Author Charlie A. Webb takes a poignant but entertaining look at the state of victimism in America. When we believe that we are not in charge of ourselves then there are grave implications. In the U.S. it is estimated that more than 70% of all chronic illnesses are onset by poor lifestyle choices. Our response: we sue fast food and tobacco companies as we do not see ourselves in the responsibility loop. With the syndrome du jour that plagues our nation we perpetuate the notion that responsibility is extrinsic to ourselves. We look to the magical pill to take the edge off of poor life decisions and laziness. The ADD and ADHD LMNOP of the day provide us a physiological appellation for our bad behavior. There is indeed an epidemic that is negatively affecting lives across America: ASS, Acute Syndrome Syndrome.

Schools and industry have taken on the role of surrogate parents, as we seem to be unable to care for ourselves. In the great book by Charles J. Sykes, A Nation of Victims, the author opens with a story of an employee being fired for habitual tardiness. The employee hires attorneys who get him reinstated back on his job arguing that his client is an unlucky victim of “chronic lateness syndrome”. How will this victim trend impact the economy and our society as a whole? In the book, The Danger of Safety, these questions are explored and strong predictions are made regarding where America is heading unless we make a tactical move away from victimness and halt the trend towards the wimpification of America.