Is it possible?

I sometimes feel responsible for the injustices that were integral parts of the foundations of our nation. Every day I benefit from a system that was built up off exploitation and inequality.

I mean, the class system in the early days of America led to hundreds of years of oppression of the lower classes (which eventually became synonymous with blacks).

A chapter in a book we're reading for my sociology class was called "The Hidden Origins of Slavery," and it discussed the events and currents in society that led to slavery--crazy to understand how much class really played a role in it. Of course, racism was not far behind in justifying slavery.

We also spent a week looking at the oppression and mistreatment of Native Americans during colonization. It left a very bad taste in my mouth.

I guess I start to feel guilty because I spent so much time in public schooling thinking that our founding fathers were amazing men who were just in all their dealings or something. Our country is supposed to stand as an ensign of equality and freedom.

Then you get to the part where there is still so much inequality in our system. Can you believe the rich poor gap simply grows each year? Where is equality? Where is the American Dream?

The issue of immigration today doesn't make me feel any better. Immigrants come to this country looking for that American dream, and instead they get shuffled into low-paying jobs (like it's justified because they'll take anything since it's an improvement on where they came from). I went to a debate about immigration reform between the College Democrats and College Republicans on campus last week. I walked away feeling more conflicted than ever--where is the answer? I want justice and mercy. Is it possible in our polarized society?

Of course, the funny thing is, I felt like both sides said the same thing. John McCain and Barak Obama have such similar views on immigration I feel like neither candidate offers a fresh take on the issue. Doesn't help me in my decision about who to vote for, either, because I believe immigration is not only an important social issue but also a huge economic issue.

Those last two paragraphs may confuse you; in one breath I'm saying society is polarized and then in the same breath I say the candidates are the same so far as their stances on this issue. They, and their staunch supporters, would say that they aren't the same, that there are fundamental differences in their policies. I say they're both pandering to the political middle to win votes in November. But anyways, this proclaimed difference is where I see the polarization--if democrats and republicans cannot work together to figure out, there's no hope for anything productive happening.

Speaking of working together on things, people act like the bailout bill was a success of people reaching across the aisle to overcome a national crisis. I say it was a success of senators and congressmen getting "sweeteners" for their constituencies to help ensure reelection and put the federal government even more in debt.

Ok, I'm going to stop now while I can make myself. Sorry this was a fairly negative post. Perhaps tomorrow I'll write something more uplifting. And more concise. But these are my thoughts; take them for what they're worth.