Is America Up to the Challenge of the 21st Century?

"The World Is Flat" is my latest book on CD from the local library. This book should be required reading for anyone who wants to build a better future for themselves and their families in the 21st century. Instead of investing in education, R&D, and honoring science to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world, our present leaders are conducting elective military adventures in the land of Aladin.

At home, the story is not much better. Instead of respecting and honoring its veterans and professors, the Bush administration has used modern technology to build a database of its detractors. The following story Ron shared last week clearly illustrates the reckless disregard individual rights in the information age. Another Enemy of the People? by: Mark Graber

"On 1 March 07, I was scheduled to fly on American Airlines to Newark, NJ, to attend an academic conference at Princeton University, designed to focus on my latest scholarly book, Constitutional Democracy, published by Johns Hopkins University Press this past Thanksgiving."

"When I tried to use the curb-side check in at the Sunport, I was denied a boarding pass because I was on the Terrorist Watch list. I was instructed to go inside and talk to a clerk. At this point, I should note that I am not only the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence (emeritus) but also a retired Marine colonel. I fought in the Korean War as a young lieutenant, was wounded, and decorated for heroism. I remained a professional soldier for more than five years and then accepted a commission as a reserve office, serving for an additional 19 years." ...

"After carefully examining my credentials, the clerk asked if he could take them to TSA officials. I agreed. He returned about ten minutes later and said I could have a boarding pass, but added: "I must warn you, they're going to ransack your luggage."

On my return flight, I had no problem with obtaining a boarding pass, but my luggage was "lost." Airlines do lose a lot of luggage and this "loss" could have been a mere coincidence. In light of previous events, however, I'm a tad skeptical."

I heard a story like this a couple years ago. At the time I thought it was an urban legend. At a time like this I am glad to call progressive bloggers my co-conspirators. We are co-conspirators of doing the job truth seeking reporters used to do. We are digging for the truth. We represent "We the People" but we aren’t asking for anyone’s vote.

"We the People" understand the challenge to America’s prosperity in the 21st century requires we invest in openess, connectedness, and intelligence. "We the People" know that now - more than ever - we need each other.

It is time that our leaders understand this is not Communist China. The United States has a constitution. Today, it is being stretched to the limit.

America needs adaptive intelligent leadership. We can know longer afford to be lorded over by dogmadic, incompetent, paranoid, and power hungy politicians.

If you doubt this crew holds grudges, just ask Bill Maher, the Dixie Chicks, Richard Clarke, Joe Wilson, etc. etc. etc.

I wonder if I can fly?

Will America Lead?