roam the irradiated countryside fending off attacks by road warriors. Simple.

Today, things are a lot worse. While worrying about the unpredictable nature of terrorism, there are dozens of other things that keep me up at night as they relentlessly tug away at the fabric of American civilization.

There is the rise of Europe, and their increasing belligerence world affairs as they (for the first time in history) exercise power as a single entity. While so far their clout has been limited to economic power, there is growing concern over the possible development of an E.U. military force, one that would “counter” the so-called new American threat.

Then there is China, silently building their economy into one of the most powerful in the world – all taking place right under the nose of the U.S and its allies. While once only considered a backwater communist nation without the ability to pose a threat internationally, now suddenly we face a financially strong China that has become a major competitor for resources with America. Now, when China buys gas – the world listens and American prices at the pump surge upward.

Each day, there is new discontent within America. People demand more at a time when the government and economy can provide less. This has given rise to formidable blocs of disenfranchised minorities such as the Latinos. Some of these groups demand political action by the U.S. government that would favor minorities while ignoring the majority – all of these demands on America coming while waving Mexican flags.

This trend doesn’t only include racial minorities. With increasing media fascination on protestors and their activist mentalities, governments are being forced to submit to vocal extremists that represent a minority of the voting public – simply to avoid getting bad press. This is an alarming precedent. It means that instead of working through democratic process and abiding by its principles and outcome, small groups that are dissatisfied with election results are beginning to dictate their agendas through intimidation and active protests. The belief that if you yell loud enough – what you’re saying must be true is taking hold within our consciousness more than ever before.

The world is truly in commotion. Weather patterns are in chaos, wars are happening with increased frequency and religion is being looked upon as a liability. But if you think things are bad now, just wait. What is happening now is just a precursor for the world we’ll be living in twenty years from now.

Imagine, 2026:

Europe, with the 4^th largest military in the world, challenges the United States on every international endeavor, making it impossible for the U.S. to actively pursue its foreign policy and thwart evil regimes from plotting against us.

Violent protests within the U.S. on a daily basis, increasing the chances of bloody confrontation between the government and its people.

China, with a full arsenal of nuclear weapons, dictates foreign policy to the United States. The U.S. is unable to act without drawing E.U. ire.

Nuclear Pakistan, abandoned by the U.S., enters into war with Nuclear India.

The U.S. loses international credibility as it battles with civil unrest at home.

Demands for more social programs within the U.S. are heeded by liberal politicians eager to please the media and vocal minority and start to bankrupt the economy, already weakened by competition from India and China.