The events of the latter part of the first decade of the new century are reminiscent
of the turmoil that occurred in the aftermath of October 1929 when the stock
market collapsed and the Great Depression overtook the nation. Albeit mild in
comparison, with unemployment substantially less than half that of the 1930s,
they created widespread anxiety and questioning concerning who and what
caused the latest shock and what steps are to be taken to restore U.S. global leadership.
The major political parties have debated on separate rails that do not intersect,
thus preventing any discussion that could lead to possible solutions that benefit
the nation. The placement of blame has become the mantra of the left and the
right of the political spectrum fueled by extremist commentators and new political
actors rather than reasoned moderation among leaders of the diverse parties.