Isn't the ultimate example of what he's talking about that grotesque farce involving tormentors Jackie O and Kyle Sandilands and the young girl humiliated when stapped to a lie detector by her lunatic mother, into revealing her rape as a twelve year old?

If the historian Caroll Quigley is to believed, civilizations fall, when those in power act to protect the status quo, after a period of troubles. I guess "not" letting the Banks collapse is an example in recent times. Albeit, we seemed have escaped this time. Yet, after several iterations of Corporate Socialism, the powerful protecting themselves, might not work.

That said, the West has two centres (Huntington), so we are well placed to meet challenges. The West and especially the US has been very innovative since the Enlightenment. If China or India are to take our place, then collectivism and deference to authority will need to put aside.

“I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words. When I was a boy, we were taught to be discrete and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly wise and impatient of restraint.”

Hesiod 700BC

I have a request to onliners.

Do they know of any culture which values learning?

We read so much about "dumbing down" but I wonder whether the young people of to-day are any different from yesteryear. It's just that we know so much more about their lifestyles etc.

Incidentally, life can be "examined" in many places; all that is required is some uninterrupted thought!

God's hand of blessing has been progressively lifting from the USA for some time. The Judeo-Christian ethic like here in Aussie has been eroded and replaced with godless humanistic dogma. Now we are seeing the fruit of the stupidity of turning from God. Can't say it wasn't foretold in the Scriptures. The infiltration of the godless humanistic high priests into the media has helped dumb down society. Calling the fantasy of evolution science is one example of Americas stupidity. The next fatal mistake they will make is to stop their friendship with Israel.

I must apologise in advance for allowing Runner to side-track me, but reality must be allowed to prevail. The reason why the world is in such a mess at the moment is precisely because of the way the US of A has allowed itself to be seduced by the Zionists in Israel. Unless Obama gets Israel to treat the Palestinians with some dignity, we will continue to have 9/11's one way or another.

I suspect that the author is doing a dis-service to the youth of his country, as not all of them are "twittering" their brains off, even though it might sometimes seem like that to him. By electing an alternate government, it might well be that they are actually starting to take a greater interest in politics so that the pro-Israeli debacle is reversed.