Sacrifice : A long lost virtue - By Neo

Sacrifice : A long lost virtue - By Neo

America has a problem. A problem a problem of greed. Oftentimes, we have come to regard Third World countries especially those under Dictatorships as hotbeds and epicentres of corruption. But inasmuch as corruption is an offshoot of greed, greed on its own part is a father of many more ugly vices. Little wonder our moral compass as a nation is completely off, thereby making our claim of being the moral benchmark of the world not only laughable but outrightly preposterous.

Today, we have have a ridiculous debt profile. This country is literally run on a deficit. Maybe this is not so much of a problem for us to manage, but as the “shining beacon” we claim we are, we set an antecedent which other less capable nations are dancing to. This creates a dangerous cycle that will most likely spiral out of control with catastrophic consequences, which may likely make the Great Depression of the 30’s look like a walk in the park.

Part of what contributes to the debt problem in America is our demand for instant gratification. This nation seems to lack the capacity and fortitude to sacrifice. We preach fiscal responsibility then do the complete opposite. A young man comes of age and instantly wants what it took his parents a lifetime to accumulate. “The American Dream” has been completely misunderstood and redefined. The Greatest Generation this country ever saw survived the depression, and they did so debt free. Even the Second World War was fought by a nation of men and women willing to sacrifice their lives for the values we hold dear. Sadly, this tenacity as laudable as it might be, seems to be lacking in the 21st century America.

This contemporary generation basically invented the world debt. Debt is now so common that even thirteen-year-olds now carry credit cards instead of cash. It really is sad as consumerism and self gratification continue to erode our collective will to sacrifice, hence destroying the very quality that made us a great nation in the first place.

Suffice me to say that America is on a precipice and honestly it can go anyway. It is universally accepted that a nation is only as strong as its convictions and moral components. The time for a reality check is frankly far gone. It is time for a paradigm shift in the American psyche as a conscious effort should be put into championing the values that made us great in the first place. An America where fairness, equality, equity and sacrifice are the pillars.


All rights reserved.This article conveys the thoughts of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this blog. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neo is a social scientist, with the burning desire to make America great again. You can contact him via email; Neofwesh@gmail.com.