7.+Rationale

America has a long and storied history, and many events have shaped its people and reputation to the world. Many of the important happens, though, have not ultimately shaped the society as a whole. This is why you will not see many huge events that occurred between the years 2005 and 2010 included in this chapter, for it is the little things that count in the long run. The death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI were included due to the sheer magnitude of the event being international. People from all walks of life, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, feel the influence of the Pope. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina was included because of the impact that it had on national policy regarding response to natural disasters. Along with its influence on national policy Katrina destroyed a city rooted deep with history and culture, New Orleans. The shooting at Virginia Polytechnic University was included because it holds the unfortunate title of being the deadliest mass shooting in American history, and it forced a bonding across the nation’s college campuses. The deadly event also brought a nation together as thoughts and prayers were offered to the victims and their families. The election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States was included because Obama “shattered more than 200 years of history”. Finally, the deadly shooting at Fort Hood was included due to the fact that it forced many to look at the way that stress is handled in the military and how those fighting the war in Iraq feel about it. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were left out of this chapter, because the main goal that America had going into those combat situations was gained, they have established systems of democratic in countries devastated by years of turmoil and dictatorships. The nation’s Recession was not included because while the unemployment rate continues to rise, it has not reached the historic proportions reached by the Great Depressions. This recession is also not the nation’s first or worst. The gains in technology were not included because they were not ground breaking but solely people building on the great creations of others before them. The second half of the first decade of the new millennium had a lot going on, but in the long run it is the seemingly overlooked little things, that are nearly forgotten that shape the society and the people that live in it.