by Steven West

Created on: June 13, 2008

The United States has been on a downward spiral for sometime. Since The Bush Administration, our standing around the world has suffered greatly. The War in Iraq is unpopular with our European allies. It has created more friction in the Middle East. We have created new enemies to our country.

Our economy has suffered as well. We have racked up huge budget deficits. Our dollar has been substantially weakened. Our housing policies have led to a crisis in the housing industry. Unemployment has risen. Inflation has gone up as well. Consumer confidence has taken a nose dive.

We're worried if we can afford to pay for gas to keep our car running.

Other countries are now rivaling America in terms of growth and development. China and India have become major economic powers. Part of the reason that a fuel crisis exists in our country is the result of other countries requiring more energy to operate their industries and businesses. Russia is also flexing its muscles. It has become more of an adversary since President Bush took office.

Our education system is not the envy of the world. We are trailing other countries in the areas of math and science. Our public school system is getting less funding and higher education is becoming more prohibitive each year for many of our youth.

Our manufacturing industry is also suffering. Massive layoffs have hurt our economy. New jobs are not being created fast enough to replace the layoffs. Many companies are moving overseas to reduce their operating costs.

Another area of major concern is our health care industry. Our country has a large segment of people who do not have health care. This includes our children. Our politicians in Washington have not adequately addressed this problem. There is more concern about protecting the health insurance providers and the large pharmaceutical companies than there is about the rights of the consumer.

All the areas that I have discussed briefly give me reason to believe that the United States is suffering greatly and will need forward thinking leaders to turn our nation around. I believe that this coming election can be a turning point for our country. I believe that Senator Barack Obama represents such a leader. He has the foresight to make changes in our country. He has the ability to attract experienced talent that will begin to clean up the messes left behind by the Bush Administration. If we do not change the direction of our country very soon, we will provide our young people with a less hopeful future.

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