As I listen to the nightly news concerning world affairs and the ills of society, I have noticed the word “crisis” being used to describe different situations.

Of Latin origin, the word “crisis” means decisions made during extenuating circumstances.  The very word conjures up images of impending peril. Synonyms of the word, to mention a few, are: breaking point, clutch, emergency, and tinderbox. 

Having said that, in covering the recent nuclear disaster in Japan, the news media used the word in an attempt to add more spin to a serious situation, including the decisions of the Japanese government concerning solutions to the problems.  During a certain program, the news analyst stated, “This was the second crisis for Japan since World War II.”

Here is where I beg to differ with respect to the use of the word “crisis.”  I do not consider Japan’s decision to end a war that they started as a crisis.  The real crisis was fell upon President Harry S. Truman.  Truman was tasked with determining whether or not to use a new weapon of war in order to achieve unconditional surrender and thus end the conflict.  The rest is history.

It seems to me that the media is constantly trying to rewrite history by using terminology to paint a different picture of what really happened.  They are trying to use synonyms to describe the situation, as they want us, the audience, to perceive it.

In an attempt to be politically correct, the verb “lie” (as in, to tell a falsehood) has transmogrified into “misspoke.”  If someone in power does not pay his taxes, instead of him being guilty, he is deemed to have had “an error in judgment.”

The changes that we are witnessing today in the political arena of our global society have altered America’s image in the eyes of other nations.   Once considered a world leader, those nations now refer to us as “a paper tiger.”  Yet, the world still expects America to rush instantly to its aid in the event of disaster, turmoil, or condemnation.

Although the United States of America is a relative new addition to the countries of the world, her actions in global affairs have brought us to where we stand today.  But, the test of time is beginning to show.  The struggle to remain in the Number One position is causing a financial drain on our system. Internal problems, such as a failing economy and rampant unemployment, are changing — and indeed, have changed — our way of life.

We were once the land of freedom and hope.  But, for the first time in our history, Americans are seeking employment in foreign lands with the desire to create lives for themselves and their families.  This is exactly what our immigrant forefathers sought in leaving their own homelands; they sought opportunities for life, liberty, and the American dream in our “streets of gold.”

Maybe the recent trend toward austerity in America will resolve the problem of illegal aliens entering our southwestern borders. With no job opportunities here and no free services extended, there would be a mass exodus not over our borders, but to pick bananas in Guatemala.  And, with the employment problem, Americans may migrate to Canada as a home away from home.  Talk about a crisis!

The Roman Empire faded after 300 years.  The sun that was never supposed to set on the English Empire has sunk beneath the horizon.  If the same happens to America, the Statue Of Liberty will become an image on a picture postcard to be sold to foreigners visiting our national parks and other places of interest.

If America still wants to retain its stature, let’s review some famous words of noteworthy Americans.  For starters, let’s examine, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick,” “We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” and “My country, right or wrong.”

Personally, I think the word “crisis” applies to our American way of life.  Do we, as a nation, want to continue to be a world leader?  This is the decision that we will have to make.  What do you think?