"Take one good last look at America..."

One of my favorite songs from a band called "the American Tragedy" has a line "Take one good last look at American, it might not be here for too far long." [iTunes]  After look at this article from Yahoo about a recently conducted poll by CBS News I can't help but wonder if we're getting a fairly alarming, if accurate, last look at what was once America.  I encourage you to read the full article, it's not that long, but I thought I'd highlight a few of the findings I found particuarly intersting.

First up this gem:

Half the respondents of a new poll say taxing the richest Americans by at least 50 percent is a great idea, while more than a third consider Twitter a fad that will likely fade.

I don't think it's a huge secret I'm in favor of progresive tax structures however even I would say that 50% is a bit much. As far as the tidbit about one of my favorite services, Twitter, I don't think this is a huge surprise. I suspect there is a huge swatch of America that will just never get Twitter, perhaps an equally big group who will never use it just because its 'the thing,' and while that makes me sad deep inside I don't think there's much that can be done about it. Nothing too Earth shattering so far.

Let's move on shall we?

Nearly half of the respondents chose Wal-Mart as the institution that best symbolizes America today, leaving in the dust runners-up Google, Microsoft, the NFL, and the banking and securities firm Goldman Sachs.

Indeed nothing says American like "God Bless America" lawn signs made in China does it? I suppose it would be a toss up between that and people in helmets tackling each other for a couple hours every Monday night. Definetely those two, definetely not innovative inventions, products and services that provide access to information in ways not possible before. For those of you playing long a home you can check heavy sarcasm off your list (or if you're over 21 take one drink, responsibly).

And now for something truly shocking.

Obama was edged out by George Clooney (24 percent to 26 percent) among respondents choosing "which man they would most like to trade places with for a week," followed by Tom Brady and Bruce Springsteen.

But among woman, First Lady Michelle Obama was the favorite, chosen by 26 percent, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton picked by 16 percent, actress Angelina Jolie by 13 percent and singer Beyonce

What we learn here is something that we've known all along, women are smarter than men. Come on guys we might be loathe to admit it but push comes to shove let's me realistic.

So there you have it folks a look at what passes for America in 2009. Scary perhaps but I can't shake the feeling, while it might be a queasy one, it's a pretty accurate look at where America is right now. Remember this is the same country where less than a 1/3 of people say they believe in evolution. The country that once upon a time looked west and built a railroad, looked to the stars and put a man on the moon, was ravaged by disease and sought to cure it.

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The American Tragedy
The Rosenberg lyrics

Between the left wing and the right wing you'd think that
This puppy would fly
They've invaded your password
Your bathroom stalls
Music and computer files

So go, take
One good last look at America
It might not be there
For too long

So go and take
One good last look at America

(...)