That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. 0ur nation
is at war,against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. 0ur economy
is badly weakened,a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part
of some,but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare
the nation for a new age.
Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. 0ur health care
is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence
that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our
planet.
These are the indicators of crisis,subject to data and statistics. Less
measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land
− a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable,and that the next
generation must lower its sights.