Does our society brainwash us into believing that independance is mandatory?
461813
In my view, as someone looking into the US-centric culture from the outside... I think a lot of it isn`t necessarily brain washing, but laziness. Yes - laziness.\nPeople don`t want to be troubled by other people - so make everyone be independent. People don`t want to have to put too much effort into raising their children - let`s push them to be independent before they hit their first birthday. \nAll of this breeds more selfishness, which in turn increases the push to make everyone independent.
750601
Yes, with enough support, people can convince society that it is right\n\nBut that does not make it right.\n\nSuch, however, makes the society a democracy also
802386
Yes. It lies in our own mind. Life your life today!!
1117586
Every one who can take care of themselves, should. We need to define what "able" is. That is not done by a law, but by popular social convention. \n\nSo many folks have abdicated their responsibilities, to them selves, their children, their neighbors, and expect those same people to support them in a variety of ways.\n\nCommon sense and conventional wisdom has gone out the window in many ways. \n\nIf more individuals would think for themselves and do for themselves, (rich and  poor alike) we would have so many resources available for the truly needy, and infirm.
448628
I would say we did not exist before God. We only existed in his mind as he was planning to create us.\nMen probably think they can rule somebody because they are strong enough to do it but not smart enough to understand they don't have to do it.\nI would say the contrary concerning about men avoiding household.
760164
Our greatness lies in the beginning of the Declaration of Independence that ALL men are created equal and deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of hapiness. Our leaders forgot that concept in the need to forge power for themselves and this nation. Other nations were sold out to brutal puppet governments for the sake of our prosperity and security, but in the end, they sold our security for greed, for power, for corporate interests, because people everywhere will fight for their freedom against all odds and all costs no matter how horrible. We are living now in the "reckoning". Continued hypocricy will destroy us. When America wakes up, we will save ourselves, and in that saving, will again be a great nation based on the enlightnement of our founders.
70310
This is just my opinion....\n\nI believe that our society is so focused on one's self.  It's hard to give yourself to a relationship the way that it is needed when people are focused so much on themselves.  We unfortunately have become very selfish human beings.  Once we begin to put other's feelings, wants, desires, etc. before our own...the lonlieness will fade.\n\nOur society is also very focused on material objects.  We need to put our focus back on what is really important.  Think about it...if something devastating would happen to you...would the material things be there for you...would you be able to comfort yourself?  I bet the answer is no.  Then why not invest yourself in people that will.
1083845
I believe that most Americans are under the illusion that they truly have free speech, true democracy. etc..   Compare the actions of previous actions of dominant empires throughout history.  Have we transformed or are Americans fooled by a cleaver rouse.
703670
political party allegiance is slowly taking precedence over the issues. i believe they shovel whatever they can out in order to keep their job, thats what it essentially is, they are competing with one another for their jobs. some still have real convictions, but after the past election, having to deal with the crap the republicans pulled, i feel they have generally committed themselves to each other rather than the cause, so i declare myself an independent now, because my convictions are more important than my party allegiance. \n\nso, more yes than no, but im not going to agree with certainty either way.\n\n"you can fool all of the people some of the time; and you can fool some of the people all of the time; but you can't fool all of the people all of the time."\n-abraham lincoln
960674
Well you are not alone in feeling a revolution needs to happen.  Many countries all over the world, including Canada which is where I am from keep hearing these politicians issuing statements such as "when we came to power".  They seem to forget who gave them power.  The whole political structure needs reviewing.  Through out the so called Democratic world, we have allowed a reversal of the way things are supposed to be.  We ask for protection and economic management, but instead get laws, restriction, and control.  Politicians seem to ignore written constitutions which BELONG TO THE PEOPLE.  They are supposed to uphold these terms and conditions.  We have allowed it to happen, and need to understand that politics will not change unless we make them change.  It's our car, and they are the chauffeurs.  We want a ride not to be told how to sit.  They will not change unless we change and that is by making our demands fully apparent.
895761
Yes, but it will be more up to individuals to enforce Constitutional standards rather than relying on government intervention.\n\nIn the past, "separation of church and state" was used to defend religious practice of a Christian group from imposition by government. Today it is used to defend secular beliefs from perceived threats to impose Christian dominance.\n\nThe real issue is not "separation of church and state" but "consent of the governed."  Regardless of religious or secular views, no groups or individuals want their "consent" to be violated by an outside group or authority.  So that is the real issue, not freedom of religion but free will in general.\n\nIf we interpret religious freedom to mean free will and right of consent, people should have the right to govern and to be governed as they believe, without infringement on personal security by threat of censorship or oppression, as long as everyone respects the same of others so there is peace and justice.\n\nSo by this interpretation, of religious free exercise as free will, this has always been the struggle of humanity, and will continue to surface again and again until this issue is finally addressed and resolved.  Freedom is no more or less important as it was in the past, but will rise to a higher level of understanding as a universal right that all people require by nature, regardless if they call it religious or political or intellectual freedom.\n\nIt is the same argument, reincarnated over and over, until we establish mutual respect across all institutions and nations.\n\nBy its very nature, "consent of the govern" cannot be imposed by government force, but can only be established by free choice.  \n\nOtherwise laws contradict themselves, as in trying to separate "church and state" when all laws are, in fact, a form of moral code that reflects individual or collective values and beliefs.  Again, the issue behind "religious freedom" is whether or not individuals consent to the standards enforced.
477586
I suppose you could equate it to the formation of civilization in general. There has always been individuals of power in every civilization that have created standard for the people which were their own personal beliefs or opinions. In today's world it is a pop culture opinion that reigns supreme for the most part. Our standard of living is set by the actors and the rich. Whether its Donald Trump or Paris Hilton, they are the ones that set the pace for the rest of us. Its not that all of us feel the need to buy into it its that as a rule we need some kind of direction and fall prey to the judgment because we want to fit in.
742951
None.  I don't want BIG government controlling my life - or my kid's lives - laying claim on them for any period of time.  "Mandatory" and "Freedom" do not generally mesh well together.
853981
In today's society, we as citizens must........
996125
I agree, it would be nice.  I suppose I am naive and think everyone should be held to the same standard.  It does send a bad message as now there is a pervasive attitude in America they 'everyone' thinks they should get away with everything.  It's not entrely because politicians getting away with stuff, but it doesn't help.  \n\nIt is a timely question.  If you read the Declaration of Independance you'll see how "all men are created equal" and "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."  So clearly they should not be held above us, should not be above the law and should be tried and convicted if found guilty.
316765
I have to at least know why. If I don't know why I must do something then I will challenge it.\n\nI wouldn't say you need to actually physically challenge everything, but challenge the idea in your mind and heart. \n\nDo I accept that? Is that truth? Do I agree with that? Or is it something I am just used to in society?\n\nBeware of the traditions of your forefathers. Be willing to rethink everything you accept.
432017
If you mean "we" as a society, then no.  If "we", as a country than yes.  Sure there are better ways, but we don't have the politicians in place to find/encourage them.