Good thought Richard. Unfortunately Politician is the new word for selfserving. Democrat or Republican, by time they get to office they are bought and paid for, and like many have stated looking after the interests of what will keep them in office financially, not the people who elected them.
Still I'm proud to live here, and appreciate the sacrifices of my ancestors to get here and work to establish themselves here. I thank soldiers for their sacrafices to keep us as safe as they do. I don't think things will get better however. Most people don't have the work ethic our ancestors had, the drive to improve their kids lives from where they came from. People are afraid of hard work( I mean this in a very general sense as they are a lot of hardworking americans, right here on this site!). I used to address elders or teachers as Mr. or Mrs., sir or mame, nowdays kids address us without respect. When kids do, I compliment them and their parents, making sure to let them know their hard work is appreciated.
It seems most young folks want what took a lifetime for their parents to achieve, right now. Credit cards and filing bankruptcy makes this possible, and teaches them financial irresponsibility does pay off. If we made people work off their debt, we might reinstate some responsibility. I see people on here work towards saving up for their next project, trading services for parts, and finding creative solutions that are financially responsible to get a car of their dreams. I enjoy this site for these reasons. I think the only way to make a change is by example through our own personal actions, that hopefully will lead others by example.
I look foward to celebrating the fourth today, and wish everyone a happy Independance Day.