Our Fascination with Rags to Riches

Nowadays, I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn't heard of the internet sensation Susan Boyle. The instant celebrity made her fame on a reality show in Britain, and has since been playing on youtube non-stop. This is just another classic example of our love for the story of one who started with nothing and went straight to the top. And I have no doubt that if this woman was in her twenties and much more attractive, she wouldn't have recieved the unbelievable attention she has now.
But the more I hear people talk about this sensation that took everyone by surprise, the more suspicious I get. I believe that most T.V. networks are well aware of our fascination for this kind of story. And to think that no one had known this woman could sing is a stretch. My synical grandpa has this same view, with a lot more certainty. He is positive that this is just another "reality" moment on TV that isn't completely reality.
We all know how popular reality television has become over the past decade. And many realize how far from reality these programs will stray to keep its viewers hooked. I mean, let's admit it. Real life isn't always that exciting.
So I guess what my grandfather was trying to convey was to hold a certain view of skeptisism whenever possible.

Tea Party like its 1773

I have been alive for only 17 tax days in my life. But only one was met with a revolutionary-style protest...as far as I know.
Apparently, this year about 800 Americans were fed up paying taxes that they didn't want to pay. I thought that was part of the American dream? I was under the assumption that people, whether they knew it or not, were indirectly funding some projects they might not agree with. But living in a democracy, we try to appeal to the majority, while accepting the fact that the losing side would just have to deal with the representatives they didn't want. It seems like life today is filled with sacrifices that the nation makes in order to make the majority happy, even if that majority is 50.1%.
So in my honest opinion, I think some people are getting a bit grumpy about something they know that they have to deal with as Americans. Im sure these same protestors have gotten thier way (politicaly) in the past, and had no problem that some fellow Americans just had to deal with it.
A question that keeps on occuring in my head is this: Should we as Americans just accept defeat when we aren't part of the majority, or should further advocation of one's less common beliefs be allowed and acceptable? On one hand, we as a nation were born through that "never die" attitude. Yet on the other hand, how could we get anything done as a country if only unanimous decisions were followed through with?

U.S. vs Them

Our new unit revolving around the American war experience has really forced me to think about what our image as a country has become. Since the early 1900s, we have made some questionable decisions in terms of forighn policy. Many of our imperialistic actions (especially in the Philippines) have revealed what our true goals are. Although we seemed to want to believe we minded our own business, I have come to the conclusion that our "business" may lead us across the world. I found a slightly dated article showing our former president Bush's view on our foriegn policy of choice. Looking back, it is very interesting to see how far we've come since one of our more unpopular president was preaching anti-isolationism. Now president Obama seems to be right on track.
It seemed to me like the war in the middle east wasn't largely supported by the public. I was very much expecting more progress in this direction when the Obama's moved into the White House. But now I am seeing a comeback to the pouring of money and troops into the conflict across the world.
Looking back on earlier articles is very interesting, and a good way to "check up" on any promises you watched disapear from the media.