Chapter 1: The Current State of America

Recent reports reveal that consumer prices have surged by approximately 3% in the last year. This comes on the heels of 2022, a year marked by unprecedented spending on food by Americans. Compounding these statistics, over 12% of the population relies on SNAP benefits, while available housing units outnumber the homeless by roughly 27 to 1. This data prompts a critical inquiry: How much longer can Americans withstand the mounting pressures? At what point does resilience give way to breaking?

For many under 30, the dream of homeownership has faded into a distant fantasy, overshadowed by the daily struggle to afford basic necessities. These young adults find themselves anxiously hoping that rents will not continue to escalate in an already inflated market. The advice typically offered comes from a generation of elders who, steeped in patriotism, seem disconnected from the realities faced by younger Americans. They fail to recognize that wages have barely budged over the past 15 years, despite inflation soaring by 46% since 2009.

Instead of providing meaningful guidance, these figures often advocate for a stronger work ethic, ignoring the fact that no amount of extra effort can stave off burnout in a system designed to exploit. Consequently, Generation Z is left to navigate these tumultuous waters on their own. The American dream, long extinguished before their arrival, has offered no alternative source of comfort.

Rather than cultivating a secure future for its youth, the nation has chosen a darker path: raising the retirement age and engaging in military conflicts alongside those perpetrating grave injustices. The previous administration marked a historical first with two separate impeachments, facing 91 charges across four indictments, while the current president grapples with a mere 38% approval rating and a reputation for inaction. It’s astonishing that the nation remains upright amidst such turbulence.

Numerous factors contribute to this unprecedented turmoil, notably the Supreme Court’s tacit endorsement of bribery in 2016 and the popularization of the filibuster. These elements have coincided with rising signs of civil unrest. For instance, the Black Lives Matter movement stands as the largest protest in American history, rivaling the iconic MLK march on Washington. Conversely, the January 6th attack on the Capitol by far-right extremists serves as a stark reminder of the divided climate.

This paints a grim picture of the trajectory of Modern America. Expecting a nation, rich yet cruel to its own citizens, to maintain its current state by the century's end borders on either extreme naivety or unwarranted optimism. The pertinent question shifts from "Will the country collapse?"—a certainty, as nothing endures forever, especially not oppressive regimes—to "What lies ahead?"

Every passing year seems to amplify the notion of impending civil strife, and with the rise of fascism globally, will Americans succumb to a cycle of racist sensationalism, or can they unite to forge a better nation? Raised in a society tainted by corruption, faith seems diminished. Yet I still yearn for a brighter future for America. However, mere longing will not suffice, for as Stokely Carmichael profoundly stated, “In order for nonviolence to work, your opponent must have a conscience. The United States has none.”

The first video, titled "Is America on the brink of political collapse? Should Biden bow out?" delves into the current political landscape and the challenges facing the nation, providing insights into the precarious state of American democracy.

Chapter 2: Economic Challenges and National Debt

The second video, "Why is the US in so much debt and does it matter?" explores the growing national debt and its implications for future generations, shedding light on the economic pressures that further strain American society.

The discussion surrounding these issues is critical as America grapples with its identity and future amid rising tensions and economic hardship.