America's Health: The Heart Condition

"I know America. I know the heart of America is good."   --- Richard Nixon, 1969

Part 1: America's Health http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGGgxg

Part II: America's Health: Recovery http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGGgxx

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As America recovers from its serious health conditon, there should be reflecton on the factors that may have contributed to the condition; 'complications' that may develop afterwards; and preventative measures to ensure more healthy well-being in the future.

In the last 10-15 years, America has experienced events that affected our heart i.e. our will and ideals. The heart of America involves the balance between our will to be a strong nation in an ever-changing world and the ideals that are our foundation making us a 'beacon of hope' to other nations (e.g. Freedom; Rights; Individualism; Representative Government; 'Separation of Powers'). Maintaining balance is like monitoring the rhythm and the pulse of the nation.

On September 11, 2001 the nation suffered a massive heart attack. Fear gripped nation and required examination of mindset, assumptions, expectations, habits, and what is eaten (experience). There'a realization that change is required if America is to have soundness in heart and sustainable growth. The progress towards soundness has been difficult because of environment stressors (e.g. economic downturn, international threats, natural disasters) that at times weaken the heart. There was due diligence exercised to ensure that there was no cardiac arrest. Now, as America move forward to recovery, there there is cautious optimism due to the formation of potential clots.

Clots may be viewed as discussions, debates, dissension, protests, and rallies by citizens as the result of environment stressors. (Note: Stress is not inherently negative. Stress is just response to environment stimuli. The problem is dealing with an 'alot' of stimuli at any given time).

Generally, clots are the healing mechanism of the body. Likewise, dissension is the 'healing mechanism' of America. There have been many times throughout America's history expressing dissent actually brought healing to the past injuries of the past or to stop the bleeding i.e. prevent further loss or death. Examples include the Civil Rights Movement; Advocacy for Family and Medical Leave legislation; Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the Earthquake in Haiti; Healthcare Reform, and much more. Scars, that evoke painful memories, may be seen in many instances that bears witness to the occurrence of the injury. Indeed, America has mechanisms that may be used in its healing --- first amendment rights.

However, clots may pose serious threat to the body if it is formed --1) in circulatory system and becomes an obstruction to the free flow of blood; --2) not as a result of injury; --3) or if it moves to other locations of the body. Likewise in America, discussions, debates, rallies, et al. may pose serious threat to nation if such activities obstructs the free, orderly, respectful flow of ideas; it's with precipitation; and done in many areas of the country.

There is the danger of aneurysms --- weakening of communication and transportation systems.
There is the danger of strokes --- where the free, orderly, respectful flow of ideas to leadership structures and institutions is affected.

There is the danger of embolisms --- the advanced media technology and increased mobility capabilities in modern day soceity increases the possibility of obstructions to the free, orderly, and respectful flow of ideas forming in one area of country and 'travel' to another area in the country.

Now if the obstruction occurs whereby the the U.S. Constitution is affected i.e. that which inspires and 'gives life' to our ideals, then it may be liken unto a pulmonary embolism where death is quick. There is danger when there is such imbalance that obstructions comes from the heart.


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"The Heart of a Citizen"


The Presidential Citizens Medal "established for the purpose of recognizing citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens." should inspire everyone to 'Stop. Think. Act' and provide encouragement to guard heart with all diligence.
America has experienced many events that have affected its heart. Everytime its will becomes stronger and its ideals become more powerful.
Yes, continue to debate passionately; host and attend town hall meetings; write to editors; write to lawmakers and government leaders; hold rallies; uphold and exercise the rights in U.S. Constitution...the American ideals. Above all America, "To thine own self be true.'"