The following NY Times video discusses how Pakistani musicians blame the West for Pakistan's problems.
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/11/11/world/1247465633296/tuning-out-the-taliban.html?ref=world
Blaming a scapegoat is a common way to avoid the real work. You see the same thing happening in the U.S. with the right blaming "the liberals" for America's problems or vice versa. Focusing on the true problems and recognizing that you may be contributing to them is the work that few dare to tackle. People frequently blame the 'crooks in Washington' for America's political problems. It is we the people who elected those 'crooks.' Our complaints with their behavior can be traced to deeper systemic problems within our society. We need to be better citizens. A more responsible practice of citizenship will do more than blame or complain. It will start by reflecting at the individual level to see that one's own behavior meets the standards that democracy requires. From there, one's labors should emanate to one's family and community. One will seek to positively contribute to these units by being educated, involved, and aware. One must also espouse the virtues of integrity, hard work, and charity. Building the foundation of a strong nation must start with our own stone.
Thomas Friedman expresses his concern about the current state of governance in the U.S. and what the solution must be.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/22/friedman-worries-about-am_n_366648.html
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