America was born from war. According to Wikipedia, beginning with The Revolutionary War, America has been involved in 107 wars (and counting). It also says we won 81 of those. (Although, I am not sure what winning means) That is 76% which is a rather good record, I guess, if you like stats?
But what good did all those wars accomplish? Well, of course in our first war, we won our independence from The King’s rule, our freedom, and the right to govern ourselves. Other wars were fought to keep our freedom from those who wanted to take it away.
We fought for and with our allies when they were threatened and when we were needed. We fought for a variety of reasons in other wars, some good reasons, some bad reasons. Wars are ongoing today as we continue to add to the stats.
What has happened to America along the way? In my opinion, America has hardened its heart, and therefore become severely divided. We have drawn lines in the sand, divided into factions and we all scream out, “nobody, but nobody is right, and everyone is wrong until they agree with me and my faction.”
Some say it is just politics and it has always been this way. In case you do not know, in American government we have the left and the right, Democrats and Republicans. They have always argued, never agree, and never will. Many say this is the problem.
No, that is not the problem at all! America used to be united, despite our differences. Although we fought a 4-year civil war, afterwards we re-united. We were again “The United States.” We might have still disagreed on how to solve a problem but we “united” to resolve it.
If you have been paying any attention to our country lately, you know we are anything but a “United States.” There are so many issues dividing us, it seems hopeless that we could ever unite again. Our enemies need not wage war against us, threaten us, kill us, or destroy our independence and freedom. Hell, we are killing each other and destroying America and freedom by ourselves! (Please excuse my French).
There was a song in the 60’s that foretold a bit of what has been occurring in America called “For What it’s Worth?” By: Buffalo Springfield.
Here is one line from that song: “There’s battle lines being drawn. Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.” (You can hear the song here) Youtube Video.
Well, the answer is not religion. I am a Christian so it’s extremely hard for me to say that. But for the sake of this article let us try a different approach, an approach that would actually work for everyone. It is worth a try.
If I were to say, the answer IS religion, the immediate response would be, which religion? Or, I do not believe in religion, or a multitude of negative responses. So, you can see the discussion very quickly divides us. More wars have been fought in the name of religion than anything else. We have probably won few of those wars and if we did, it did not seem to help based on where we are today.
I have an answer, I am going to give you my answer, but you will not like the answer. The answer to all America’s problems is simply one word, “discipline.”
It is discipline that determines everything in my life, your life, and the lives of people all over the world. I must believe that unless there is a medical or mental problem involved, that everyone really knows right from wrong. But we become one-sided or even radical when we have no “discipline.” Without discipline we lose our common sense.
We all know the basic, common, humanitarian tenets that, if followed would unite America again. But although most Americans know how they “should act” and what they “should do.” The problem is that we do not have the discipline to do them.
The reason Religion is not the answer to America’s division, hatred, and constant warring is we have allowed different Religions and our many differences to divide us. We are stubborn and hardheaded, we accept no belief system but our own. We would not be caught dead reading about another person’s beliefs if they did not match ours.
Understanding and being tolerant of other ways does not mean I have to sacrifice my own beliefs.
All peoples around the world do share common beliefs about truths, rules, commandments, or precepts. Whatever names they are given, they show us how to be decent human beings and how to get along together. This list below proves that the answer to our continuous wars and division cannot simply be religion. It shows that having the discipline to live our lives by our common ground is the answer.
This is a woefully simplified list of the precepts or rules concerning most people on our little planet. There is so, so much more than this brief list that we all have in common. I did the best I could in a short space.
We just need the discipline to study and practice our similarities rather than study and fight about our differences. I was quite surprised when I studied other countries and other people. I was also reminded that the United States was created from all races, beliefs, and many types of people. They are our brothers, sisters, and neighbors.
We know there are extremists in our world because they do not discipline their thinking, but below are things and reasons we can come together.
Christianity (31.1%) Love God and Love your brother as yourself.
Islam (24.9%) Love God and be good to others.
Irreligion (15.6%) Generally speaking, have the same precepts as others, but no Deity.
Hinduism (15.2%) Buddhism and Hinduism agree on many things: karma, dharma, moksha and reincarnation.
Buddhism (6.6%) To do no evil. To do good. To save all beings.
There is a common theme here: To love and be good to all other beings.
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Yes to this, Dennis! If we could simply focus on what we have in common, and learn to respect and listen to each other, we’d be miles ahead of where we are now. Sadly, the division you’re seeing in the USA is also happening here in Canada. When did the need to be right take over the world?
I have been thinking about this for a long time but reluctant to write what I knew was right. Thanks, Michelle, for reading and commenting!
Hi Dennis, I wanted to let you know that I featured this post in my November blog post roundup! https://boomerecocrusader.com/november-2023-roundup/
An insightful, sad but true testament of the state of much of our world today Dennis where the unifying discipline of 'We' has subcumbed to the divisive discipline of 'Me'.
Our "One nation under God" nation has become a divided nation under many, self-serving secular personal god's warring and destroying each other. We're that Amy Charmichael's motto would prevail and heal us . . .
"Love to love, live to love"
Be blessed brother
Amen Fred! There are so many divisions and we've lost the skill of speaking to each other unless it's with a keyboard. Thanks for reading and insightful comments!!
Negative criminal Donald J. Trumpadversely happed to America!
I completely agree with you. I really fear where we are headed.
Me too Kymber. I am sad to see America beginning sink into the ashes of history. I worry about the future of the world if that does indeed happen. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I do have hope.
Right on, Brother Dennis! Amen! <3
Thanks for reading and also the encouragement, Cheryl!!
I like what you've written, but don't agree with it. Discipline? The SS was the epitome of discipline, strictly for evil purposes.
Another way to look at where we are is based on an extensive literature from the 1960s on revolutions. It involves "expectations", the view of how we expect our lives to be. It used to be, people expected to have better lives than their parents did. Not true any more. They used to have expectations about retirement, also not true anymore. When disappointed, they can lash out, not aware or not caring what could be lost if the "system" were to disintegrate.
We see that in younger adults who are entering their 20s and 30s with no sense of a work ethic, no aspirations and no pride or appreciation of what they've been given. That's something I see in kids of all ethnic groups and backgrounds, rich or poor, as I help them with health insurance and talk with frustrated parents.
The extreme concentration of wealth in the US, the worst in the country's history, is a major factor in this disappointment, although not everyone who is disappointed recognizes that as a major cause. If they did, they wouldn't support Trump or the GOP, who have only added to the damage. Venture capitalists create personal wealth by looting companies they buy, pushing down wages and product quality and destroying jobs in the process. Now, they're promoting automation to do more of that destruction. At one point, Bill Gates proposed a monthly stipend paid by the government for everyone who became permanently unemployable. The rich don't want to pay the taxes to support that.
The other factor playing into this is our professional army and lack of a draft. As we saw with the world wars, collective memory of the horrors of war fail in a generation or two. All that's left is a sense of glory and the childhood experience that war is play. The leaders if Hamas and of militias in the US are in that bucket, with very one-sided visions of the glory of war. In the process, all countries and peoples including both Israel and Gaza ignore the dictates of the religions for which they are supposedly fighting.
Finally, we have religious extremists -- Christian, Muslim, and Jewish -- who believe that a messiah will only appear if this world is destroyed and are actively seeking nuclear war. Yes, these people exist.
Mindsets are hard to change although you and I both see the need to do that. You propose discipline. I propose re-education about what it means to be human as well as a somewhat fairer redistribution of resources.
Of course, in the end, pollution and disease may negate all of these concerns and options.
Hi Vic, I don't mean imposing discipline, I mean self-discipline. I don't agree with some of your ideas either, but that's part of my point. We should be able to disagree, but still get along. We are not robots, all thinking exactly the same. I don't believe anything can be accomplished within oneself without the discipline to work toward the accomplishment. I really appreciate you reading my article and especially taking the time to actually analyze it and even that you found disagreement with it. Dennis
NOT RELIGION but in a PERSON lIes an answer America once lived for.. HIS Kingdom is surely coming!
Amen Faye! "Faith" not religion. Thanks for reading and taking time to comment! I have been hesitant to post this, but it's been on my mind a long time. After much prayer I decided to go ahead. I knew most people would understand what I mean.
You mentioned that religion is not the answer to America's division, and I'd like to respectfully express a differing opinion. While I understand the challenges posed by religious differences and the potential for division, I believe that genuine religious practice, rooted in principles of love and understanding, has the potential to bring people together.
Considering our historical context, America's Founding Fathers were influenced by various religious and philosophical beliefs. The idea of religious freedom and tolerance played a crucial role in shaping the nation. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, for example, had significant involvement from religious leaders, emphasizing the positive impact that religious principles can have on societal issues.
Discipline in our lives could indeed be a key to addressing the divisions we currently face. A more inclusive and open-minded approach to religious diversity might be a path toward unity, where we appreciate the richness of our differences without allowing them to become sources of conflict.
I value the diversity of perspectives and I look forward to further exploring these ideas with you.
Well Michael, I think you are hitting all the nails on the head. I see nothing to disagree with. Your point about following genuine religious practices rooted in love and understanding is the same thing I am saying. I also wanted to make the point that religion is also a point of conflict all over the world. This is due to extremists or an extremist government which uses parts of a religion that fits and justifies their agenda. However, to say "religion" is the answer to all the problems of the world is just wrong. Religion is a word that puts all beliefs into a box. It puts the faithful in with the non-faithful: the ones who claim to be Catholic, Jewish, Babtist etc. (not extremist's) but use the label to benefit themselves. I think tolerance, faith, and actually practicing your faith is the answer (This is the discipline) At the moment discipline in the world seems almost hopeless I admit.
Personally, my life was a terrible mess without strong faith in God.
My bad! I totally get where you're coming from. Discipline is definitely a key player in tackling America's challenges. My bad if my last comment made it sound like I think "religion" is the cure-all for the world's problems. I'm totally with you on not oversimplifying things by throwing around the term "religion" like it fits everyone.
A while back, I went through a tough time, and discipline was my go-to to pull through. But, you know, I think a mix of discipline and some broader changes in society could be the real game-changer. It's all about finding that well-rounded solution, don't you think?
Michael
Yes, I agree Michael. There is no "one size fits all" that can change all of society. We are just so divided, like the battle lines have been drawn. If I would add another word to discipline, it would be tolerance. That would have to include education, a willingness to "educate yourself" in order to understand others. It takes a little time and effort that most people will not invest. It's easier to remain in their own enclosure. I always have hope, but I cannot deny the quickly deteriorating state of America and the world. Peace, love, and thanks very much, Michael.
Do you consider political correctness essential with your values and culture?
I don't believe in insulting or being cruel to anyone. God teaches us to love anyone and everyone, even our enemies. "Political correctness" carries a negative connotation perhaps exacerbated by the news media. Personally, I believe it is entirely out of control and is a threat to our country and others. I appreciate you reading the article and taking time out of your day to comment. Thanks, Carlo
God bless our beautiful country 🇺🇲
Let's make sure we get out and vote.
Yes Liam! We are blessed to live in a free country, and we need to keep her free!! Thanks for commenting!
Choices, we are a product of our choices.
I couldn't agree more Juan!! Thanks for reading and taking time to comment!!
It's my opinion that politics and politicians with an agenda are destroying America. Our education system no longer educates, and morals and ethics are no longer taught to children. It's not enough to say "Be good and be good to one another!" There have to be concrete guidelines for people to follow.
I agree 100% Dawn!! My own daughter studied hard for years, obtained two master's degrees to live her dream of teaching. She lived her dream for 7 years until politics and fear of violence caused her to change profession. I believe as you do that there are guidelines we must live by. As a Christian, I believe the Bible gives us those guidelines. I do not question other faiths, as a brief study confirms that each has similar guidelines. However, radicals in all beliefs may latch on to a single aspect of a faith and use it to promote their own self-serving agenda. Thank you so much for reading and taking time to make such a well thought out comment!! Dennis
my opinion may not count due to me still being a kid but I think America is NOT living up to the "American Dream"
Your opinion is important jellybean!! You put thought into your comment. Many others and I would agree with you. I hope America can regain its greatness and the American dream. Thanks so much for reading the article and commenting.
I just finished reading and I must say your analysis is candid. Reminded me of a family dinner where we discussed similar topics 😅 Loved the nod to "For What It's Worth." By the way, I've been following your other blog posts in here, including the one about guitar gently weeps. it kept me hooked.
An insightful post. I think discipline is important, too, but we can be disciplined about really bad ideas as well as good ones. I think a commitment to the truth is essential, and being disciplined about learning and speaking the truth would go a long way. Another thing I think about is the lack of respect for other human beings and for life in general. I'd also like us to be more disciplined about treating all living things with dignity and respect. That would hopefully solve some of the conflict over religion. :-D Wishing you a lovely 2024, full of peace, dignity, and self-discipline. :-)