There is much that is good in the United States,* but some things could stand improving.

The following is for people who feel that they should just sit back and enjoy things the way they are. Are there some ideas for documentaries here?

The U.S. As Number One

Among the leading industrialized nations of the world the United States is:

#1 in murder
#1 in childhood poverty
#1 in lowest voter turnout
#1 in drug use per capita
#1 in air pollutants per capita
#1 in hazardous waste per capita
#1 in likelihood of children being killed by gunfire
#1 in corporate influence over democratic processes
#1 in having the largest percentage of its citizens in prisons

*CyberCollege and InternetCampus visitors come from more than 50 countries. If you are not from the United States, I'm sure a list could be drawn up for your own country.

Many believe that broadcasting is a more powerful influence on most young people than the home, the school, or the church.

Assuming you secure a position in the industry, one of the ways you can give your life added meaning is to be a bit of a change agent.

This means that you invest some of your energies, talent, and training in bringing about a positive difference in the world.

Every two and one-half seconds -- the time it takes you to read this sentence -- a child dies in the world from malnutrition or preventable disease.

In the United States -

According to a 2003, U.S. Census Bureau survey, on any one day in the United States, 13-million people don't have enough food to eat. This figure is up 8% from 2002, and up 13% from 2000.

Each year the gap between the "haves" and the "have-not's" has been increasing in the United States.

In the World -

A 2008 report The World Bank states that in 2005 three billion one hundred and forty million people were living on less that $2.50 a day and about 44% of these people survive on less than $1.25. Simple items like phone calls, nutritious food, vacations, television, dental care, and inoculations are beyond their reach.

Even though farmers grow enough food to feed the world -- a record 2.3 billion tons in 2007 -- commodity speculators and huge grain traders control global food prices and distribution. They keep profits high and prices beyond the reach of those who need the food the most.

The top 10% of the adults worldwide owns 84% of the wealth and the bottom half owns about 1%.

And, finally, keep in mind that television and the Internet are today's most powerful forces for bringing about change. In make a positive difference in the world you might consider How to Be a Moral Radical and the file, Levels of Moral Development.

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