Dominican Republic: Trujillo's Victims Seek Justice, Nearly Five Decades On

[Milos]

Trujillo entered politics as a self-described "Horacista", allied with political leader and future president Horacio Vásquez against the "Jimenistas" of rival Juan Isidro Jimenes Pereyra. Trujillo was part of the paramilitary group known as "el 42", which terrorized would-be opponents. When the United States occupied the Dominican Republic in 1916, Trujillo's political and military career took off. In 1918, the American military government disarmed the nation's military forces, and created the American-administered Dominican National Guard/Guardia Nacional. After writing to the Guard's commander, Trujillo was accepted into the Guard on December 27, 1918. Within two weeks, he was a second lieutenant, and rapidly advanced in the ranks.

Trujillo enrolled in the American-operated military school at Haina in 1921. At year's end, he was assigned to a command at San Pedro de Macorís. He was promoted to captain (without the formality of going from second to first lieutenant). The Guard was reorganized as the Dominican National Police/Policia Nacional, and Captain Trujillo led a company before becoming a major in 1924. When Horacio Vásquez won the 1924 presidential election, the American occupation forces withdrew and Trujillo, like other Horacistas, served in the new government. He became chief of the National Police. His promotions continued-- lieutenant colonel, then full colonel, chief of staff, and, in 1927, a brigadier general. When Vasquez was preparing for the 1930 elections, General Trujillo was Chief of the Dominican Army.

[Edward]

doncella wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes, i understand that you weren't talking about Hatians. It was very apparent you were talking about African-Americans. & yes, by the way i am dominican, and barbadian & belizean. & if you don't mind me asking, what is your ethnicity? You seem like a very well educated man, but you seem to amaze me at how ignorant you are. Yes, what you are saying is true. African-Americans have been given many aids to help them start a good life. But you also know that these programs have there faults. & are you aware that AFRICAN AMERICANS are NOT the only ethnicity that commit crimes? Every group has their faults. Whites have the hicks, hispanics have their delinquents & so do asians. I have many friends who are white, that we're abused when they were younger. & the city that i live in is made up of mostly hispanics & blacks. & the crimes are mostly commited by the hispanics. Are you unaware that we live in the 21st century? This country is made up of institutional discrimination? African-Americans were treated unfairly all throught history. After WW1 & WW2 when the African-Americans had came back from the war, they were cheated. While the whites were able to move into new homes with new appliances at low rates, the African Americans went back to there run down homes in the ghetto. & do you know why they lived in the ghetto. because the whites wanted nothing to do with them, so they moved them into small, run down housing. They were given the worst jobs, & they tried to feed their families off of these jobs. With 5 or 6 kids, how do you expect a person to work hard, & get out of the ghetto. when they hardly can make ends meet. & if they spend their whole lives trying to get out of the ghetto, they fall victims to the negatives of there surroundings. The drugs, the money, the women, & the crime. Why try to make your way out, when there seems to be an easier way? so no, we are not all lazy. Most people try to make good of there situation, and some do make bad choices. & yes, there are some african americans that are ignorant, & do nothing to help our society. but do not overlook those who try to make something of themselves & try to lift there people. We know that there is a problem in our african american society,& yes we do try to fix it. So, don't make judgements about situations you know nothing about. & yes, you might have seen some african americans acting a fool. or been in a situation that dealt with these individuals but you have no idea what it's like to be them. or why they may even act like that. & for the record, did you know that one of the first gangs in manhattan were the irish, who started HELL for more than a few decades. Do your work. You are no smarter than the fools you claim are worthless. Just because you may sit in some huge ass loft, living the "american dream" on your high horse, you are no better than them. You are just as ignorant for saying that they are lower than any other race. Haven't you learned anything? Placing blame does not get anyone anywhere.

Most Dominicans wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for those "lazy" black people who fought for their Civil Rights as Americans. Do you think America would welcome millions of brown and black Dominicans if legal discrimination was still going on? For all of Black America's faults just remember if wasn't for them you'd be eking out a living in DR.

[doncella]

Johnny wrote:

<quoted text>
__________
You ask "And if you don't mind me asking...how old are you?" --- Oh, I don't mind at all. I'm 28. You say "Just a question".--- Yes. And I don't --- didn't mind this question at all.

wow. i though you'd be about 40. lol. you seem a lot more mature for 28 =]

[Johnny]

doncella wrote:

<quoted text>
wow. i though you'd be about 40. lol. you seem a lot more mature for 28 =]

__________

Hi Doncella. How's it going? I'm so sorry about the delay in getting back to you. I truly don't mean to sound like a martyr, but I've been pretty busy with going out, working, running errands, etc.. You say "Wow. I thought you'd be about 40. lol. You seem a lot more mature for 28." ---Whoaaaaaaa. Hey, you are making me out to be an "old man". Lol. Just joking. No, I'm 28. Actually, last month I turned 28 (on March 19). I have 2 older brothers. My father is 55 (almost 56) & my mother is 52 (she just turned 52 three months ago). Hey, thanks A LOT for the VERY kind compliment Doncella. Well, 28 isn't that young from the standpoint of being out of high school as well as college. Clearly, I've been out of high school as well as college for quite some time now. And my parents prepared I & my brothers for life with "knowledge" starting back in elementary school to be "self sufficient", etc.. And me & my friends have stopped going to Florida for "spring break". Actually, we stopped that 2 years ago. From 1999 to 2006 we did "spring break" in Florida. 1999 was Daytona & from 2000 to 2006 was Panama City. And I only bring this up, because starting about 2 years ago, it is pretty much time to start REALLY growing up, etc. & to focus on the future & to focus on other things in life, etc.. But, I & my friends still hit the clubs (primarily the Latin clubs from the Cinproductions site). But WAY less compared to the years 2000 to 2006. Hey Doncella, I truly don't mean to get too personal, but mind if I ask, how old is your mother?? Is she in her 40s?? Now, I do remember that your mother & father were divorced but that they still have a good raport & that they are still on good "terms", etc.. But, mind if I ask, does your mother date?? Mind if I ask, with your mothers busy schedule, does she have any time for dating??? Now, I TRULY mean this question in a good way, etc.. I TRULY don't mean this in a "dirty" way, etc.. And I TRULY DON'T mean to sound like a slob &/or a "pig". Well, I'm VERY glad that it is FINALLY warming up up here. Well, that's about it for now. Okay. Later.

[Johnny]

Edward wrote:

<quoted text>
Most Dominicans wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for those "lazy" black people who fought for their Civil Rights as Americans. Do you think America would welcome millions of brown and black Dominicans if legal discrimination was still going on? For all of Black America's faults just remember if wasn't for them you'd be eking out a living in DR.

__________

You say "Most Dominicans wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for those "lazy" black people who fought for their Civil Rights as Americans." ---- Ummm, with all due respect, comparing the history of Dominicans with the history of african Americans is comparing a lobster with an apple. 2 TOTALLY different histories & cultures. Now, clearly, one will NEVER know. And this is all "Monday morning quarterbacking &/or coaching" & it is ALL "water under the bridge", etc.. You say "Do you think America would welcome millions of brown & black Dominicans if legal discrimination was still going on?" ---- Well, again, comparing the history of Dominicans with the history of african Americans is like comparing a lobster with an apple. Now, New York City has had a Dominican community since at LEAST the 1930s. Furthermore, before the 1960s, "brown" &/or "black" Dominican baseball players didn't experience the type, level nor degree of "prejudice" which african American baseball players encountered in the Southern United States. And this is just one example.----Back in the 1940s, a Dominican baseball team played against a White team in Georgia. And Ty Cobb was one of the coaches of this White team. Now, it is VERY well known that despite Cobb being a VERY great baseball player, he was a VERY vicious & vile racist. Now, upon the Dominican team arriving at the field via a bus, Ty Cobb saw several "brown" & "black" Dominican baseball players exiting the bus. And upon Cobb seeing all these "brown" & "black" Dominican players, he TOTALLY objected. It has been rumored that Cobb blurted out something to this effect.---- "What the h--l, these are a bunch of dirty n-----s. I, as well as my whole team refuse to play against a team of n-----s." And upon the manager of the Dominican team hearing Cobb blurt this out, the manager of the Dominican baseball team told Cobb that they were Latins & not n-----s. And then some of the Dominican players began speaking Spanish & Cobb was TOTALLY shocked. Prior to this game, Cobb NEVER saw a Dominican. However, upon Cobb hearing that they were Latin & not "black" (aka/ala -- african American), subsequently, Cobbs attitude became WAY less hostile & then Cobb didn't object to the Dominicans because they weren't "blacks" (aka/ala --- african American). This incident did happen back in the 1940s & it was recorded, etc.. Ironically, despite Dominicans have african ancestry, White southerners were usually WAY MORE open minded & tolerant towards the Dominicans compared to how the White southerners treated the african Americans. You say "For all of black Americas faults, just remember if it wasn't for them you'd be eking out a living in D.R.." ---- Well, again, comparing the history of Dominicans to the history of african Americans is like comparing a lobster with an apple. Here's another example.--- Leftwing Hispanic groups (aka/ala --- La Voz de Aztlan, MEChA, La Raza, Lulac, MALDEF, etc.) ALWAYS portray the "stuggle -- cause" of Mexican, Central & South American illegal aliens with the "struggle -- cause" of african Americans back in the 1960s. Now, when these leftist Hispanic groups do this, they are TOTALLY WRONG for doing this. There is NO comparison of the "struggle -- cause" of illegal aliens with the "struggle -- cause" of african Americans back in the 1960s. This is like comparing a grape with a steak.

[doncella]

Johnny wrote:

<quoted text>
__________
Hi Doncella. How's it going? I'm so sorry about the delay in getting back to you. I truly don't mean to sound like a martyr, but I've been pretty busy with going out, working, running errands, etc.. You say "Wow. I thought you'd be about 40. lol. You seem a lot more mature for 28." ---Whoaaaaaaa. Hey, you are making me out to be an "old man". Lol. Just joking. No, I'm 28. Actually, last month I turned 28 (on March 19). I have 2 older brothers. My father is 55 (almost 56) & my mother is 52 (she just turned 52 three months ago). Hey, thanks A LOT for the VERY kind compliment Doncella. Well, 28 isn't that young from the standpoint of being out of high school as well as college. Clearly, I've been out of high school as well as college for quite some time now. And my parents prepared I & my brothers for life with "knowledge" starting back in elementary school to be "self sufficient", etc.. And me & my friends have stopped going to Florida for "spring break". Actually, we stopped that 2 years ago. From 1999 to 2006 we did "spring break" in Florida. 1999 was Daytona & from 2000 to 2006 was Panama City. And I only bring this up, because starting about 2 years ago, it is pretty much time to start REALLY growing up, etc. & to focus on the future & to focus on other things in life, etc.. But, I & my friends still hit the clubs (primarily the Latin clubs from the Cinproductions site). But WAY less compared to the years 2000 to 2006. Hey Doncella, I truly don't mean to get too personal, but mind if I ask, how old is your mother?? Is she in her 40s?? Now, I do remember that your mother & father were divorced but that they still have a good raport & that they are still on good "terms", etc.. But, mind if I ask, does your mother date?? Mind if I ask, with your mothers busy schedule, does she have any time for dating??? Now, I TRULY mean this question in a good way, etc.. I TRULY don't mean this in a "dirty" way, etc.. And I TRULY DON'T mean to sound like a slob &/or a "pig". Well, I'm VERY glad that it is FINALLY warming up up here. Well, that's about it for now. Okay. Later.

sorry johnny. really. lol. i know i haven't replied lately but i had been so busy with school work & exams had come up & i definately had to study. so basically shut down & focused on my school work.
haha. well i'm happy your not old. which you probably are too. lol. well i'm glad you decided to grow up.=] thats a mature descion.
umm, as for my mom. she was dating an engineer but i don't think they date anymore. just friends. and she always complains about not wanting to have a boyfriend because we're already too much to handle & she doesn't want to worry about anything else. lol.
yes, that's about it.
again, sorry for the delay it's been almost a month.
-mariah

[doncella]

Edward wrote:

<quoted text>
Most Dominicans wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for those "lazy" black people who fought for their Civil Rights as Americans. Do you think America would welcome millions of brown and black Dominicans if legal discrimination was still going on? For all of Black America's faults just remember if wasn't for them you'd be eking out a living in DR.

very good point. and very true. yes, dominicans and african americans do have a very different history. but if it wasn't for the african americans in america protesting for civil rights during the 60's no one of brown or black skin color would be welcolmed. whether the history of the two cultures were similar or not. whether that black person be african american, dominican, indian, cambodian or brazilian. do you honestly think they'd see a difference? no, because all they see is the deep brown skin they have.

thanks to the african americans efforts no matter what the skin color is, they're welcomed. now if they hadn't worked for the rights, do you honestly think that they'd care if you were dominican or african american? not as long as your skin was black. and you'd have to be an idiot to not connect that although the dominican was speaking spanish, he was still black. therefore, they were working not only for their rights but for the rights of everyone who was oppresed. native americans, african americans etc.

[Johnny]

Doncella, you say "Sorry Johnny, really, lol, I know I haven't replied lately, but I have been so busy with school work & exams had come up & I definitely had to study. So basically shut down & focused on my school work".---- Doncella, I TOTALLY understand. Hey, I know the "feeling", etc.. Furthermore, I'm not mad at cha. "Wink, wink". Hey, today is the VERY first time in weeks in which I have some free time to spare & to post. In addition, I'm sorry about the delay in responding back to you. I truly don't mean to sound like a martyr, but I've been very busy with going out, working, running errands, etc.. Well, I sure hope that your exams went well. And I'm sure that they did. You say "Ha ha, well, I'm happy you're not old".--- Thanks. Well, 28 isn't too old nor too young, etc.. You say "Which you probably are too".---- True. You say "Lol, well I'm glad you decided to grow up=]".---- Oh yes. You say "That's a mature decision".--- True. However, years ago, I & my friends NEVER did anything "stupid" nor did we ever do anything at anyone elses "expense", etc..

[Johnny]

Doncella, you say "Um, as for my mom. She was dating an engineer, but I don't think they date anymore. Just friends".---- Oh okay. You say "And she always complains about not wanting to have a boyfriend because we're already too much to handle & she doesn't want to worry about anything else. Lol. Yes. That's about it".----Oh okay. Hey, I KNOW that it is VERY difficult for a single mother to raise 3 children. And it is ESPECIALLY difficult for a mother to raise 3 children the "RIGHT" way, etc.. Well, the way how you turned out just PROVES that your mother did an EXCEPTIONAL job of raising you. In addition, I'm also sure that your 2 siblings have also turned out well. Well, just as long as this boyfriend &/or ex. boyfriend of your mother ALWAYS treated you as well as your 2 siblings with TOTAL respect, etc.. THIS is the MOST critical thing, etc.. Furthermore, just so you & your 2 siblings ALWAYS felt safe around him, etc.. You say "Again, sorry for the delay. It's been almost a month".--- Hey, NO need for ANY apology. Hey, I KNOW that time can be of a premier minimum, etc.. I KNOW the "feeling" &/or "deal", etc.. I don't mean to sound like a martyr, but I too have been very busy with going out, working, running errands, etc.. Oh, your name is Mariah??---- This is a VERY beautiful name.

[Nupey]

Hey Johhny, What's up?

e-mail me [e-mail] I want a good, casual, cool spot(mature crowd) uptown. I used to go to Mirage on Dyckman a while back.

[Johnny]

Doncella, you say "But if it wasn't for the african Americans in America protesting for civil rights during the 60s, no one of brown or black skin color would be welcomed. Whether the history of the 2 cultures were similar or not. Whether that black person be african American, Dominican, Indian, Cambodian or Brazilian. Do you honestly think they'd see a difference?? No, because all they see is the deep brown skin they have".---- Now, you are ABSOLUTELY correct that african Americans were the main & premier group which had to overcome "struggle(s)" in America, etc.. However, with all due respect Mariah, again, the culture & ESPECIALLY the history of Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans & Pacific Islanders is TOTALLY different than the culture & history (ESPECIALLY the history) of african Americans. You say "Thanks to the african Americans effort, no matter what the skin color is, they're welcomed. Now, if they hadn't worked for the rights, do you honestly think that they'd care if you were Dominican or african American? Not as long as your skin was black. And you'd have to be an idiot to not connect that although the Dominican was speaking Spanish, he was still black. Therefore, they were working not only for their rights but for the rights of everyone who was oppressed. Native Americans, african Americans, etc.".--- True. However Mariah, again, the culture & history (ESPECIALLY the history) of african Americans is TOTALLY different & distinct from the culture & history of Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans & Pacific Islanders. Let me just please say this.---- Do you recall the protest marches of the illegal aliens ((primarily illegal Mexicans (primarily Mexicans), Central & South Americans)) back in around April --- May --- June, 2006??--- Well, what happened is this.---- The leftwing Hispanic groups (aka/ala --- La Voz de Aztlan, MEChA, La Raza, MALDEF, LULAC, etc.) ALL "threw up" the "cause" of the illegal aliens as being identical to the "cause -- struggle" of african Americans back in the 1960s. Now, this was VERY disengenuous when ALL of these leftist Hispanic organizations (ESPECIALLY the leaders of ALL of these various, different Hispanic organizations) did this because there is NO comparison of the "cause --- struggle" of illegal aliens today with the "cause --- struggle" of african Americans back in the 1960s. When ALL of these leftist Hispanic "leaders" compared the "cause -- struggle" of illegal aliens today with the "cause -- struggle" of african Americans back in the 1960s, these leftist Hispanic "leaders" were basically comparing a grape with a lobster. Smh.

[Johnny]

Nupey wrote:

Hey Johhny, What's up?
e-mail me [e-mail] I want a good, casual, cool spot(mature crowd) uptown. I used to go to Mirage on Dyckman a while back.

Nupey, how's it going?? Long time no see, etc.. How have you been?? You say "Hey Johnny, what's up"??--- Oh, pretty much the same ole stuff --- routine, etc.(aka/ala --- going out, working, running errands, etc.). Hey Nupey, I truly don't mean to sound like a martyr, but I've been pretty busy with going out, working, running errands, etc. & I haven't had ANY time to post, let alone even look over this forum, etc.. Hey, I sure hope that EVERYTHING is going fine & well with you & your WHOLE family. You say "I want a good, casual, cool spot (mature crowd) uptown. I used to go to Mirage on Dyckman awhile back".--- Oh, the Mirage!!--- Cool. Hey Nupey, were you a "regular" there?? Mind if I ask, do you know the Haitians Ziggy & Harley?? They were "regulars" there. Jesus, what a large, yet a VERY "small" world. Actually, for awhile now, I've had a serious girlfriend & I haven't been clubbing with my friends, etc.. But, here are some of the clubs where I, my friends & acquaintences were "regulars" at, etc.---- http://www.cinproductions.com/index.php . Now Nupey, clearly, it is very debateable if these clubs from the Cinproductions site are "classy", etc.. But, clearly, I'm sure you are aware that the "line" between a "classy" &/or "selacious" club is VERY thin for "Uptown" &/or Brooklyn, Bronx, etc.. Clearly, I'm sure you know "the deal -- what's up", etc.. Well Nupey, it is VERY good to hear from you. I'm going to send you some links on your account, etc.. In addition,
I'm going to try to make time & look over the board a bit (especially the thread "Anti-Haitian bias", etc.). Again, it's GREAT to hear from you. Okay. Later bro.

[Johnny]

Nupey wrote:

Hey Johhny, What's up?
e-mail me [e-mail] I want a good, casual, cool spot(mature crowd) uptown. I used to go to Mirage on Dyckman a while back.

__________

Nupey, I just wanted to get back with you regarding some good, casual, cool spots which have a mature crowd, etc..---- I sent you 4 e-mails to your [e-mail] account. Now, if my e-mails didn't come through directly, they probably went to your spam. Okay. I just wanted to let you know that you have mail. Okay. Later bro.

[mariah]

Johnny wrote:

Doncella, you say "Um, as for my mom. She was dating an engineer, but I don't think they date anymore. Just friends".---- Oh okay. You say "And she always complains about not wanting to have a boyfriend because we're already too much to handle & she doesn't want to worry about anything else. Lol. Yes. That's about it".----Oh okay. Hey, I KNOW that it is VERY difficult for a single mother to raise 3 children. And it is ESPECIALLY difficult for a mother to raise 3 children the "RIGHT" way, etc.. Well, the way how you turned out just PROVES that your mother did an EXCEPTIONAL job of raising you. In addition, I'm also sure that your 2 siblings have also turned out well. Well, just as long as this boyfriend &/or ex. boyfriend of your mother ALWAYS treated you as well as your 2 siblings with TOTAL respect, etc.. THIS is the MOST critical thing, etc.. Furthermore, just so you & your 2 siblings ALWAYS felt safe around him, etc.. You say "Again, sorry for the delay. It's been almost a month".--- Hey, NO need for ANY apology. Hey, I KNOW that time can be of a premier minimum, etc.. I KNOW the "feeling" &/or "deal", etc.. I don't mean to sound like a martyr, but I too have been very busy with going out, working, running errands, etc.. Oh, your name is Mariah??---- This is a VERY beautiful name.

why thank you johhny
id say the same thing too
even though she is a single mother she does a great job to raise us the best she knows how.
which is pretty good i'd have to say.
oh, and btw
thanks,
i never really liked my name.
=]
but no worries.
he always treats us with respect & he even treats us as if we were his own kids.

[Johnny]

mariah wrote:

<quoted text>
why thank you johhny
id say the same thing too
even though she is a single mother she does a great job to raise us the best she knows how.
which is pretty good i'd have to say.
oh, and btw
thanks,
i never really liked my name.
=]
but no worries.
he always treats us with respect & he even treats us as if we were his own kids.

__________

Mariah, you say "Why thank you Johnny".--- Oh, you bet. You say "I'd say the same thing too, even though she is a single mother she does a great job to raise us the best she knows how..---- Oh, I bet. Hey, just by seeing how you write & how you talk, PROVES that your mother did an EXCELLENT job of raising you. Mariah, you have CLASS!! PERIOD!! You say "Which is pretty good I'd have to say".--- Oh yes, it is. You say "Oh, & btw, thanks".--- Oh, you bet. You say "I never really liked my name".--- Oh really??--- Well, again, let me just say, Mariah is a VERY beautiful name. You say "But no worries, he always treats us with respect & he even treats us as if we were his own kids".---- This is GREAT to hear. Because him treating you, your siblings & your mother with respect is of the UTMOST importance. Hey Mariah, granted, you are still young, etc.(I mean this in a good --- respectful way, etc.), but you have a VERY good head on your shoulders, etc.. But let me ask you this,---- What do you think Americas future will be like?? Will things get better?? Worse?? What do you think??

[Nupey]

Johnny wrote:

<quoted text>
__________
Nupey, I just wanted to get back with you regarding some good, casual, cool spots which have a mature crowd, etc..---- I sent you 4 e-mails to your [e-mail] account. Now, if my e-mails didn't come through directly, they probably went to your spam. Okay. I just wanted to let you know that you have mail. Okay. Later bro.

Thanks.

It's understandable that a young cat is busy. Idleness creates problems.

[mariah]

Johnny wrote:

<quoted text>
__________
Mariah, you say "Why thank you Johnny".--- Oh, you bet. You say "I'd say the same thing too, even though she is a single mother she does a great job to raise us the best she knows how..---- Oh, I bet. Hey, just by seeing how you write & how you talk, PROVES that your mother did an EXCELLENT job of raising you. Mariah, you have CLASS!! PERIOD!! You say "Which is pretty good I'd have to say".--- Oh yes, it is. You say "Oh, & btw, thanks".--- Oh, you bet. You say "I never really liked my name".--- Oh really??--- Well, again, let me just say, Mariah is a VERY beautiful name. You say "But no worries, he always treats us with respect & he even treats us as if we were his own kids".---- This is GREAT to hear. Because him treating you, your siblings & your mother with respect is of the UTMOST importance. Hey Mariah, granted, you are still young, etc.(I mean this in a good --- respectful way, etc.), but you have a VERY good head on your shoulders, etc.. But let me ask you this,---- What do you think Americas future will be like?? Will things get better?? Worse?? What do you think??

sorry for the long wait again,
america's future.
wow,
thats a very debateable subject.
it depends.
when you say america's future what do you mean exactly?
the people, the economy etc.
??

[Johnny]

mariah wrote:

<quoted text>
sorry for the long wait again,
america's future.
wow,
thats a very debateable subject.
it depends.
when you say america's future what do you mean exactly?
the people, the economy etc.
??

__________

Mariah, no need for any apology. I totally understand & I'm not mad at cha. And I NEVER was. And I am sorry about the delay in getting back to you. I truly don't mean to sound like a martyr, but I've been very busy with going out, working, running errands, etc.. You ask "What do you mean exactly?? The people, the economy, etc.?" ---- What I meant by my question(s) in my previous post about what Americas "future" will be like, I meant will America decline even further?? Now, do you think that the American middle class will dissipate even further?? Do you think that Americas underclass will grow even more?? Do you think that cost of living will increase even more?? Do you think that the problems within the area of health care (aka/ala -- costs) will increase more?? Do you think that racial strife --- conflict will increase even more?? And do you think that America may very well end up breaking up in a similar way how the former Yugoslavia broke up back in around the early 1990s??

[mariah]

Well i definately do not see America breaking up anytime in the future. I don't think that America's future has totally gone downhill yet. Basically, i see everything slowly getting worse and worse. However, I think that there is a somewhat good outcome to all of this. Education is becoming more important than ever. If your looking to get a good job with a good pay nowadays you have to have some sort of education higher than a high school diploma.
The state in which America is in now is effecting everyone. As i've said before, i'm still only a underclassmen in high school, and i can't even drive but this is definately affecting my future plans and goals.
And I [DEFINATELY] see racial strife incresing with years to come. Which is sad, but true. We already see it escalating in California between the Mexicans and Blacks. I think that it can only get worse. Especially with all the illegal immigrants flooding into the country. And it's dissapointing since the United States is looked to as a country of oppurtunity, chance, and choice. I feel as if we're letting everyone down. Like we're not holding up to our expectations.
The economy is disastrous. From the gas prices to the failing real estate. I think the gas prices are going to increse, the health care, the cost of living. everything. the price of everything is going to be needed to help pay for the damages and the debt from the war that we're currently in.
If George Bush was to be president for another term I think that America's future would definately turn for the worse. However, with Barack Obama as the Democratic canidadte he gives lots of American's [including me] hope for my future as well as the United States in whole.

[Johnny]

Mariah, you say "Well, I definitely do not see America breaking up anytime in the future".---- I agree. Yes, America won't break up "short term". However, "long term" (aka/ala -- decades from now) may be a TOTALLY different story. You say "I don't think that Americas future has totally gone down hill yet".--- I agree. You say "Basically I see everything slowly getting worse & worse".---- I see it too. You say "However, I think that there is a somewhat good outcome to all of this".--- Oh okay. You say "Education is becoming more important than ever".--- True. Yep, education is key & CRITICAL. MANY "blue collar" jobs in America have dissipated since the 1960s. You say "If you're looking to get a good job with a good pay nowadays you have to have some sort of education higher than a high school diploma".--- You are ABSOLUTELY correct about this. You say "The state in which America is in now is affecting everyone".--- True. You say "As I've said before, I'm still only an underclassman in high school & I can't even drive but this is definitely affecting my future plans & goals".---- Oh okay. You say "And I definitely see racial strife increasing in years to come".--- Oh, I do too. You say "Which is sad, but true".--- True. You say "We already see it escalating in California between the Mexicans & blacks".---- Oh yes. BIG TIME!! You say "I think that it can only get worse".---- True, I agree. You say "Especially with all the illegal immigrants flooding into the country".--- True. You say "And it's disappointing since the United States is looked to as a country of opportunity, chance & choice".---- True, it is disappointing. But, despite America being a nation of opportunity, chance & choice, still, America MUST secure its borders & America is NOT the "dumping ground" for ALL of the worlds people & America should NOT be the "dumping ground" for the worlds underclass, etc..