God Bless America

my lamentation on American culture

God Bless America

Bing Chang

The whirlwind of craze drawn to pop social lions

littered young minds with worshipped gods.

Jet-setting life styles embodying adorers' aspirations

polluted their souls with shrieking applauds.

Quick ascension, fame and money transform our culture.

American Idols exploits one's dream as a capitalistic vulture.

Vulgar lyrics and rappers assault people's good nature.

I worry America's future.

 

When freedom of expression germinates self-indulgence;

When wealth ownership transgresses allocation balance;

When business enterprise misguides noble goals of humanity;

When entrepreneurship manipulates profitable opportunity;

When social responsibility means to hide growth motives;

When philanthropy only targets favorable tax incentives;

When leadership only cares about popularity and approval ratings;

When our society is obsessed with wealth, fame and high livings;

I fear America's falling.

 

Can individual freedom choose to invent oneself but respect others' liberty?

Can private ownership promote economic fairness and equality?

Can free competition be guided to benefit all people with morality?

Can self-motivation be aspired to propel civilization to prosperity?

Can business ethics aim at a responsible custodianship of earth's resources?

Can charity purpose its giving to better human conditions in all instances?

Can leader's governance advance democracy on all public services?

Can our culture restore true fundamental virtues by suppressing all vices?

God bless America.  I pray and I hope.

 

(On 2013 Memorial Day, New Jersey)

 

 

Author's Note

Your critiques on all aspects of my writing are appreciated.