America At Risk: America Renewal or Ruin

There is a sculpture outside the United Nations headquarters in New York of a man beating his sword into a plowshare. Entitled "Swords into Plowshares", this piece of artwork, was a gift from Soviet Russia in 1959. Made by Evgeniy Vuchetich, the bronze statue symbolizes man's desire to put an end to war by converting the means of destruction into creative tools for the benefit of mankind. The inspiration comes, no doubt, from the scripture in Isaiah 2:4 "He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

The topic of war and peace is very much on the minds of people today but few take the time to relate these events to cause and effect. Is there a way that produces peace and prosperity? Are there predictors of war and suffering? Are we destined to go the way of past civilizations after their rise to domination and influence? Is it mandated that nations fall from prestige and power? America has been a blessed nation and done much good for humanity. The generous, caring spirit of Americans is not always appreciated, or so it would seem, with enemies stalking us at every turn--.

Chapter One
Coming to America

May I now enter here? Will He within open to sorry me, though I have been an undeserving rebel? Then shall I not fail to send His lasting praise on high. –John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

Coming to America they did--in droves. Most wanted a new start and a chance to improve their futures and their fortunes. The same is true today for many who see America as the place to make dreams come true. A trip through a modern supermarket or Wal-Mart Super Center would overwhelm most immigrants with the abundance and variety. Fresh produce offered in showcases of controlled temperature would seem extravagant beyond belief. The freedoms and bounty often taken for granted are treasures to those from poor and repressed countries. In less than a few hundred years, the United States of America has blossomed into a powerful, benevolent country - the envy of most of the world. Will the wealth, power and prestige last forever? Can we sustain the momentum of previous generations and build a more secure world for others and ourselves? As our population grows and new forces bend and toy with the psyche of the average American, we see that average isn't so easy to identify.

Before the new states became united and the Stars and Stripes waved over a national capital, America was just a virgin wilderness that beckoned the adventurous spirit. Most settlers who came to America in the 17th century were English or Anglo-Saxon decent seeking religious renewal and the pursuit of a better life.

Chapter Seven
Call to Action

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
--Words from the last stanza of The Star Spangled Banner

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Vision without action is merely a dream.
Action without vision just passes time.
Vision with action can change the world.
--Joel Barker, Futurist

Apocalypse –– or Glory?

Many prognosticators have looked ahead and see trouble brewing in our American culture. Morris Berman calls it the twilight, others like author Jim Nelson Black, talk about when a nation dies, and demonstrates the many parallels between past failing cultures and America. What are we to do with such dire warnings? Whether we fail as a nation or survive another millennia, the important issue is the quality of our own personal life. In the end it is all about character. It isn't about what you have but what you are.

This chapter deals with renewal – a renewal of the body, mind and spirit. Character or the lack thereof, is often tested in times of trials and many experts see difficult times ahead. America has rallied many times in history and the collective sense of urgency is again on the horizon. Perhaps seeing how other nations have challenged the decision to liberate Iraq from a despot leader has helped many to reflect on the heart and good intentions of our nation. American and Americans had a sense of fairness and desire for others to have the opportunity, unencumbered by terror and fear to live their lives as they see fit. For our allies to question our motives and hinder our efforts has stirred, and perhaps angered many. Will this lead to a more conservative, patriotic worldview? America has often been reluctant to lead, but when it does its efforts have been firm and determined. President George W. Bush seemed to understand this.