But every day some politician is out there advocating the "American Way" with peace, democracy, equal rights, etc.

That was in large part the justification for invading Iraq– stopping the abuse.

That's my issue with the current abuses.

I should also point out that if they were isolated incidents, I'd probably sadly admit that that's war.

But that's not the case.

so you think that the american military is CRUEL for interrogation? look at what the "enemy" does to prisoners. public execution, dismemberment, slaughter and rape. american military may treat prisoners of war "CRUELLY" to extract information, but said name prisoners are still able to continue life, which is more than can be said for many lost americans. the next thing is how do you treat a prsioner who is surrendering under a white flag that pulls a gun on you? and what does the american media do in return? makes our soldiers and marines look like monsters for shooting the aggressor.

the government, the politics, arent the greatest. but you really think that WE are the monsters? putting lives on the line. enduring conditions that you would probably consider inhumane as a civilian, and why? to protect the LIVES, not just the rights of americans and our allies?

croikey, listen to you babble and argue about self righteous garbage. i am a 20 year old, highschool dropout with under a 1.0 gpa but average percentile on a GED of 90+. you think that the younger generation is self absorbed because you only see and hear about the celebrated drama of teen suicide and problems. you all seem to think the "older" generations are all lacking due to the global problems that have been around since before time was time. nature dictates that we can not just simply get along. monkeys fight other monkeys, the "big cats" fight eachother, ants fight ants, EVERYTHING FIGHTS ITSELF, man is no exception! we just happen to be the only ones with tactical arms. the problems of today were a natural inevitability that we try to pretend doesnt exist. dont blame our problems on our predecesors because until you find the solution, your still a part of the problem.

Katie:

"Writing a blog about things that people already know take place doesn’t really do much except give you a place to bitch about America and George Bush (shocking I know…people on here who don’t like George Bush??)."

My article isn't Bush-bashing–I actually was pro-Bush during the 2000 and 2004 election. I'm actually not at all convinced that Obama or McCain would be able to stop the military elites from pushing torture tactics through. My lament is over the cold harsh reality of the current situation.

"If you don’t like the way that your country runs, then do something about it. Take action."

I suppose you mean picketing the White House or marching down Constitution Ave. Yeah that doesn't work so well. I live in DC and I know that Washingtonians simply step over those trying to make a statement as they head into work.

I'm frustrated with the whole American system. I hate politicians, I hate the way this country works– I'm neither a democrat nor a republican btw. Before you write me off as a pro-Europe elitist I should also mention that I'm also not a huge fan of the EU or any European government.

I'm an independent thinker… and that's what my blog is lamenting– the fact that my country can't use me.

You say that you are trying to keep my generation from the mistakes that your generation made, yet you stated previously, "Did you, perhaps, mean any “more” self-absorbed than your parents were?" and similarly, "Hopefully the younger generation is finally waking up to the fact that they are about to step into a world where the USA will no longer be the undisputed, untouchable leader."

Such comments seem critical for criticisms' sake rather than pointed advice to be taken in stride.

I have no quarrel with advice passed down from elder generations, provided of course that such comments are actually words of advice. I am, however, quite frustrated by those who feel the obligation to be indiscriminately mean-spirited and critical of the younger generation.

I am a student of post-totalitarian transition and the degree to which my parent's generation bungled this area of study during the 1990s is astounding. Shall I tell you the source of this bungling? The desire on the part of American corporations and politicians to enrich themselves quickly at the expense of the Eastern European Countries.

Why do I mention this? To illustrate that the criticism flows both ways. I and many others like me are frustrated with the inaction on the part of our elders to take serious action to help the world.

Every older generation believes that the younger generation is "more selfish" and less aware of the true nature of the universe.

The reality, however, is that each generations grows up at a different time, under different circumstances, and with different ambitions. Plato criticized Socrates and Aristotle then criticized Plato.

Stop criticizing and start helping. Stop tearing down and start supporting. I believe that my parent's generation still has a large roll to play- my grandparent's generation still holds many positions of power.

If you are as frustrated as you seem to be with the current inactivity, I would advise you to direct criticism towards your own generation first. You guys have the power right now. My generation is waiting in the wings– and trust me, many of us are quite eager to begin to clean up the mess you all are making.

As long as "The Hills" isn't on 24-7, I think it's a fine break.

I also think CollegeCandy is much smarter than a lot of other websites targeted at this age group.

Actually, it would be an improvement if you were. Did you, perhaps, mean any "more" self-absorbed than your parents were?

I'm not saying it's your generation's fault that it tends to be selfish. To be sure, any generation that has been marketed to the way in which kids in the USA have been marketed to over the past 30 years cannot help but have a distorted view of what really matters in life let alone what goes on "behind the curtain." The same tactics that were used to sell people $150 Nike shoes are now used to "sell" war. The point is, once a person "wakes up" to what's really going on, it becomes their responsibility to inform others. I was just glad to see you actually try to do it. It's admirable– regardless of how I may otherwise feel about the forum. And if "The Hills" was the exception to the rule of modern-day escapist TV fare instead of the rule, it wouldn't be so bad. Sadly, it is not. What is true is that it is now more important than ever that people realize when the powers that be are manipulating the masses…and point it out.