The State of the United States

The mood of US electorate during the presidential primary season is described as anxious and angry over outsourcing and trade deals, a decline in good jobs, stagnant wages, inequality and polarized politics that prevents good governance. News media tend to focus on negative reports, and the members of public rely on programs and publications that reinforce opinions already held. “An America that is distracted and divided is less likely to be willing and able to take the lead in promoting stability in the Middle East, Europe, or Asia, or in meeting global challenges,” explains Richard Haass for Project Syndicate. “And, without US leadership, these challenges are likely to go unmet, turning into problems or, worse, crises.” About two-thirds of eligible citizens are registered to vote, and less than half of registered voters vote in the primaries. The litany of complaints suggests that the nation’s citizens are failing to take responsibility in many areas including educating themselves for the jobs of the 21st century, saving for retirement, informing themselves on global issues and monitoring their government, or demanding worthy representation. – YaleGlobal