Used

We, as a country, use and use and use.  We have become heavy on the consumer side of things.  When we do produce, it is being exported out of the country.  We are a country rich in everything, natural resources, technology, agriculture and land but we balk at production.  We say "Hell No!" to mining, to factories, to anything that can affect and effect our environment (which is fine, the environment is important), but we have no problem plundering other nations for their resources.  As long as it is not in our back yard, it is allowable.  We have become dependent on everyone else because we either don't want the mess or the hassle of doing it ourselves.

There needs to be balance, there needs to be a restructuring and innovation.  We are a nation no longer in balance.

I know that I have made a few sweeping generalizations.  I applaud those that are trying to change their attitude and bring us back into balance.