Americans are not satisfied with the direction of the country. According to an April 2008 Gallup poll 15% of us are now satisfied with "the way things are going." This is the lowest rate of satisfied Americans since 1992. The number one reason stated for why we need a change in direction was the economy. This is not surprising considering rising fuel and food costs, inflation, unemployment and gloomy economic predictions. The number two reason for a change in direction was the war in Iraq. This is also understandable considering this is a war that many believe never should have been. What is not being talked about is the underlying reason of this need for change in direction; the crumbling of the culture of our families. No election is going to change our culture.

Americans are overworked, underpaid, not spending enough time with family, not getting enough sleep, and stress related illnesses are on the rise. Put it together and we have a picture of a flawed culture, something deeper than dissatisfaction with leadership or the economy. What we need to change in American culture is our sense of community. This starts with family, and what, if any connections we maintain with our family. In a capitalist culture it is natural to want to climb the economic ladder. Americans will move great distances for that promotion, never mind we are leaving our parents, grandparents and siblings behind. Hey, that promotion is what's really important, right? When this happens, it starts a tidal wave of cultural destruction. We forget what responsibilities we have to our families and our American culture.

The economy will do better when we all remember that what is best for our neighbor, in the long run, will be best for us. We can no longer be corporate slaves, reliant on them for every need. A change in direction of culture and values will foster self sustainability. If I can build a fence and you can grow vegetables then with cooperation you should have that fence you need and I should have my vegetables. Politicians speak a lot about our need to be on the cutting edge of new technologies, particular alternative energy sources, in order to compete in the new global market place. In order to change direction in regards to energy consumption we really need to change our culture of excess and produce our own energy as opposed to purchasing it from a corporation.

With more self sufficiency comes the feeling that you have more control over your life. We will have more time with our families. We would be more likely to work with our neighbors and families. This will create a general feeling of contentment that does not exist in America today. Rising contentment is a steamroller that will breed more change, feelings of self worth and belonging. This will, in turn, boost the self esteem of our children. A real change in American culture will happen.

Without a sweeping change in direction in attitudes none of these things will take place. What will you have to make you feel worthy without all the material possessions? Your family is a thousand miles away, your friends are busy trying to get theirs, and they don't really care to change.

It is all about attitude. It has almost become un-American to be courteous, to care about the economic status of our neighbors and families as long as we have ours. With a change in culture we can then demand a change in leadership, and a change in the direction of America.

Learn more about this author, Don A Shepard.
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