“Analysis of the U.S. Current Social Environment.”

By: Dr. Rolando M. Ochoa D.B.A. December 2023

?Many among us find ourselves deeply immersed in the complexities of contemporary social and political issues. Accusations reverberate through the air, with certain ethnic and social groups vehemently denouncing what they label as "white supremacy." On the other side, conservatives assert that liberals harbor a profound disdain for the United States. A contentious arena unfolds on the sports field, where biological men compete in women's sports. We are also experiencing a clash of principles between pro-life advocates and those who support abortion rights, each side vehemently accusing the other.

?Within these multifaceted conflicts, advocates for open borders face off against those who oppose them, with allegations of xenophobia thrown around freely. The latter group, in turn, accuses the former of pursuing a self-serving agenda, aiming to secure votes while purportedly seeking to dismantle the very foundations of our nation. The landscape is rife with such instances, a mere glimpse into the deep divides that define our current societal landscape.

?In my view, these aren't merely differences of opinions; they are vivid illustrations of animosity. The air is thick with the acrid scent of hatred, emanating from those who vehemently disagree with one another. This hostile ambiance, rather than fostering understanding or dialogue, begets a reciprocal wave of animosity, perpetuating a perilous cycle. The phenomenon appears to be escalating, reaching a crescendo, particularly over the past eight presidential elections which indicate, by the results, the symptoms of a sick country.

In the political landscape, a seismic shift occurred during Ronald Reagan's second term election in 1984, a watershed moment marked by a resounding victory over Walter Mondale with an overwhelming 525 electoral votes to a meager 13. The vibrancy of democracy echoed in a respectable 79.27% participation among registered voters, with Reagan securing nearly 60% of the popular vote. The nation witnessed an electoral triumph that seemed to radiate a sense of unity.

?Subsequently, George H.W. Bush ascended to the presidency, clinching 426 electoral votes, and garnering 53.90% of the popular vote, accompanied by a notable 76.48% registered voter participation. However, as the political tides shifted, no succeeding president managed to breach the formidable 400 electoral votes threshold.

?A glimpse into the statistics reveals noteworthy instances, such as Bill Clinton's second term in 1996, where he amassed 379 electoral votes and secured 50.06% of the popular vote. The engagement of registered voters stood at 74.17%. Another close call was Barack Obama's first term in 2008, claiming 365 electoral votes and commanding 53.52% of the votes, with a remarkable 88.16% registered voter participation.

?The narrative woven by these figures, encapsulated in the attached spreadsheet detailing the last 10 presidential elections, paints a poignant portrait of a nation mired in divisive politics. The once lofty heights of electoral success have dwindled, revealing a fractured unity.

Blame for this divisive trajectory extends, in part, to media giants. Their influence, often likened to gasoline thrown into an already raging fire, has played a pivotal role in exacerbating the rupture. The negative actions and misinformation propagated by these media giants reached a zenith during critical junctures like the Covid-19 pandemic and the riots ignited by the tragic death of George Floyd.

The echoes of the 2020 election, undoubtedly the most contentious among the last ten, resonate with the clash of political titans. Joe Biden, navigating a tumultuous electoral landscape, clinched 306 electoral votes, commanding 51.65% of the popular vote. In contrast, Donald Trump secured 232 electoral votes, capturing 47.17% of the votes. A seismic shift unfolded against the backdrop of an unprecedented registered voters' participation rate of 93.49%, surpassing the previous high set during Obama's first term by a margin of 5.33%. This surge also soared 11.23% above the average of the preceding nine elections.

?In the wake of this electoral turbulence, a shadow of doubt crept over the legitimacy of the results. The heightened participation ratio, coupled with a constellation of questionable events, fueled widespread skepticism, giving rise to fervent beliefs in fraudulent activities. However, despite the fervent claims, the courts could not substantiate the allegations, leaving the nation grappling with an unresolved tension.

The electoral drama of 2020 unfolded against a backdrop of historical anomalies. Preceding this pivotal election, two instances lingered in the annals of American democracy where the popular vote winner found themselves on the losing end due to the distribution of electoral votes. In the year 2000, Al Gore garnered 48.88% of the popular vote but secured only 266 electoral votes, while George W. Bush, with a slightly lower popular vote percentage at 48.36%, claimed 271 electoral votes. The year 2016 bore witness to a similar twist, with Hillary Clinton receiving 48.59% of the vote and 227 electoral votes, while Donald Trump, despite a lower popular vote percentage of 46.48%, triumphed with 304 electoral votes.

?These instances were not mere footnotes in history; they were battles fought fiercely on legal and political fronts. The losing candidates, Gore in 2000 and Clinton in 2016, raised vigorous protests, with the former even securing a recount in the contentious battleground state of Florida. Top of Form

?The reverberations of the tumultuous events that unfolded at the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021, continue to cast a long shadow over the American psyche. In that charged moment, a surge of Trump supporters breached the hallowed halls while Congress undertook the solemn task of ratifying the election. The nation collectively held its breath as the chaos unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.

?The aftermath has seen the wheels of justice turning, with several Trump supporters tried and found guilty of insurrection, a stark testament to the gravity of the events. Notably, the former President himself, Donald Trump, stands indicted and is undergoing trial for his alleged involvement, a trial that holds the nation in suspense. The narrative is woven with intrigue, as voices rise, declaring these legal proceedings as politically motivated, while others passionately advocate for Trump's disqualification from a potential presidential run in 2024.

?Amid this tumult, the House of Representatives, precariously balanced in Republican control, has embarked on two consequential initiatives. Their focus sharpens on probing President Joe Biden's alleged involvement in illicit business dealings with his son Hunter, casting a shadow over the highest office in the land. Simultaneously, the House explores the creation of Articles of Impeachment against President Biden, an unfolding drama that adds layers of complexity to the political landscape.

In a recent twist, the State of Colorado's Supreme Court rendered a decision that resonates with the shifting political winds. The court's vote, a subtle but impactful move, resulted in the removal of Trump's name from the primary ballot, a decision that reverberates with the power to influence the trajectory of the upcoming political contests.

The landscape of our nation's politics lies fractured and tattered, a somber tableau of disarray. The economic fabric, once sturdy, now bears the weight of an inflationary surge, casting a harsh spotlight on escalating prices, especially in the realm of fuel.

?In the shadows of this turmoil, a relentless tide of illegal immigrants breaches the U.S. borders, a divisive issue that has sparked protests in the once-secure blue states. The fallout from border states dispatching these individuals to so-called sanctuary cities further fans the flames of dissent. The ramifications of these actions ripple through the nation, straining the delicate threads that weave the fabric of unity.

?As the domestic stage grapples with these challenges, the global arena casts a foreboding shadow. The U.S., entwined indirectly in conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, stands at the precipice of a potential perilous escalation. The air is thick with apprehension, and the echoes of uncertainty reverberate through the collective consciousness.

?Beneath the surface of these visible crises lies a more insidious narrative. These tumultuous events, seemingly disparate, are woven together by the covert machinations of those who harbor ill intentions for freedom and true liberty. A meticulous dismantling has occurred, orchestrated over the years with subtle maneuvers masked as progress. The erosion of the nation's vital and essential fibers—the family unit, the sanctity of towns, the core of schools, the foundation of churches, the pillars of the economy, the tapestry of history, and the fabric of culture—is not a happenstance, but a calculated strategy.

?The threads of hate, division, and mistrust, intricately woven into the narrative, are the instruments of this calculated destruction. The enemies of freedom, lurking in the shadows, have successfully sown seeds of discord. The scars on the nation's soul bear witness to the efficiency of their insidious plan.

?While acknowledging the nation's imperfections and acknowledging past errors, the question lingers—was it necessary to embark on a path that threatens to dismantle everything in the pursuit of correction? The plea arises not to negate the need for change but to question the methods employed, urging a path of renewal without the wholesale destruction of the very foundations that define us as a nation. This article’s purpose unfolds not as a mere recitation of events but as a poignant exploration of the subtle erosion that threatens to unravel the essence of the United States.

In navigating the labyrinth of our nation's challenges, the question lingers: What steps can ordinary citizens take to make a difference in this complex tapestry? The answers may elude us, given the depth of our descent into uncertainty. I can only share my personal commitment, a pledge to cultivate a life reflective of godliness and to reintroduce God into the very fabric of my family.

?As I approach the sacred act of casting my vote next November, I embark on a journey of prayer, seeking divine guidance and clarity of mind. My quest extends beyond mere political allegiance; I am on a search for candidates who embody a steadfast commitment to restore peace and freedom. Those who pledge allegiance not only to the Constitution but also to a profound love and respect for our great nation.

?A cornerstone of my commitment lies in forgiveness, for me and others, —a very difficult and conscious decision to absolve all those who, knowingly or unknowingly, have played a role in the current chaos. This act of mercy is not a dismissal of responsibility but a plea for collective introspection and a willingness to rectify past mistakes. I hope for a world in which acknowledging errors paves the way for a shared commitment to healing and renewal. Those of us who proclaim the followership of God, should take the initiative.

?Amidst the dissonance of differing opinions, I vow to uphold a respect for the perspectives of others, especially when their actions pose no harm to me, my family, or our beloved country. In the realm of political diversity, I aspire to transcend ideological boundaries, striving to extend love and understanding to all, regardless of their political affiliations.

?May these personal endeavors, guided by a commitment to godliness, forgiveness, and understanding, serve as small yet meaningful steps toward a brighter future for America. In this arduous journey, I echo the timeless prayer: May God bless America, illuminating our path toward unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to the ideals that make this nation truly great.

?I invite everyone to join me on this difficult journey.

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Sources:

270to win.com

statista.com

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