America is in great peril! Both at home and abroad America’s prestige and dignity have come to an all time low. Many Americans are jobless. The economy of the nation is no longer thriving as before. American trade and commerce have become dependant on the foreign countries. Many large enterprises are being taken over by foreign buyers. Many of them are shutting down their doors here in America and shifting their industries elsewhere. Many jobs are going outside the nation. Outsourcing of jobs and in sourcing of cheap labor has become the order of the day in many industries.

Maintenance contracts of several sensitive areas like ports, airports, dockyards are now in the hands of foreign companies. Large number of hotels, motels, gas stations, movie theaters are being owned by the foreigners. If you visit certain parts of the country you would feel like visiting a foreign country. If you speak English , they don’t understand you. Even the name of roads, streets, shops, restaurants etc. are all written in a foreign language. What is happening America! The soil below its feet are slowly drifting away.

Foreign imports have been extended even to countries with which it had even no diplomatic relations not too long ago. Surprisingly, even toxic foods, fish and other harmful products are allowed to come into American markets. In the face of foreign-made goods flooding the markets, its own products have become costlier. Even Americans are not buying them. Its own economy is badly suffering. Millions are paying the price for it.

Law and order is failing sharply! Large number of illegal immigrants are penetrating into the country from across its borders. An estimated number of which goes between 12.5 million and 20 millions. 7/11 has been a big blow to American economy. It took the peace out of everybody’s mind. Families and friends of many Americans who lost their lives are still spending their sleepless nights. The horror and the magnitude of that incident had shaken the safety system of the nation drastically. May God save America!

In the present report the author is dealing with these issues and many others, citing examples and suggesting ways and means how to take immediate actions without allowing it to aggravate further

Societal Reflections:

As a result of all that were happening for quite some time, we see now that it already impacted upon the societal, cultural, economic milieu of America. The moment you open the television-set or radio, you always see and hear a sad and gloomy picture shadowing over America. Almost everyday the reporters report about :

• how many Americans have become unemployed,
• how much bank interests have been cut down,
• that the Wall street had come almost to a crashing point,
• that dollar value in the international market has become weaker.
• that in the competitive markets American goods have no longer that positive edge over others
• that the consumers do not find it lucrative any more to buy.
• that the price of gasoline is crossing almost $ 3.00 per gallon.
• that Market price of essential commodities are on the rise. Grocery bills are increasing almost every day. Even the cost of an hair-cut has increased considerably. Americans are hard pressed. They are now spending their lives in an atmosphere of anxiety, despair and fear.

In loud voices, the news-casters go on announcing :

• that how many people have been stabbed, raped and strangled to death and/or killed by car accidents.
• how many people were killed in Iraq or have lost their lives in Afghanistan,
• how many American lives were taken by the terrorists on any single day in different parts of the world,
• that a terrorists plot has been unraveled in New York or in London,
• That American Embassies have been bombed somewhere, or its reporters have been kidnapped
• That so many Americans have died due to a road side mine attack or by human-bomb attack etc. etc.

There is no doubt that most Americans want to live happily in their own home. They want to drink pure drinking water, breathe clean and unpolluted air, and eat uncontaminated food. They want to have their children educated in good schools and colleges. They expect to get proper jobs for their living. They want to live in clean and safe locality without any anxiety and fear in their minds. Of course they want to contribute to the progress and development of their society just like their forefathers! Now the questions is-aren’t these minimums what they can expect? People are scared now that those good old days are perhaps gone for ever!

Safety of Americans :

Never ever in the history of America , its people faced such a situation that their safety is at stake both within and outside the country. The enemies of America are increasing in number very sharply. The horrified incidents of 9/11 still linger in the minds of most Americans. Al Qaeda has become more organized now. They are simply waiting for an opportune moment to strike again, as reported in the media recently. Obviously, the Americans are not feeling safe at home any more.

Home grown terrorists are brewing here and there. They are trying to make every effort possible to destabilize the system and keep the government busy to clear the mess. The Oklahoma incident is still vivid in the minds of people. People feel that anytime anything can happen and anywhere. A secret plan to cause explosion in the oil pipeline extended to the Kennedy Airport was unearthed recently. Several people were arrested also. It is urgently needed that home-land security is made full-proof to bring faith and confidence in the minds of the people. Otherwise a great damage will be done to the American psyche.

Several millions of illegal immigrants have entered into this country. With them have entered many criminals, smugglers, convicts and anti-socials. They are ‘wanted’ in their own countries. They are now taking shelters to their ‘safe heaven” in America. Huge black-marketing, smuggling were going on across the borders. Millions of dollars worth of life-threatening narcotic drugs were being smuggled into this country. This had become a very lucrative business over the years.

Surprisingly, the Government was silently watching it for the past more than 20 years. No body knows why. Although existing laws, if used judiciously and sincerely, should be enough to prevent or control it in a significant manner, the vested interests were always coming in the way. It has become so strong that even honest border security guards had to face imprisonment , instead of reward, for doing their duties sincerely and as per law. What for they are in the jail now, the ordinary citizens can not explain it any more. What an irony! They carried out their duties with utmost sincerity and honesty and for that they had to face punishment. Such has become the state of affairs in today’s America!

American Education:

Especially after the second world war, American education earned so much respect and reputation that thousands of students used to pour into American Universities for higher education and training. They preferred to come to America than going to Oxford and Cambridge in England.

Situation has changed drastically over the years. In one hand, education has been commercialized extensively and so the cost of higher education has gone beyond the financial capability of many families. Many American families can no longer send their children to college. Furthermore, the standard of education has been deteriorated over the years. Surprisingly, quite a large number of American youths could not Graduate from school this (2007) year. The number of drop-outs have increased. Many young Americans have started thinking that it is wastage of time to go to school as there is no job guarantee any way. They are not finding it challenging any more. The poor students had to search for jobs early because of their pecuniary conditions or due to their lack of interests in obtaining higher education. Clearly, the American citizens are suffering! Their hopes are getting shattered.

Good education is fundamental for the progress and development of any nation. There is now a sharp decline in the number of American Graduates who are good in Science, Mathematics and Engineering. As a result the country has to depend on foreign experts to get their job done. There is an urgent need to look into this matter such that the scenario is changed soon.

American Industry:

At home, jobs are increasingly being slashed down by the large car manufacturers, such as Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. An approximate number of about 150,000 jobs have been eliminated recently. Industrial production rate has sharply gone down to 4.8% even though there was a rise of 2.6% of new jobs this year. Many jobs are going elsewhere or to non-Americans. By April 2007, 6.8 million Americans are jobless according to Bureau of labor Statistics, USA. Some Economists think it is actually about 4.5% of the total registered population of this country. There could be many non-registered jobless workers as well. Among the jobless Americans, 4% are adult men, 3.8% are women, 15.3% are teenagers. Among the Hispanics and Latinos 5.4% are jobless. This figure however is 8.2% among American Citizens of African American descents.

Standard of living:

Under the circumstances, the poor and middle class Americans have become bewildered. They don’t understand what really is going on in America. When the top bosses and CEO’s of various organizations are minting money like anything, and they are getting their salaries and perks in millions, a brilliant College Graduate is employed at a low salary of $ 30,000-40,000 a year. Large number of Americans are jobless. Most of the Agricultural and construction jobs are going to the illegal immigrants. Industrial jobs are being outsourced. Under the present state of affairs, the rich is becoming richer and poor poorer. The politicians are doing their own politics, apparently closing their eyes and bye-passing their duties to address to the fundamental and outstanding problems and issues of the nation. They are scratching only each others’ back!

It is very unfortunate that number of suffering and sick citizens are increasing day by day. Large number of Americans do not have any medical insurance. On the other hand, the cost of hospitalization as well as treatment have soared high. The Americans are compelled to reduce their standard of living. Living expenses have sky-rocketed already. Since 1980, food price hike has gone higher and higher. An anticipated rise of market price is about 7.5% in 2007 according to the labor department. A gallon of milk in Birmingham, Alabama is expected to cost about $ 4.50.

How did it happen?

American Industries are gradually cutting down their operations. They are opening their establishments elsewhere and getting their jobs done through ‘outsourcing’. Large number of IT-related and manufacturing jobs, clinical trial projects, work relating to radiological diagnosis and assessments, electronic data management etc. are going to China, South America, Mexico, Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, India and other countries. Call centers and Contract research organizations are mushrooming every day in America. They are staffed usually by the foreign nationals.

Many big industries in USA have been or are being purchased by the foreigners. Few years ago, the Japanese took over the ownership of many companies. The recent trend is that the Chinese have penetrated into this area. They are the owner of many establishments. Most profits thus are going away to other countries. Disturbing news stirred the entire nation sometimes ago that management of sensitive areas like the Airports, Shipyards, Docks etc are also slowly going in the hands of foreigners. Is it that America is going to be Bankrupt soon? The citizens are extremely worried and scared!

Dampening job markets :

‘Outsourcing” of job and “in sourcing” of cheap labor are dampening the job market within the country. Interestingly, employers in the agricultural sector and construction industries are predominantly recruiting illegal immigrants since they have to pay them less salary. Although many of them are entering into this country by illegal means, they are still being employed. As a result the number of jobless is increasing in USA. Without getting jobs, frustrations and angers are brewing in the minds of American citizens. In a speech, the President also recognized the rising unemployment rate in the country. Responding to the nation’s worst unemployment rate since the Hoover Administration, President Bush addressed the nation’s 8.2 million unemployed workers in a televised speech on Monday March 30,2007. President Bush urged,”The economy has been on the rebound for months, but 5.6 percent of you are still out of work,” Bush said

Good senses must prevail, otherwise such practices are going to ruin the entire fabric of American society. This might even lead to racial unrests. It is to be realized that people become mad when they have no food in their stomach. Side by side, tension increases and number of crimes also increase. As a result, law and order falls apart.

Controversy over lawful versus illegal immigration:

I am sure that everybody realizes that America is the land of immigrants. People from all over the globe came to this wonderland to change their fate and fulfill their hopes and aspirations. Some came here for higher education, some others for business. Thousands of professionals like Scientists, Doctors, Engineers, Economists came to this country and eventually stayed back as they were needed by the country. Those brilliant people enriched this country through their remarkable contributions in different segments of its society. America was enjoying the benefits of having many of the best of brains of the world. Many new inventions and discoveries brought this nation to the fore-front of other countries. Research flourished. Development of spectacular technologies gave it an edge over others. For about 50 years or more America reaped the harvest of its best of inventions and advances in technology. It became the richest nation on earth. The number of millionaires and billionaires sharply increased. The middle class became rich. The rich became richer to richest. The standard of living of an average American increased significantly.

There is no doubt that people will continue to come to America to change their fate. It is not their fault. There is nothing wrong in that also. If the country need them , they will come. No body wants to see that people should enter into this country through illegal means. It is not their fault. If the security system is loose, and law and order personnel are not doing their job properly, it is of no use to blame the ill-fated infiltrators. By crossing hundreds of miles of deserts, forests, without even any food and water they are migrating to USA. Our borders in the south and south west and also in the north are wide open and not at all protected. The border security lacks sufficient manpower, equipments, and funds to keep continuous vigilance on its vast border and provide protection to this country. As reported recently that the number of illegal immigrants appear to be anywhere between 12.5 to 20 million ?. All of them did not come just overnight. It is a question of indifference and negligence. It is a question of our faulty security system. The authorities know about it. They are surprisingly silent on these issues over the years. Years of negligence to give proper attention to secure the borders created such a gigantic problem now.

It is a big challenge to find out proper ways and means to find amicable solution to this huge problem. It may need large amount of finance to erect fences all across the borders, Overhauling the entire security system may become necessary to give more power and instruments in the hands of border security men . Existing immigration laws may have to be revisited. Diplomatic talks with the neighboring countries would also be necessary. In any case, the problem needs to be rectified soon in an amicable manner. Let the leadership show its spark once again. It should not be taken lightly any more, otherwise it might prove to be a disaster.

American Diplomacy:

There was a time when American voices were heard all over the world. American diplomacy brought in lot of respect from many nations. American support and aid saved the lives of millions of poor and destitute all over the world. One after the other Democracies were established in different parts of the world with American help and support. The tyrannies and exploitations of people in different parts of the world started coming to an end. Freedom and liberty brought in lot of smiles on the face of millions.

Unfortunately, America is sharply losing its friends and allies abroad. Strong anti-American sentiments are sprouting in different parts of the World. American commands are no longer taken with reverence and seriousness by many of the member states of the United Nations. Its faulty foreign policy has been proving to be self-destructive. Its friends have turned into a foe and foe its so-called friends. On many occasions, it is found that America is supporting the wrong sides, even though it is against the fundamental principles and policies of the Government and its constitution.

America, which was once the topmost country in the world, is losing its ground very steadily. It is no longer the superpower in every respect as it once was. American markets are full with foreign goods. Its big industries and establishments are now own by the foreigners. If you go to a supermarket, you will see that goods made in foreign countries have flooded the market.

Health in America

Not too long ago, Americans used to drink water directly from the tap. It was so safe! People are scared these days to drink water from anywhere! Almost everybody is buying drinking water from the market and carry them when they go out. Even then they are not certain what they are buying. Some brands are advertising that they are sell spring water. But who knows! It may even be simple tap water.

Often fast food counters offer foods cooked with Trans fats increasing the risks of Chronic heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Contaminated fish is being imported from China. Such fishes pose risks for being exposed to bacteria, toxic heavy metals, and pesticides along with other chemicals. Vegetables grown on US soil gets contaminated once in a while by harmful bacteria (E.coli). Such vegetables pose risks of causing gastroenteritis, diarrhea, stomach ache etc. Certain preservatives used for long term storage of meats pose risks of getting exposed to cancer causing agents. Imported meat on the supermarket selves is found sometimes contaminated with deadly bacteria. Resurgence of Helicobacter pylori is often reported from here and there. Tuberculosis is back again. HIV-AIDS are quite prevalent here and there.

Drugs and pharmaceuticals are pouring in the market, sometimes without declaring data on its long term effects. Data on the effect of those drugs on children, pregnant women, senior citizens or patients suffering from chronic diseases, are not usually available. Data are often missing as to their interactive effects with other drugs that they may be taking. On occasions we see that certain drugs are to be recalled even after several years of its use. Heart diseases and cancer is killing thousands of Americans every year. Number of Diabetic patients are rising every year. Because of faulty food habits, more and more people ( 25 million) are becoming obese in the USA.

Growing Environmental Concerns: Disregard to world opinions

Several years ago in the Rio “Earth summit”, which was attended by more than 160 heads of States, Presidents and Prime ministers of nations, ministers and representatives of Governments, representatives of environmental activist organizations, reporters, writers and authors from different parts of the globe, took some historic resolutions. The summit declared that our planet earth is in virtual danger and that we need to protect it together. It was realized that environmental problems impact everybody from everywhere in this planet. So we have collective responsibility to safeguard our environmental. It was decided that we have to take all necessary measures without letting it go to further deterioration.

One of the major concerns expressed by the summit was that of “Global Change”. The role of Carbon emissions was discussed in detail and it was revealed that Carbon emissions in our atmosphere are directly related to the Global Change phenomena. Many countries, except USA, agreed to sign in that historic agreement. Yet everybody expected that USA will respect the world opinion and set up a time-frame to reduce its Carbon emissions. It was seen however, that no major efforts were taken so fat by the US Government.

Although the skeptics were thinking that the Global warming will never cross the threshold that it would ever become unmanageable. Alas! The Global warming phenomena is very much evident now. It has become a reality now. Weather conditions are changing sharply and its implications are already evident. We see now unprecedented cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, Katrinas, excessive rains , floods, forest fires, severe droughts etc. It is causing thousands of deaths every year. Billions of dollars of properties are being wasted. Millions are becoming homeless. Children are forced to go out of school. Thousands become homeless and jobless. Millions suffer from various diseases. Business looses millions of dollars. Rehabilitation takes many years and costs billions of dollars of public funds, which weakens the economy of the nation.

Melting of polar ice has started raising concerns in the minds of many. There is a potential fear that many island nations will go down the sea. The prediction is that there is a chance rising the sea level by 4-6 meters. Obviously, this might bring many low lying island nations down into the sea. Coastal cities would also face similar such problems.

Concrete examples of Global warming an astonishing news that the famous SHIVA LINGA in Amarnath, high above the Himalayas, has melted completely before the pilgrims even arrived there this year (2007). This is a sacred place for pilgrimage for the Hindus. For generations, never ever the “SHIVA LINGA” melted away before the arrival of the pilgrims on a particular day of the year, year after year.

While the entire world is worried, USA is held responsible for releasing the largest amount of “Green House Gases ( water vapor, CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide)” in the air. While the short-wave radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere, those green house gases rebound the long-wave radiation back to earth’s surface causing the Global warming phenomena.

America has lost its legitimacy to tell others to stop/control it. Recently, it has come to the world attention that China has planned to construct several coal-driven power industry, which is known to emit CO2 in large amounts in the air. In such a case, it would be the World’s largest carbon emitter. But that does not mean that USA’s responsibilities to bring down carbon emission in the air are going to be diminishing any way.

USA’s consumption of petroleum fuel is one of the highest in the world, thereby it was held responsible for depleting this precious natural resource at a faster rate. America so far did not pay much of an attention to the warning of the G-8 nations, and also their requests to ring the bell in this regard. USA must act soon to reduce its carbon emissions in the air so that others can follow.

It is also alarming that Green cover is diminishing fast from USA, Brazil and other countries in Africa and South East Asia. Forests are getting lost every year because of forest fires also. Billions of dollars are wasted and at the same time it cause a great imbalance in our environment.

Because of population increase, the need for making their housing also increased. Woods are one of the major sources for building houses. Forest woods are also poor people’s energy source. . So green Cover is decreasing sharply from the world. We know that plants usually absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Lesser plants mean lesser absorption of CO2 from the air. That helps increasing CO2 level in the air further. The world must come closer to address these issues along with many others to save our planet.

The Industrial greed for more profits together with increasing consumerism are sweeping over the entire US market for about last five decades. Both the industries and the Government ignored almost totally the deleterious effects of industrial pollution. No major efforts were taken towards an effective pollution control measures to protect our water bodies, air and soil. An overwhelming number of cars are now plying on the American roads emitting toxic exhausts. Industrial chimneys are freely emitting toxic gases in the air. Toxic chemicals are being dumped in ponds, lakes, rivers and springs. As a result, Carbon dioxide emissions plagued cities after cities. Water and air have become polluted. Bronchitis, allergy, lung and skin diseases are on the rise.

It is to be realized that increasing emissions of CFCs and other chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons in the air already created Ozone hole in the South and North poles, allowing harmful UV radiation to fall directly on earth’s surfaces.

Crisis in America:

All the above presents a picture of America which is immersed in sky–rocketing problems. What has gone wrong, America? Are we living in the same America as it used to be 40-50 years ago? Obviously not! America has lost its control. America has lost its balance and its managerial capacity. American policy is no longer pro-people. To cover up one mistake it is making more mistakes. Most of the policies and laws are aimed at filling the tanks of those which are already full. Empty pockets are remaining empty. Only the few opportunistic people are minting money like anything. Special interest groups, lobbyists, contractors and suppliers have made inroads in Washington. They do not care about others but only to fill up their own pockets and that of their mentors. Our representatives in Washington only scratch each others back. So either this party or the other, it hardly matters. The people do not see much changes happening anyway.

How long will it continue?

The patience is running away! Should it continue to happen in the future also? The answer is a big “NO”. God almighty has given everything to this country. Natural resources are still plenty. America still has the World’s best of talents or access to best of brains elsewhere. The Americans are still hard-working. There is no dearth of honesty and sincerity among the Americans. American educational system is still one of the best in the world. Its technological power is superb. America’s business acumen is of very high standard. Then what has gone wrong? Perhaps its policies, political maneuverability, its leadership quality and wrong decisions brought the country on the brink of such a chaos.

Corrective measures:

If America has to remain as the champion of Democracy, it should disassociate itself with the military rulers or autocratic governments in the world. It is contrary to what America stands for. Policies should always be firm, erect and straightforward. America has to put forward a fresh look to the rest of the world and build confidence in the mind of people all over the world. American leadership has to show that they are real leaders. They will have to prove that they can lead not only this nation but also can shape the affairs of the world. Rise above the occasion and be awake America! Be bold and courageous, honest, fair, sympathetic, humane and just. Respect and honor will come automatically.

It is known that America’s economy always favors the rich and wealthy. Capitalism is the very basis of economic policy of America. The policy makers always ensure that the dollars are protected. There is nothing wrong in that as long as it also protects the national interests, ensures job and safety to the citizens of the nation. Nothing should be done at the cost of interests of the citizens. Most of the poor and jobless are bewildered. They have the feeling that there is virtually nobody to protect their cause. Such a feeling of helplessness and despair is very harmful and damaging at the same time so far as the interests of the nation is concerned.

In practice, most Americans see that the Government-spending is increasing every year. Huge amount of budgetary deficits have accrued over the past few years. This deficit is going to be a burden on the shoulder of every American now and in the future. On the other hand, billions of dollars are being spent for meeting the costs of war, for helping the foreign military so that they can purchase sophisticated weapons, and for reconstruction projects for them in Iraq. The proposed budget for the year 2006 for the military was $440 billion. Already $ 250 billion have been spent on Iraq war. A recent news reported that a huge amount of that money either have been pocketed by the vested interest groups within the Iraqi government and/or by the contractors and suppliers, and others who are now hiding somewhere in the middle east and/or European nations.

Perception outside :

As has been said earlier, America sharply lost the faith and confidence of many of its friends and allies. It has lost its control over the affairs of the world. The World order is shaken. Cold war era has come back again.

China is equipping itself with modern arsenals. Russia has started again its long range ballistic missile program. Iran is trying to go nuclear! North Korea achieved the capability of starting its own Nuclear program. Pakistan has earned nuclear capability. It has an underground nexus with China, Iran and North Korea. Al-Quaeda and Talibans are being helped and supported by the Islamic fundamentalists in Pakistan. They are becoming more active. Venezuela is trying to be more ambitious. Several countries are in nexus and helping each other to go nuclear. They are marketing their nuclear reactor technology, nuclear fuel, processing technology for purification of plutonium etc. to other countries of the world. This is definitely a potential threat to Peace and American interests in the world.

Terrorist organizations are reorganizing themselves world over with the secret help from several countries of the world. The common man and women are living in fear and anxiety. They feel that they may have to face suicide–bombers or road side mines killing them anytime and anywhere. No place is considered safe any more in the world. The World is dwindling often in different directions. What a frustrating state of affair!

At the home front , they see that the coffins of American soldiers are coming to USA almost every from Iraq or Afghanistan. Large number of Americans are dying every day on foreign soil. Since war started, the number of American deaths in Iraq has been estimated to be 3558, the number of wounded about 66,000, and those died in Afghanistan was 407 as of June 23, 2007. All these are for whose interests! The Americans are asking this question to themselves.

Hope or no hope:

In this electioneering year (2007-8), can we expect that a leadership will emerge in the horizon to bring America Back to its own gear? Cleanse its own problems and bring back the faith and confidence in the minds of not only its own citizens but also its friends and allies in the world. The citizens are waiting patiently to see and watch! May God bless America!