For those of you who have watched television lately, particularly the news, does President Joe Biden look increasingly beleaguered — or is it just me? The answer. President Biden does look older and older. The man is pushing 80 and the relentless pressures upon him are simply incredible.
The country appears to be imploding while we go about our lives in a somewhat self-serving fog. A sense of ‘denial’ is pervasive in every part of the nation. the steep decline has caught everyone’s attention. And many just don’t want to believe it.
Let’s take a look at some of the disturbing but fundamental elements in US society.
First, the US government released the data for 2021 concerning the matter of drug overdose deaths in America. Put simply, there were over 100,000 victims. Incredulously, this is not too stunning because the country finds itself increasingly dealing with death, turbulence, violence, and unpredictability.
Second, the number of mass shootings is again rampaging through America. As of the end of March 2022, there have been 202 mass shootings (4 or more individuals shot, and/or killed) in just (3) months!! That is roughly about (50) mass shootings per month. The media only broadcasts about 1% of them. The others have occurred within a national haze that perhaps reflects a society that is clearly numb to this form of abrupt violence.
Third, the number of US deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic has soared above the million-mark nationally. Those who have suffered, or those who are still suffering from ‘Long’ covid, is also well over the million- mark. By the way, I am one of them.
The corporate media continues to whine that there is a shortage of workers in America. But they never mention why. Here is the real reason. Millions are either dead or injured from the Covid-19 pandemic. A virus (and its multiple offshoots) that continues to damage and haunt our society.
The “unofficial count” is a hell of a lot higher than the government’s agencies are willing to admit. When the history of the Covid-19 pandemic is finally written, our governments (local, state and federal) are going to look incredibly inept and leaderless.
Fourth, the nation is in debt over $31 trillion. The ‘fiscal chickens’ are finally coming home to roost. President Biden has spent almost $6 trillion dollars attempting to keep the US economy afloat. He has achieved this vital goal — barely.
However, as I write this article, the American economy appears to be teetering on the edge of the abyss. Why?
Fifth, Wall Street is now in a steep decline. Companies that were buying back their own stock to raise the value of their stock is no longer an effective means toward propping up the markets. And the US Federal Reserve is now dramatically raising its interest rates.
Hence, for those who want to borrow money — it is going to be increasingly expensive. The days of almost zero interest rates are over. Why? Inflation. It is seriously undermining Americans’ paychecks and savings.
The economy is extremely overheated. The price of goods, of all kinds, have soared — especially for energy and food. Oil is trading at over a $100 a barrel. And food shortages are being reported in many areas of the world.
(Note: Keep an eye out for hundreds of American (and foreign) “zombie” companies collapsing in the next six to twelve months. The option to borrow (cheap) millions, if not billions, to keep their respective businesses functioning is no longer an option.)
Sixth, the infrastructure (Roads, Bridges, Ports, Airports, etc.) throughout America is in tatters. President Biden got a relatively modest legislative package through the US Congress that addresses this crisis. Unfortunately, it falls far short of what is needed.
Seventh, the rise in crime, particularly within US cities, is growing exponentially. Most of these cities have Democrats as mayors. The mid-term elections are in seven months. With gas prices hovering around $4.50 per gallon, voters are getting anxious, if not perturbed, about this pocket-gouging situation. Biden needs to get his economic policies in order. Now!!
Eighth, the war in Ukraine is a geostrategic mess. Nato and the US need to end this horrific war — as quickly as possible. Global food shortages can be traced back to Russia and Ukraine. Cost of wheat and barley are soaring within global markets. And the rising Oil and GAS prices are crippling the economies of the West. Applying sanctions upon Russian oil and gas are not having their anticipated effectiveness.
Don’t forget, the cost of rebuilding Ukraine is going to be astronomical. Whether Ukraine joins Nato or not, the West is now committed to rebuilding it. Very few corporate media pundits are allowed to speak of this costly endeavor.
Ninth, and finally, the social fabric of America is being torn apart over the issue concerning abortion. A handful of right-wing zealots on the US Supreme Cout (SCOTUS) are attempting to essentially push women back into an era representing a pre-Roe v. Wade America. Today, women are barely paid 82 cents to a man’s dollar in work earnings. Amongst women of color, their actual wages are much lower.
Now, if the SCOTUS takes away women’s right to control their reproductive decisons, women will have been reduced to second-class citizens. Canadian writer Margaret Atwood believes that a form of slavery will have been imposed women in America. Will the SCOTUS, in 2022, overturn Roe v. Wade?
To be truthful, I see a dark and angry America emerging if such a decision is made. Half of America will no longer be so rational and understanding about America’s future.
How do you tell half the nation that their freedoms and rights are no longer viable?
Answer: You don’t.
America is in free-fall. How much longer can this state of affairs go on?
My guess: Not much longer.
Domestic and Foreign “forces” are already reducing President Biden’s options.