What America is this?

I've been thoroughly confused over the past few years, so much so that it's hard to reconcile all of the common assumptions and belief about American identity and heroism that I had absorbed all through growing up. We get imagery pumped into us every day through television (woefully ignorant and advertising-beholden advertising pundits), the internet, and even conversation and drive home the ideas of the American ideal, and ridicule, decry, or ignore crucial actions and facts that go against it.

Beyond the fact that listening to a television newscaster about health care, whose advertising is bought by pharmaceutical companies; or about politics, whose bosses have investments tied up in the status quo they have so profited from and have lobbyists to ensure passage of favorable legislation on Capitol Hill; or the financial industry, when they, their peers, or bosses jump back and forth between news and Wall Street and reap the benefits of giving "expert advice" to the masses as a distraction while their money is being swept away in back room inside trading?

This issue isn't about Foxnews, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, etc., though they all have taken a part. This shouldn't be a fight about one side being for Democrats or Republicans, Liberals, or Conservatives, and because "I don't like" or "He said what" or somebody's a Communist. That ship has sailed, and only leads to a bunch of hens clucking at each other.

Question: Why can't each of us look at what is really in our best interest as Americans?

Answer: Because we have so much bad information being shoved in our faces while just trying to relax after a long day at work, and they don't have time to think about what's being done behind the scenes by politicians they elected because he or she seemed to at least be more trustworthy than the other person. We can't fathom all the negative things being done -- and have been done -- in the name of our country, and maybe don't even want to know about all of it.

I don't foresee everyone getting along on all the issues -- it's an impossibility. But certain things, like people being in favor of issues against their own interests and the common interest of the rest of the nation, need to be addressed (perhaps because they are most easily understood).

Number one: realize that the images you see and news you hear are both put in front of you due to systems seeking profit and influence on your opinion. So everything said, done, and shown - even things that might make you say "hey, he looks like he must be a good guy, different, and looking out for my best interests" - are typically done to achieve this end. That doesn't mean that these individuals retreat into their evil lair's and stroke a cat while they laugh at others' demise. They may believe completely in what they are doing, and that it is right and just. For that matter, so did Judas.

Number two: listen, but don't be convinced easily. Choose your opinions with some consideration, and most importantly, compassion. The bottom line: think for yourself. And that DOESN'T mean listen to a fat and/or bald guy, or attractive woman in her thirties, who acts like/says that they think for themselves. Since, as we know from above, of course they'd say that. And they'd compliment you on the same.

Lastly, please, please, please, don't forget that you can get angry and be civilized at the same time. Of course, power in numbers can possibly make your voice better heard. But throughout the whole endeavor of speaking out for injustice and those who are being mistreated, don't forget to be humble, and to listen. Not only will you gain much by learning how the other side feels, it will also strengthen, if not your argument, then the argument for a better solution.

Critical judgment.
Humility.
Compassion.
Willingness to take action.

With all this in mind, revolution can and should be a positive word for long-overdue change.