Recent reports paint a stark picture of American disillusionment and discontent. In a surprising revelation, 34 percent of Americans express a desire to leave the country, citing concerns about its trajectory resembling that of a Banana Republic or a “Third World” nation. As the chasm between the wealthy elite and the rest of the population widens, questions loom about the sustainability of a society plagued by inequality and disenchantment.
In January 2024, Forbes in a report said:
Obesity currently affects four out of 10 Americans, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…. [O]besity is often considered a cause of multiple comorbid and chronic medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer and heart disease.
Is it any wonder a Monmouth University poll released on March 26 found:
One-third (34 percent) of Americans would like to go and settle in another country if they were free to do so. Fifty years ago, this number stood at a much lower 10 percent.
This is three times higher than the number that wanted to leave in the 1990s:
The Gallup Organization asked this question in eleven different national polls between 1948 and 1995. During that time, the desire to emigrate never went higher than 13 percent (1972) and dipped as low as 5 percent (1950).
In fact, the number of people wanting to leave the country averaged 6 percent in polls taken between 1948 and 1960, hovered between 9 percent and 13 percent in the early to mid-1970s, and was a similar 9 percent to 12 percent in the 1990s.
According to CNBC, the wealth of the top 1 percent in the United States reached an unprecedented US$44.6 trillion by the end of the fourth quarter, largely fueled by a year-end stock rally.
Meanwhile, a deeply unpopular government in neighboring Canada faces warnings of impending civil unrest as citizens grapple with dire economic prospects. A confidential report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outlines the bleak outlook, highlighting a decline in living standards and widespread economic hopelessness.
The erosion of trust and rise of political polarization are evident across Western societies. Analysts warn of a growing sense of paranoia among citizens as they face uncertain futures. The disconnect between the ruling elite and the general populace has fueled resentment and disillusionment on both sides. Institutions once revered for their integrity and impartiality, such as the medical profession and academia, are now tainted by corruption and ideological bias.
The erosion of democratic norms and the manipulation of social issues for political gain further erode public trust. Instances of electoral fraud and government incompetence contribute to a sense of powerlessness among ordinary citizens. Basic services, once taken for granted, are now in a state of decay, reflecting broader societal breakdowns.
Health disparities and chronic illness afflict millions of Americans, with obesity rates reaching alarming levels. The CDC reports that over half of adults in the United States have been diagnosed with at least one chronic condition, with obesity affecting four out of ten individuals. These health crises reflect broader systemic failures in public health and healthcare accessibility.
The desire to emigrate from the United States has surged in recent years, with one-third of Americans expressing a desire to settle elsewhere. This represents a significant increase from previous decades, underscoring growing disillusionment with the American dream. The Balkanization of America is evident in ethnic enclaves casting ballots for foreign causes, highlighting the fragmentation of national identity.
As America grapples with internal strife, external forces exert influence through covert means. Wealthy elites such as George Soros leverage financial resources to advance their agendas, undermining traditional values and cultural norms. Dark money and progressive activism shape public discourse, often at the expense of democratic principles and national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, government surveillance powers remain a point of contention, with concerns about warrantless spying on American citizens. The FBI’s demand for expanded surveillance authority underscores the erosion of civil liberties in the name of national security.
In light of these challenges, it is apparent that America is at a crossroads. The promise of prosperity and freedom has given way to disillusionment and uncertainty. Whether the nation can reclaim its former glory remains to be seen, but the exodus of disillusioned citizens signals a broader crisis of confidence in the American experiment. As the divide between the haves and the have-nots widens, the fabric of society frays, threatening to unravel the very foundations of democracy. America’s journey to reclaim its place in the world begins with confronting its internal divisions and reimagining a future built on principles of equity, justice, and resilience.
As the exodus continues, it prompts a deeper examination of the factors driving individuals to seek greener pastures abroad. Economic instability, social unrest, and political disillusionment are among the primary catalysts pushing Americans to explore alternatives beyond their borders. The allure of countries with stronger social safety nets, better healthcare systems, and greater political stability beckons to those disillusioned with the status quo in the United States.
Moreover, the rise of remote work and digital nomadism has made it increasingly feasible for individuals to live and work from anywhere in the world. This newfound flexibility has empowered many Americans to pursue opportunities abroad without sacrificing their careers or financial stability. Coupled with the desire for a higher quality of life and greater personal freedom, this trend is reshaping traditional notions of citizenship and belonging.
At the same time, America’s global reputation is tarnished by its handling of domestic and international affairs. From its mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic to its controversial foreign policies, the United States faces mounting criticism on the world stage. As other countries surpass the United States in areas such as healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, the allure of American exceptionalism wanes, further driving the exodus of disillusioned citizens.
Yet, amidst the exodus, there remains a glimmer of hope for America’s future. Grassroots movements advocating for systemic change and social justice continue to gain momentum, challenging entrenched power structures and demanding accountability from elected officials. The resilience and ingenuity of the American people are evident in their efforts to rebuild communities, foster unity, and create a more equitable society.
As Americans grapple with the decision to stay or leave, they confront fundamental questions about identity, belonging, and the meaning of citizenship. Whether through activism, emigration, or reimagining the American dream, individuals are forging new paths forward in pursuit of a better tomorrow. As the world watches America’s evolution, it remains to be seen whether the nation can overcome its challenges and reclaim its status as a beacon of democracy and opportunity, or it will become a Banana Republic, although a large number of Americans think – the country already is a Banana Republic and a “Third World”.
The question is where to go, if you want to leave? There are so many problems all over the world that places that would have been desirable are no longer any better, if not worse.