EDITORIAL: America's 'identity crisis'

The problem is that Republicans spent 8 years in power (6 with complete control of the house, senate and Presidency) advocating big fascist, racist government. Pushing racism, English First, xenophobia, military adventures and bigotry are not solutions and only serve to disgust and repulse the majority of Americans. The solution is limited government and spreading American values to all lands.

Let's get this straight, JoeBlow! There is absolutely NOTHING racist or xenophobe or bigoted about Republicans. And if you think requiring ENGLISH FIRST in OUR OWN COUNTRY is a problem, I'll provide you with a ticket to the nearest airport. It should be ENGLISH ONLY, not English first! Get your facts straight. It has been proven over and over and over that the MAJORITY OF AMERICANS demand an end to illegal immigration and want this country back to ENGLISH only, as well as stand FOR all the things that you list below. You are obviously from mexico, given the terms you reference for AMERICA. Becoming an American is not simply coming here and getting a piece of paper. It means coming here, learning the language, becoming a part of the culture, staying off of welfare (or use it on a very limited basis - like it was intended) and fighting to retain what this country stands for -- FREEDOM. And if the immigrant doesn't want to do those things....then do not immigrate to this country.

I think the best Presidential candidate to bring people together and solve our problems is Constitution Party candidate Chuck Baldwin (www.baldwin2008.com) Michael Maryland

I agree with the Bradley Report, in that the U.S. has a population that does not have any idea as to who they are or where they belong. Time will tell what the catatrosphic results will be for their selfish self-indulgence.

The Bradley Report is probably correct and what it purviews is a transition state for our culture. We are moving toward internationalization and that means socialism. The Supreme Courts latest ruling regard GITMO can be labeled as the first legislative, yes, legislative step. We have internationalized our right to habeas corpus in a war scenario. Global warming has been around for years. An investment in global warming is an investment in global governance (try 45 trillion dollars - Paris, IEA). The Democrats in Congress have spent eight years in blame politics without passing a single significant piece of legislation since they took office. They are transitioning the Foggy Bottom power base from corporate to lawyers, organized labor and environmentalists (Check how much oversight has been produced over the recent housing loan debacle). The next Democrat presidential candidate is lawyer and he views the world through legal glasses. (Read up on Principled Diplomacy and try to understand how to solve oils supply and demand problem with taxes) This next election will develop the entire picture, i.e. do we want to control our identity or do we want the government to control our identity? The choice is ours.

I agree that America changes, ..oscillates actually (LOL!) I mean we have always had "neighborhoods": Irish, Jewish, Italian, White, Black, Red, Brown. Perhaps "back in the day" we were all joined by mostly all wanting to "make it" to the same place: "The top of the line!" Nowadays, I worry Vance Packard (The Hidden Persuaders) was correct in restating Riesman's point that "Americans are becoming spectator-consumers". We see America "over there", outside, or in someone else's grip! Like a TV show, we clap when we like it, and boo when we don't. Especially bad then, is the common emotion that if our own "American life" is not just "right", then we must have been denied that "right"! We need to remind ourselves, America is a document, an ideal. It does not fail us, but we may fail America, if we don't keep that ideal in our hearts. America is us! Do you like it?

A book that takes a unique view of the American Culture is called, "The Road to the Big's." It is a wonderful summer read if you like America, kids, history, and a little baseball; meant for those with a serious intellect and a subtle sense of humor! This is well-reserached non-fiction written for the benefit of the reader, to inform, inspire, and entertain. Google: roadtothebigs GB